On 27th June 2008, one of my personal heroes passed on in Santa Monica, CA, after an 8 year battle with cancer.

To me, Michael Turner will always be remembered as the reason I took notice of Witchblade in the early 90s, lapped up all his Fathom work (including all those variant covers he put out), spent 50 bucks on a Civil War variant he pencilled, and queued close to 3 hours at WizardWorld Philly 07 just to catch a glimpse of him. He was not only one of the most talented creators I've seen, he's also one of the nicest and friendliest superstar a fanboy could ever wish to meet. He signed all 20 books I brought, was always smiling, and didn't mind taking numerous photographs with me for that perfect angle. I just wished that I had told him more about how much I appreciated and admired, not only his work, but his courage and will to live in the face of cancer, when I still had the chance.

Farewell Mr Turner. And thank you for being part of my comic book journey thus far. -- Les

Michael Turner first made his name drawing the most elegant, innocent and sexiest females in the comic industry, including redesigning the new Supergirl. This tribute piece (next to the photograph) has none of his trademark heavy mascara eyes, thick, pouty lips and extremely detailed flows of hair, but his influence on my style of art is, like his person now, alive, real and still hugely influential, though undetectable with the naked eye. Michael's style is unimitable, and I do not wish to insult royalty. Thus, I do the best that I can, the way I can to thank one of the greatest comic artist ever for opening up my eyes and mind.

One year ago in Philadelphia Wizard World Con, I said (the only thing I could think of at that point) to him,'I never thought I'd see you.' I never thought i'd do a tribute too...and I certainly never thought it would be for you. But like Oscar Wilde said,'every piece of art is a portrait of the artist'. Your hopes and dreams and visions still live on in your art, Michael. And you've showed the world how to live even when you were at the brink of death.

You are the true Superman. Rest in Peace. -- Chang