But this one is hitting me harder than most.
Mike Wieringo was a favorite comic book artist of mine. I didn't keep up with his output at times when my budget didn't allow it, but the books I did pick up he drew were always of excellent quality.
Wieringo died yesterday (Sunday, 8/12-- in case I don't post this until after midnight) of a massive heart attack. Friends are stunned that a young man of 44 years, who was a vegetarian as well as someone in great physical shape could just die like that.
The comic book world is equally stunned that such a great talent has left us.
His first big break was during Mark Waid's legendary run of The Flash (one of my all-time favorite comic book runs). He broke onto the scene in style-- and also co-created and developed an important character in the Flash Universe: Bart Allen, Barry's grandson and Wally's nephew. Bart became Impulse, then Kid Flash, and finally took on the mantle of The Flash when Wally retired.
Bart's first appearance, courtesy of Wieringo.
And more Flash work.
After The Flash, he moved to Marvel and did some work on the Spider-Man titles.
And teamed up with Waid again for a run on Fantastic Four.
When Marvel announced they were replacing the team, fans went apeshit, and Marvel relented and kept the duo on the book.
I love this cover of The Thing and some monster. 
Mike also did other work, most notably on his creator-owned title Tellos he created with frequent collaborator Todd DeZago.
And the last sketch he posted on his website:
Wieringo had a great style that was very simple, yet dynamic. That is one of the marks of a great illustrator-- the ability to convey a picture with few lines. His style left nothing to hide.
If you liked what you saw and want to check out more, his website is mikewieringo.com.
My sympathies to his friends and family.
Rest in peace, 'Ringo...
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