On the passing of Michael Turner: I heard the news float around the floor of the Hyatt lobby like a bad rumor. I refused to put any credence in it, as at that time it still felt like one of those unconfirmed rumors. But within minutes I knew it to be true. I didn’t know the man, had never met him, so it was not a personal loss to me. But there are those I call friends for whom it was very personal. My heart sank at the expressions of profound loss on the faces of those people late Friday night. There’s no doubt he had a strong effect on the industry and the artform, but more importantly, I was shown in a very dramatic and moving way that he had an everlasting positive effect on the lives of the people who worked with him and were close to him.

Now, more pics.

One of the many deaths of Strawberry Shortcake:

The Kramers, Kentucky Sims, and Vince, aka: The Gang

Bored with comics, Mike Norton transforms his table into the Brach’s Circus Peanut Taste Challenge. Which will you chose: Brach’s or that other brand?

Kevin Mellon and Dennis Hopeless, creators of Gearhead from Arcana:

Boba Fett comes to all these things:

I want to give special thinks to a few people. Pat, for being a great table partner and one hell of a friend. My roomates: The Kramers and Vince B, for putting up with my shenanigans and making hanging out so freakin’ fun. To Andy Jewett for being too freakin’ humble. To Chris Neseman for becoming a beautiful butterfly. To the greatest Kentucky couple I know, for just your being you.

I had the time of my life. Now to do it again in San Diego!

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