First, let me thank everyone who has expressed their condolences online and over the phone. We have been, frankly, overwhelmed by all the good will from all over the world. I don’t think our parents fully understood (nor did Mike) just how much he was loved and admired. To get us through this, my wife and I have spent a couple of sleepless nights reading the postings here and at Newsarama (thank you, Matt Brady) and the John Byrne Forum and it’s helped a great deal. Most touching of all was Cully Hamner’s heartfelt eulogy at Newsarama. Thank you so much, Cully. You are a beautiful man.

Now to the hard part. Mike will have two funeral services.

First, there will be a public viewing this Friday (August 17th) from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service at 1113 West Main Street in Durham, NC, followed by a chapel service at 2:00. This will be open to any of Mike’s friends and colleagues who’d like to attend. Please come prepared to share a Mike story. I plan on putting you on the spot. It would really help our Mom and Dad through this.

Second, at a time to be determined, there will be a private service for Mike’s family in Lynchburg, where we grew up.

As mentioned before, in lieu of flowers, if you’d like please send donations to the A.S.P.C.A. (aspca.org) or to the Hero Initiative (heroinitiative.org). I had previously mentioned the CBLDF but, having time to think about it, I realized that the Hero Initiative was more Mike’s style. Those wishing to contribute to the CBLDF anyway, please feel free as it’s a worthwhile cause as well.

Finally, some of you have expressed concern over what would become of Mike’s little buddy and constant companion, his cat Charlie. Well, breathe easy. Charlie is coming to live with us in Richmond with our other cat Toonces. I’m not sure how Toonces is going to take to living with the little dynamo that is Charlie, but family is family. Charlie is doing well but obviously misses Mike. He’s been sleeping on Mike’s bed and under his drawing table but he’s active and friendly.

Take care, everyone and, on behalf of our parents, my wife and me, thanks for everything.

Matt

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