Artists and writers used social media to share their feelings about the passing of Ed Piskor, the artist/writer from Munhall known for “Hip Hop Family Tree” and “X-Men: Grand Design,” who passed away on Monday.
Piskor also co-founded the YouTube channel Cartoonist Kayfabe with fellow Pittsburgh area artist Jim Rugg.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust recently delayed Piskor’s exhibition at 707 Penn Gallery after the arts organization said it found out about claims of misconduct against Piskor. Last month, a woman on Instagram alleged that Piskor made advances on her in 2020 when she was 17. Piskor was not formally charged with a crime.
Gary Groth from Fantagraphics Books, which published Piskor’s “Hip Hop Family Tree” and “Red Room,” released a statement to The Comics Journal.
“Ed was a significant figure in the devoted world of comics, endlessly intrigued by the history and legends of comics, a contagious advocate for the medium that he loved so much, and a contributor himself to that history,” he said. “We had a warm personal and professional connection and it was always enjoyable to collaborate with him. This is a terrible tragedy, and I offer as much empathy as I’m capable of to his family, whose sorrow must be unimaginable.”
Rob Liefeld, the co-creator of popular Marvel characters Deadpool and Cable, said Piskor “had a genuine love for comics. I found his passion for comics to be sincere and inspiring.”
Artist Klaus Janson, renowned for his work on Marvel’s Daredevil, described Piskor’s death as “a devastating blow.”
Ed Piskor’s death is a gut punch. His suicide note is haunting. I can’t imagine what his family and friends are going through. Everything about this is wrong. I will remember him for the infectious joy he had for the medium I love. Peace.
— Klaus Janson (@klausjansonnyc) April 1, 2024
Don Simpson, a writer/artist from the Pittsburgh area who earned a doctorate at Pitt, said no one should be speculating about Piskor’s death.
The last thing anyone should be doing right now is opining about Ed Piskor or any of the surrounding circumstances. Just meditate on the fact that life is what's important, not careers. God bless.
— Donald E. Simpson, PhD (@donaldsimpson20) April 2, 2024
Artist Ben Templesmith, known for the horror comic “30 Days of Night,” expressed sadness about the impact of social media played, while artist J. Scott Campbell hoped for “real lessons learned” in the aftermath.
Extremely disturbed and saddened to hear about the untimely passing of comic book artist and YouTuber Ed Piskor. I hope there a real lessons learned from everyone involved surrounding this entire episode.
— J. Scott Campbell♠️???? (@JScottCampbell) April 1, 2024
Animator/artist Scott Morse said he felt “numb” on Monday.
I’ve been numb for most of the day. Ed was my friend. I won’t get to get my two cents in with him again, pros or cons, goods or bads. I’ll remember him as a digger: of truth, of taste, of knowledge, of story, of soul. I’ll remember him as human, with grace. #EdPiskor
— Scott Morse (@crazymorse) April 2, 2024
Artist Ramon Villalobos, who had been mentioned in a note Piskor shared on Facebook Monday (that’s since been made private), shared his thoughts on the death.
Been mulling over this all day but understandably didn't want to say anything out of turn. This is how I feel. pic.twitter.com/H4bhNdv7uH
— Villalobos (@RamonVillalobos) April 2, 2024
Cartoonist Evan Dorkin, the creator of “Milk & Cheese,” was also mentioned in Piskor’s note, which prompted a lengthy response on X. “Obviously my posts hurt Ed, he singled me out in his note. I hurt Ed. I am responsible for that hurt even if I stand by my criticism.”
I did not criticize Ed to pile on, it wasn't out of jealousy of his success, or to monetize the situation as some are doing or play politics. Obviously my posts hurt Ed, he singled me out in his note. I hurt Ed. I am responsible for that hurt even if I stand by my criticism (2).
— Evan Dorkin (@evandorkin) April 1, 2024
Piskor, 41, is survived by his parents, three siblings, and four nieces and nephews, according to an obituary.
Related
• Munhall comic artist Ed Piskor dies following show's postponement amid controversy
• Munhall comic book creator Ed Piskor launching horror title 'Red Room'
• Pittsburgh comic artist Ed Piskor drawing new 'X-Men' series
