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Colourist Justin Ponsor Dies at 42, Comics Industry Remembers

Comic book colourist Justin Posnor has sadly lost his battle with cancer, passing away at the age of 42. His family posted the following statement:

"After a long and well documented battle with cancer, Justin passed away in his home early on the morning of May 18th surrounded by loved ones. It has been a time of mourning, reminiscing, and, above all else, celebration. Because. C'mon. This guy."

Marvel Comics shared this statement on their official website:

Justin Ponsor was one of the most brilliant colorists in the comic book industry, elevating every story he worked on to new heights with his heart, humor, and passion for art. He touched the lives of countless comic book writers, artists, industry professionals, and fans, and his inspirational talent will never be forgotten. The Marvel family has lost one of our own. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.

And from IDW:

We just learned that uber colorist Justin Ponsor passed away. He was a dear friend to many at IDW and we're mourning the loss of such a talented artist. Our hearts are with his loved ones at this time.

Posnor talked about his cancer diagnosis and treatment on his blog, with crowdfunding appeals to help with the cost of his treatment, raising over $54,000.

A career spanning twenty-five years, he began working on Crossgen titles, before moving to Wildstorm, and recently was acclaimed for his work on Guardians Of The Galaxy and Avengers.

Here are just a few of those memories being shared by jis comic industry colleagues.

Jim Cheung Oh. My… That news just stole my breath away… He was the best guy, and one of the biggest talents I'll ever have the privilege of working with and knowing. Rest in peace, my friend. Totally heartbroken right now…

Edgar Delgado This is heartbreaking, he always looked so happy and very friendly. I'm in shock.

Tyler Kirkham Super sad to had this. He was one of the best….

Peter Steigerwald I'm with Jim, I feel like some one punched me in my chest. I barely know what to say. I didn't know Justin well personally. a little when we were younglings, later casually at cons we'd meet up and say hi, but it was infrequent. We'd email a bit more often years ago, especially during the few projects we did together, but his work was always there, inspiring, teaching me improving my craft by looking at the amazing things he did. I looked to his work because he saw shapes and colors no one else did. He made me a better artist by his existence. That there will be nothing new from him or I won't ever get to see him again is crushing. JPo you will be dearly missed.

Sebastian F Piccione Justin loved my Stan Lee impression, and when I'd see him at cons or events he'd just randomly ask "So, Stan, how'd you come up with such-and-such-a-character?" And I'd answer, as Stan. He'd crack up, and a few minutes later, repeat the process.

Jason Arnett My condolences to family and friends. Justin was a wonderful artist.

Mike Garland Gave me one of the best reviews and some of the best advice I'd gotten earlier in my career. Has and always will be a hero of mine. Rest In Peace.

Mike Perkins I worked with Justin at Crossgen and remained friends with him since. We never met up as much as we would have liked due to us both being so busy – but we did get the chance at NYCC and just before Christmas. He was truly an inspiration in how he approached his illness with staggering amounts of humour and positivity. I missed him when we couldn't get the chance to meet up – I'll miss him more so now.

Juan Vlasco RIP Justin, Your work make this world a better place, you will be missed!

Mike Choi He cared.

Michael Morton My son asked Justin for some critique of his drawings at Denver Comic Con a few years back. He took him aside, talked shop with him and have him some great advice for improvement. They chatted for about 30 minutes, with Justin looking like he enjoyed it just as much as my son. He highly encouraged my boy, and inspired him to continue to draw and color. My son continues to practice and improve, and will look to possibly illustrate as part of his career. I don't think he would have considered that without Justin simply talking to a 12-year-old boy like a fellow artist. Thank you, Justin. What an awesome human being you were.

Valentine De Landro My condolences to his family and friends. I met him at one of my first NYCCs years ago, we were tabling near each other. We had some good chats and I had the pleasure of hanging out with him at a few more shows.

Dan Slott This is terribly sad news. Justin was far too young, far too talented, and, more importantly, far too nice a person.


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Rich JohnstonAbout Rich Johnston

Founder of Bleeding Cool. The longest-serving digital news reporter in the world, since 1992. Author of The Flying Friar, Holed Up, The Avengefuls, Doctor Who: Room With A Deja Vu, The Many Murders Of Miss Cranbourne, Chase Variant. Lives in South-West London, works from Blacks on Dean Street, shops at Piranha Comics. Father of two. Political cartoonist.
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