For Dave...

From The Associated Press:

03/12/2008 03:52:23 PM PDT

TURLOCK, Calif.—Dave Stevens, a respected comic book artist and illustrator and creator of "The Rocketeer," has died at age 52.

Stevens died Monday at a hospital in Turlock due to complications from treatment for leukemia, said his colleague William Stout.

Born July 29, 1955, in Lynwood, Stevens was known for his meticulous work and classic pinup style drawings. He is widely credited for reviving interest in recent years in Bettie Page, the 1950s pinup idol.

His best-known work, "The Rocketeer," about a man who finds a rocketpack that allows him to fly, was made into a 1991 feature film, starring Bill Campbell, Alan Arkin and Jennifer Connelly.

In 1982, Stevens became the first person to win Comic-Con International's Russ Manning Award.

A private funeral service was planned.

I remember when the movie was being filmed - the airport scenes and hanger scenes were filmed in my hometown of Santa Maria.

I loved the movie, loved the character, and was always in awe of Dave Steven's illustrations. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He left his mark. He will be missed.

Heath Ledger, Rest In Peace (Supercar #4)

The sad news came as a shock to me and the world today, not unlike a joy buzzer, but without the joy. The actor Heath Ledger has died.

I have seen the "bank heist" prologue for The Dark Knight, and I have never been more impressed with or excited for an actor's performance as I have been with Mr. Ledger's portrayal of The Joker.

Lately I have been focusing on my Super-Car series of drawings. I had considered adding villains to my series, so when I heard the news about Heath, I had to draw The Joker. This image is more of the essence of The Joker. Sometimes funny, sometimes scary, always iconic.

With his role in The Dark Knight Mr. Ledger is sure to wow audiences and add another tier to that American icon - sadly it will now be done posthumously.

Rest In Peace Heath Ledger.

Mike Wieringo

Last week, the art world lost one of it's greats. Mike Wieringo aka "Ringo" passed away.

I never knew him personally, but I frequent an artist forum (www.drawingboard.org) that he also visited quite often. We all knew him as one of the good guys. Someone who was a professional, but not an ego. He was doing what he loved, and sharing his knowledge and kindness with so many artists of all levels of experience.

He was only 44 years old.

You can see his webpage here and read more: http://www.mikewieringo.com/

You can also go to the Drawing Board and see the tributes from those who's lives he touched: http://www.drawingboard.org/viewtopic.php?t=57681