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A terribly sad announcement from Aspen has gone out announcing the death of artist Michael Turner, who had been battling bone cancer for the last 8 years. Turner was best known as the artist of WITCHBLADE, but in recent years had been a much sought after cover artist. In 2002 he founded his own publishing company, Aspen Comics.

Unfortunately it’s with great sadness that I must inform everyone that Michael Turner tragically passed away last night, June 27th at approximately 10:42 pm in Santa Monica, Ca. Turner had been dealing with recent health complications arisen in the past few weeks. More details concerning Turner’s passing, and services, will be given shortly.

Anyone wishing to send their condolences to Michael Turner’s family is encouraged to send to:

Aspen MLT, Inc.
C/O Michael Turner
5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111
Culver City, CA, 90230

Aspen also encourages anyone wishing to make a charitable donation to please send to Michael Turner’s requested charities:

The American Cancer Society

Or

The Make-A-Wish Foundation


When saying that Turner battled cancer, it is impossible not to add “heroically.” Despite years of setbacks and tremendous physical pain, he remained upbeat, friendly and productive, making the most of the time he had left. It’s a lesson that many could learn. Newsarama has more:

Despite his illness, Turner was one of the most upbeat people at conventions and in the industry. He always radiated a sense of humility and gratitude to his fans, and always had time for a quick chat or a smile. In an industry that can and has beat the happiness out of many creators, Mike was resistant to it, and was ever happy to work and talk to his fans, and even talk to the press. From the first moment you met him, you were his friend, and he treated you like he’d known you all his life.


Our condolences to Turner’s family and many friends.

30 COMMENTS

  1. This is incredibly sad news. Mike was one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met. He always had a smile on his face. Truly one of the strongest people I’ve ever met.

    Rest in Peace dude…

    : (

  2. Passing away at 37 is stealing.
    My sincere sympathies to Turner’s friends and family.
    He was a talented man and brought much to the industry. We’ll never know what he may have brought us in the future. Sad news indeed.

  3. Mike was a fantastic person. Aside from the news we’ll all be hearing from his friends and peers over the next few about how strong and friendly a guy he always was, he was also one of the best creators I’ve ever seen when interacting with fans. He’d always take the time to fire off a sketch or autograph a stack of books no matter what the circumstance. The last time I saw him on the scene was at Wizard’s LA show this year where despite being exhausted and in some amount of pain due to his illness, Mike still showed up for a few hours on Saturday just to sign books for all the fans that had shown up to see him.

    He’ll really be missed.

  4. I don’t know how he did it. I’ve battled chronic back pain for years due to scoliosis and it’s frankly hard to sit there and draw for hours while in pain. I can’t imagine how much worse the pain from bone cancer and a hip replacement would be. And in interviews he seemed like the most chipper guy you could meet. Amazing testament to his outlook, endurance, character and will. Sad, sad news.

  5. […]I just found out that comic book creator, Michael Turner, passed away last night. There is more info about it here: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080628-Turner.html

    I didn’t really know him. I think I’ve only ever met him in passing at comic book conventions, but he was a good friend to my pal Marc. Through second hand accounts, I’ve followed Michael’s career since before he was ever published.[…]

  6. That’s sad news. To see someone pass away at that age is so tragic. I’ll admit that his work wasn’t to my always to my taste but I have to respect the guy for working hard while battling cancer. R.I.P.

  7. I’m floored, I’ve loved his work from the start and enjoyed the good natured spirit that came across in his work. He will be missed and a further reminder to make the most of your time in this world before your time runs out. Michael Turner RIP.

  8. I’m sad to hear that, the character comics in his paint is very characteristic especially picture the girl, he is a the true hero, with its good picture, he [is] not at all show one who [is] pain.

    Rest In Peace Michael

  9. Terribly sad, I was shocked when I heard the news about Mr. Turner passing away. I met him only once at Wizard World LA a couple of years ago, I was the last person in his ever so long line. He was talking, smiling and shaking hands with anyone who came by to see him while signing and sketching for those of us in line. Though my meeting him was the typical fan meets artist, he was gracious, smiled and thanked me for the support and did a very nice sketch for me. I asked him how he was as far as his illness and he smiled and simply said “tired.” It was a true pleasure finally being able to meet him and get a sketch from him. I had tried before but as every fan knows his lines were always some of the longest and capped off quickly. The last time I saw him you could see he was in a lot of pain and discomfort but yet he stayed until he finished signing for everyone in his line. I know because I was one of the volunteers helping with the line and I was amazed at his graciousness and patience. My condolences go out to his friends and family. I am very sorry for your loss.

  10. I dont know what to say…..As someone who is trying to break into comics himself, this is truley sad, I feel like crap, he was, and is someone I personally looked up to. Thank you, you will be missed.

  11. I did not know Michael Turner personally. But once I became aware of his work I made a point to collect and frame some of his litho’s. His work was brilliant. Especially the way he drew Red Sonja. I wish I could have picked up one of his Witchblade lithos. I had read that he had been ill for some time and his passing is a great loss. I wish his family condolances in this time of loss. I’m sure he is in a better place working on more splendid projects than anything that will ever grace my humble walls in this one.

  12. The news about Micheal Turner’s passing, brought much sadness not only to the comic world but to all those who knew him. I had so much respect for him and his work. You could see that he put more then just time into what he did. For those of us who knew him and his work, you got the feeling that he was there and apart of every scene he laid out onto the page. I send my thoughts and Prayers to Kelly, Grace and Jake. My you all find comfort in knowing that Micheal was loved by many and well be missed by all.

  13. My name is Moshe and im from israel.
    id like to say that i was deeply shocked by the terible news about Michael.
    Michael have had a huge impact on me as a penciller while i was drawing for my brother’s comic books project and everyday i was looking forward for his next work and now its like a butifull dream that ended tragicly.
    i’ll never ever forget him and his work as long as i live.
    I’m feelling a great sadness now and i stopped my drawings for a while trying to understand this pain.
    Michael, “when they built you brother they broke the mold

    Moshe

  14. I was so shocked and sad when I heard the news about Mr. Turner. I admired his work a lot. My deepest condolences to his family and friends; my thoughts go with you. He will be missed.

  15. The comic book world will not be the same without him. Just found out yesterday. Yes I know where have I been that I just found out. Busy. But anyways, I’m in shock. I was hoping he would win his battle with cancer.
    I’ve seen him every year that he has been at Wizard World Dallas, and Michael was as polite,gracious & talented person as you could ever met. You will be missed. You were 1 of a kind.

  16. My dad called me at 11pm august 4th, with the news of Turners death. I was shocked and shed tears instantly. i didnt have internet for the past year and was not informed until recently. I cried for 2 days, and ive never even met him. but he was always with me. He was my first artistic hero, ever since i was in 9th grade. now im 22 and my living room is covered with his art and i have his whole FATHOM collection due to the sheer fact that he was my hero. he inspired me to draw things i never thought i was caple of…he inspired me to follow me dreams. i will never forget u Mr. Turner. RIP Truly Paola *PUERTO RICO*

  17. My dad called me at 11pm august 4th, with the news of Turners death. I was shocked and shed tears instantly. i didnt have internet for the past year and was not informed until recently. I cried for 2 days, and ive never even met him. but he was always with me. He was my first artistic hero, ever since i was in 9th grade. now im 22 and my living room is covered with his art and i have his whole FATHOM collection due to the sheer fact that he was my hero. he inspired me to draw things i never thought i was caple of…he inspired me to follow me dreams. i will never forget u Mr. Turner. RIP Truly Paola *PUERTO RICO*

  18. Im terribly sad. His work was a big influence for me and many other brazilian artists back at that time, it was completelly new and full of energy. He will be missed by a great deal of artists in the whole world, yet, his legacy is still among us, in the artists who were greatly influenced by him.

    Thanks for making such a great impression in me, your artwork will always be among my sweetest memories!

    Te saluto Michael!

  19. I am terribly sad at the lost of one of the premiere artist of our time. A source of inspiration. He will be greatly missed.

  20. I love Fathom and all the work that Michael Turner had done and i truly believe that world has lost a truly talented person

  21. Micheal Turner is and will be my only one favorite artisit, I love his work and his work was the first to make my head turn. I have been hooked ever since. I have been looking around like crazy to find him at one of the comic events, but I could never find him coming to Orlando, Florida in the recent years. I also had some of his artwork on myspace page, to show all my friends and family his wonderful artwork. I’m so upset that I found out way too late, and I never knew he was sick.
    Micheal Turner your work has and will always inspire me and I wish I could have met you to let you know this. You are Missed deeply… Thank you for your amazing work. I cry as I write this…….bye……R.I.P…………………………………….

  22. Michael Turner is and will be my only one favorite artisit, I love his work and his work was the first to make my head turn. I have been hooked ever since. I have been looking around like crazy to find him at one of the comic events, but I could never find him coming to Orlando, Florida in the recent years. I also had some of his artwork on myspace page, to show all my friends and family his wonderful artwork. I’m so upset that I found out way too late, and I never knew he was sick.
    Michael Turner your work has and will always inspire me and I wish I could have met you to let you know this. You are Missed deeply… Thank you for your amazing work. I cry as I write this…….bye……R.I.P…………………………………….

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