Tuesday, April 02, 2024

Ed Piskor 1982 - 2024

 

The comic book community is just stunned. 

 

From TribLive by Ryan Deto:


Munhall comic artist Ed Piskor dies following show's postponement amid controversy

 

"Ed Piskor, a well-known Munhall comic artist who recently became embroiled in controversy over allegations of sexual misconduct, has died, the funeral home handling his arrangements confirmed Monday.


"Piskor, who was 41, died unexpectedly on Monday, according to an obituary posted online by the Savolskis-Wasik-Glenn Funeral Home of Munhall.


"No further information was provided about the circumstances of Piskor’s death.


"Piskor’s family declined comment Monday evening.


"Earlier in the day, one of his sisters, Justine Cleaves, posted on Facebook: “It is with the most broken heart that I share my big brother, Ed, has passed away today. Please just keep our family in your prayers as this is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to go through.”


"Piskor had worked on comic book franchises such as 'American Splendor' and 'X-Men.' He won an Eisner Award for his series 'Hip-Hop Family Tree,' a historical account of hip-hop culture.


"The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust recently postponed Piskor’s exhibition at 707 Penn Gallery after the arts organization said it learned of allegations of misconduct against Piskor. The exhibition was scheduled to run from April 6 through Aug. 25.


"Last month, a woman alleged on Instagram that Piskor made advances on her in 2020 when she was 17. She accused him of trying to 'groom' her, claiming that Piskor asked her age and invited her to stay with him.


"Piskor was not charged with a crime.


"Earlier Monday, Piskor posted on social media that the allegations had caused him pain. He wrote 'I’m helpless against a mob of this magnitude' and 'Sayonara,' Japanese for goodbye.


"'Now it’s all gone. Art show evaporated,' wrote Piskor. '… I have no friends in this life any longer. I’m a disappointment to everybody who liked me. I’m a pariah.'


"The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust said in a statement, 'we are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our thoughts are with Ed’s family and friends at this difficult time.'


"Piskor is survived by his parents, three siblings and four nieces and nephews."

 


Underground cartoonist Carol Tyler posted on her social media:

 

"I loved this guy and I'm sorry he felt helpless against the idiotic internet mob. This is a horrible horrible outcome.
 
"Every spring at SPACE I would see him. And every year I gave my little pep talk to us comics people who live and work in isolation. We are a big, complicated, fragile family. Every single one of us belongs here and is worthy of love, despite whatever mistakes we make. We need to do better by each other. 
 
"I want to remind everyone to always put love in the forefront. I love all of you. Always. Tell everyone you love them all the time. Don't criticize! Share praise! Show love! It really works.
 
"Now we mourn the loss of another of us. We are devastated.
 
"My heart breaks for his family and loved ones. They were very proud and supportive of their extremely talented little Eddie. The answers you seek will never come, but our arms are around you. Sending condolences to his Pittsburgh crew. 
 
"So here we are some years ago at the Toonseum in Pittsburgh, doing our usual Reds/Pirates sparring. All in good fun. Dammit. This hurts. 
 
"Rest, Ed. You will be terribly missed."
 
 

Derf Backderf:


"This post is for comics folk.
 
"It’s been confirmed by multiple sources that Ed Piskor took his own life. I’m sure you all saw his suicide note that he posted this morning. He was probably already dead when that went up.
 
"I’m sorry for the three women who spoke up. I’m sure they’re devastated by this. I’m sorry for Ed’s Mom and siblings and family. No parent should suffer the loss of a child. I’m sorry for Jim Rugg, a good dude who must be absolutely gutted today.
 
"Just a terrible, heartbreaking scene all around."
 
 
 
If you or someone you know is suicidal, there is help

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