Michael Turner

It’s a sad day for comic book fans.

Michael Turner, co-creator of Top Cow Comics’ flagship title Witchblade, creator of Fathom, and founder of Aspen MLT, has died due to complications from Cancer. He was 37.

Comic Book Resources reports:

We here at Comic Book Resources are very sad to report that artist Michael Turner has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 37. Aspen Comics’ Vince Hernandez told CBR News Saturday morning that Turner passed away Friday night at 10:42 Pacific Time at Santa Monica Hospital in Calfiornia. The news spread quickly at Wizard World Chicago, during what would have otherwise been a riotous night at the hotel bar, the mood suddenly turned somber with remembrances of Turner from friends and acquaintances. A minute of silence will be observed during Wizard World Chicago Saturday afternoon.

Turner was diagnosed with Cancer in 2000 and it had gone into remission and returned numerous times since.

I remember the first time I met Turner. It was Comic-Con International (long ago, I forget the year, but it was only my second time at the “big con”) and I saw him walking through the Sails Pavilion a few yards away from me. I squinted.

“Is that Michael Turner?” I asked my fellow convention traveller and brother in law.

“I think it is.” he said.

I jogged over to where he had just entered the pavilion and tapped him on the arm. He turned to me and smiled.

“Are you Michael Turner?” I asked. His smile widened.

“I am!” he said, seeming quite happy that I knew who he was. I proceded to blather on about how much I loved his work on Witchblade and how much I was enjoying the brand new comic he was just releasing, Fathom. He smiled again, said thank you and asked if I had anything to sign. I didn’t, but I did have a sketchbook and I asked him if maybe he could sketch something for me.

“Oh man, I don’t have time right now… But how about I sign the page now and I’ll catch you later to fill in the sketch?” I agreed and he signed the bottom of a page in my sketchbook and kept apologizing for not having the time to do a “proper sketch”. Said he’d “make it up to me”.

I’ve seen him in passing since then, at various conventions and even got a few signatures on a few comics, but never caught him at a time when he could do what he kept calling a “proper sketch”. I’ll never get my sketch now, but I’d be more than happy to forfeit my chance at getting that proper sketch if it meant the comics world wouldn’t lose such a wonderful talent.

Those who have met Turner, even if only for a moment, can tell you what a genuinely happy and friendly person he was. I don’t think I’d ever seen him without a smile on his face while he was talking to fans or other artists.

The last time I saw Michael Turner was the last time I attended Comic-Con International, which was a couple of years prior to my moving here to Minnesota. He seemed tired, but still as open and friendly as ever.

I don’t pretend to be his friend, but I have a feeling that everyone who has met Michael was seen by him as a friend.

The people at Aspen MLT is urging people wishing to donate in Michael’s name to do so at either of the following charities.

The American Cancer Society.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Rest In Peace, Michael.

She Blinded Me With Science (Fiction)!

That may very well be one of my favorite blog titles I’ve ever typed. Pardon me whilst I pat myself on the back for that.

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The AFI (The American Film Institute) released a list of lists that list (what?) the top ten greatest films in a selection of genres; Animation, Romantic Comedy, Western, etc. Included are lists of Science Fiction and Fantasy.

The Science Fiction list is actually pretty decent, which is surprising when you look over the Fantasy list (Groundhog Day? Big? the internet initialism “WTF” came to mind). Granted, I love each and every film mentioned on both lists, but the fantasy one is just… Well, John Scalzi says it best over at the Sci-Fi Scanner:

The fantasy Top 10 list is a tremendous mess — enough so that I don’t want to touch it right now, except to note that you’ll have to imagine me throwing up my hands and rolling my eyes

Scalzi went on to start a list of Top Ten Science Fiction Films released after 1991. The catch: He listed only five and wants us lowly internet warriors to fill in the rest with our own choices.

His starter five:

The Matrix (1999): Cast your brain back before The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, and before everyone and his brother imitated and/or parodied “bullet time” and you’ll remember how cool this film used to be — the right balance of action, pop philosophy, techno-angst and special effects. Remember how everyone wanted an ankle length black leather duster and inscrutable shades to hide behind? It was all very cool, once. It will be cool again, trust me.

Ghost in the Shell (1995): Hey, who are those guys over there in the corner? Why it’s the Wachowski brothers, cribbing off Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii’s homework! The Wachowskis borrowed from this film sort of the same way George Lucas borrowed from The Hidden Fortress, and good for them, since this film juggles intense action and philosophical silences in really interesting ways. The fact that Akira doesn’t show up on the AFI Top 10 list is a clear indication that someone there hasn’t figured out what a monumental influence anime has on the modern science fiction aesthetic; we’re correcting that error here.

The Incredibles (2004): The best superhero film ever made — yes, even better than the 1978 Superman, or the 1989 Batman or even Spider-Man 2 (which, frankly, is overrated). Why is it good? Because first it parodies the superhero genre to devastating effect, then it becomes a first-rate superhero film, and then it goes beyond the superhero genre altogether and becomes a paean to home and family and the little things that make life worth living, even for people with super-strength. That this all gets done in an animated family film, of all things, makes it miraculous.

12 Monkeys (1995): It may not be the best time travel movie ever, it may not be the best dystopic movie ever, and it may not be the best “saving humanity from its own damn self” movie ever — and it’s definitely not the best Terry Gilliam movie ever. But it is the best ever dystopic, time-traveler saving humanity from its damn self film, directed by Terry Gilliam. And that’s saying something. Also: Best Bruce Willis film ever. Which is admittedly a lower bar (although not as low as people might think).

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): This film about memory, and the lengths people will go to forget and remember (and sometimes both at the same time) is both goofy strange and poetically sad, which is an unusual combination, and why it (ironically) sticks in the brain as well as it does. It’s the only science fiction film to win the Oscar for screenplay (Original Screenplay, in this case), which says something interesting, both about the science fiction genre and the Academy.

All of them are among my favorites. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and 12 Monkeys are among some of my favorite movies of all time. Ghost in the Shell was the first Anime feature film I’d ever seen.

My added five:

Equilibrium (2002): Fantastic sci-fi piece that’s far too often overlooked. Usually when I mention this movie to others, I’m met with the shrugs or confused looks of people who have never even heard of it. This is the movie that made me eager to see Christian Bale as Batman. It’s the movie that proved that Bale could pull off a serious action role with a seriously dark under tone.

The Fifth Element (1997): Whoever decided “Hey, let’s put Bruce Willis, Sir Ian Holm, Gary Oldman, Chris Tucker and Luke-Goddamn-Perry in a futuristic world where they have to race against time to save the universe!” deserves an award. Or a medal. Or a hug. Something, because this movie is a great ride and it’s great sci-fi.

Serenity (2005): Having watched the entire first-and-oh-yeah-ONLY-season-thanks-a-lot-Fox season of Firefly before having seen this, I’m not sure how much of it would connect with someone who had never seen the show. But if you’re a science fiction fan and you own a DVD player, there’s no excuse for not having seen Firefly. Serenity is heartwarming, funny, action packed and it’s a wonderful nod to the fans of one of the single best science fiction shows ever made.

Children of Men (2006): Beautifully written, superbly directed, wonderfully acted. Children of Men is one of those movies that changes the way you think. It takes your head in it’s hands, speaks directly to your face while maintaining eye contact, then, when you think you understand what it’s telling you, it slaps you across the face to make certain it’s point has gotten across. Plus, it ends up being a little scary because, in a way, you can see it happening in our own future.

The City of Lost Children (1995): A movie where the surrealism of the story is matched only by the surrealism of the visuals accompanying it. Some may argue with me for including this in a science fiction list, but… Come on. If you’ve seen it, you can see the science fiction tones of it. Another underrated wonder of celluloid.

What’s your list?

Between The Sneezes

It seems I’m in just the right place regarding weather; No flooding this far north, and no fires this far east, and no heat waves this far west. I’m safely and securely in the middle of all the chaos, where I am happy to report the worst weather I have to deal with is when the temperature sits about the 80F – 90F degree mark for a couple of days.

That being said, I do sincerely hope those who are finding themselves, or their loved ones, in areas that are affected by things as horrible as floods and brush fires and heat waves are safe and secure and happy.

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The problem with the weather here lately would be my allergies deciding to act up in terrible ways. I haven’t had a problem with allergies since moving here (about four years ago, this October), but this summer has been hell on my nose and eyes and all things attached.

Luckily for me, the wife has introduced me to the Wal-Mart brand of Zyrtec on Saturday and it has not left my system since. I’ve been poppin’ one of those bad boys each day and will continue to do so because a life lived with puffy/swollen/itchy/watery eyes and a nose that spews forth bodily fluids like a faucet is a life lived unhappily.

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I’ve been meaning to update this here blog lately, really I have, but I’ve been feeling extremely boring recently.

LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS MET SINCE PREVIOUS BLOG POST:

1: Seeing The Incredible Hulk:

Even with the absolute perfect casting of Edward Norton as Dr. Bruce Banner, even with the beautiful Liv Tyler filling the lab coat of Betty Ross, and even with Tim Roth, one of my favorite actors ever, being cast as Emil “Abomination” Blonsky, I was still worried about the end result of all these seperate parts being thrown together on screen.

All those fears and worries were laid to rest pretty quickly, though. It’s such a fun movie, but it’s also such a smart take on Bruce Banner and the Hulk. If Edward Norton doesn’t return for a Hulk 2 I will be forced to cry and listen to The Cure in silent emo-y protest.

2: Having purchased a LAWN MOWER:

Previously, in this very blog…

A very nice police officer noticed.

“You’re gonna have to mow this lawn, sir.” he said. I told him the story of the mysterious hispanic man who has been visiting us for years. “Well, the city is really cracking down on people with unkempt lawns. I hate fining people for it, but it’s my job.”

“I understand.” I said, readying myself for what I was certain to be another in a long line of financial blows.

“I can give you a max of five days.” he said. I blinked at him. “To get it mowed.”

“And after five days?”

“I’ll have to fine you a hundred and twenty dollars.” he said in an apologetic tone.

“I’m afraid I have no number for our mysterious landscaper. I also happen to not have a mower.”

“You can get one at Wal-Mart for a hund- Well…” he stammered.

“A hundred and twenty dollars?” I asked. He laughed and nodded.

He wasn’t kidding. The absolute cheapest mower we could find was $119.99 in either of the two (count ‘em, TWO) stores we visited (Runnings, then Wal-Mart).

Anyway, that was weeks ago and the lawn has been mowed weekly ever since, thanks to my manliness.

Well, up until last week when I decided the lawn wasn’t in too bad a shape and I would have rather had a slightly shaggy lawn than to feel my head explode with mucus (this was before becomming a generic Zyrtec addict). I’ll be mowing it again this Saturday, though.

3: Seeing The Incredible Hulk AGAIN:

Yeah, we saw it a second time. It was that awesome. Some would disagree with me, but I felt it was just as good as Iron Man. And I loved Iron Man.

4: Making a Movie Plan:

First was Iron Man, then Incredible Hulk. Still on the list of Must-See Movies:

Get Smart
Wanted
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
The Dark Knight
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I’m probably forgetting some too. But it’s a busy year for geek cinema and it’s taking a toll on our bank account. You may consider it foolish to work extra hours for the sole purpose of being able to afford to see a comic book movie, but it’s how I roll.

5: Not Dying:

I’ve somehow managed not to die whilst mowing the lawn or lifting heavy boxes at work.

That must account for something.

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I’ve decided I really want to see this. I love Hunter Thompson more than most things in the world and would have loved to have had the oppertunity to meet him before his passing.

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Have a list of free online movies. (it’s actually a list of science fiction films, fantasy films, THEN the best films online for free at the bottom of the entry. Some good choices there, too)

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Oh crap 6: Having Changed The Layout Of This Here Lowly Blog:

It’s true. See those eyes up there? Those are mine.

I’m watching you.

This is a much cleaner layout than the other one. Plus I’ve been seeing a lot of blogs that have the exact same layout I had and I was sick of going “I didn’t write thatohwaitI’matsomeoneelsesblog”.

Likes? Dislikes?

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I’m going to sleep now. I swear I’ll try to update more regularly.

In Which The Writer Assures You He Is Still Alive

Yes, I still live. Things have been hectic around here, though in all honesty, no more hectic than they usually are. The real reason for my absence is that I finished the sixth and seventh books in the Harry Potter series.

The end of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince made me cry, but did not hit me nearly as hard as the events in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Never have I seen an author so ready and willing to kill so many of my favorite characters quite so quickly.

After putting down Deathly Hallows, I found myself having mixed feelings. On the one hand, it was a happy ending and left me feeling as such. But on the other hand, I realized there would be no more Potter books to come. I was overwhelmingly sad, yet a little excited to no longer have to say “I would love to start that series of books, but I should really finish Harry Potter first.”

I’ve started Tick Tock by Dean Koontz.

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There’s a man in a small white car that shows up every two weeks, mows our lawn, then disappears. He turns up a few days later, to accept his payment of fifteen dollars, then he disappears again. He hasn’t been round in almost a month, and our lawn is a small jungle now.

A very nice police officer noticed.

“You’re gonna have to mow this lawn, sir.” he said. I told him the story of the mysterious hispanic man who has been visiting us for years. “Well, the city is really cracking down on people with unkempt lawns. I hate fining people for it, but it’s my job.”

“I understand.” I said, readying myself for what I was certain to be another in a long line of financial blows.

“I can give you a max of five days.” he said. I blinked at him. “To get it mowed.”

“And after five days?”

“I’ll have to fine you a hundred and twenty dollars.” he said in an apologetic tone.

“I’m afraid I have no number for our mysterious landscaper. I also happen to not have a mower.”

“You can get one at Wal-Mart for a hund- Well…” he stammered.

“A hundred and twenty dollars?” I asked. He laughed and nodded.

So it appears that we’ll be spending a hundred and twenty either way.

Still planning a sort of date night with the wife this weekend, dinner and a movie, but I’m not sure how things will work out now.

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There’s a Classic Science Fiction Channel now. I’m not sure that Journeyman and Sliders fit into what I would classify as “Classic Science Fiction”, but I am happy to see Firefly up there.

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Have a list of places to find unabridged books online.

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Right. Reading, then sleep.