As Mike himself would say, “just a quick one for now.”

Our family is, I’m sure you’ll understand, in shock. By now, the word has spread that Mike passed away Sunday night of apparent heart failure. That’s all we know for now. When we hear more, I’ll share it here. I’ll also post any news of a memorial service here once we figure out just what we’re going to do. We tried to notify all Mike’s closest friends before word got out. Unfortunately, news travels fast and I’m afraid some of you, despite our best efforts, found out the hard way. My apologies.

On behalf of our family, I’d like to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support and sympathy. It means a lot, particularly to our Mom and Dad. Mike had so many friends and admirers, a fact I had to continually remind him of. He was so humble and unsure of himself. I think it would really surprise him to hear all the love being expressed here and elsewhere. I haven’t had the time or the heart to read everything posted but I plan to. So I ask that everyone share their favorite Mike story. It will help us through this trying time and you would have our gratitude.

Though we haven’t ironed out the details of how we plan to honor Mike, I’d like to suggest that, in lieu of cards or flowers, anyone who is so inclined please donate to the ASPCA or the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund in his name. I have a feeling Mike would like that.

Take care,

Matt