Posted in: Comics | Tagged: bill schanes, sdcc, william schanes

Why Bill Schanes Won't Be At San Diego Comic-Con This Year

William / Bill Schanes was the teenage founder of Pacific Comics fifty years ago, the comic store that became a chain, a creator-owned publisher and a comic book distributor before it was bought up by Diamond Comic Distributors in the eighties. He stepped down from Diamond Comic Distributors in 2013, though he continues to visit comic book stores, travelling the world. As a pioneer in the establishment of the comic book direct market, which enabled stores to order comics accurately from publishers with better discounts, Bill Schanes changed the very nature of the artform and industry in the USA and beyond. He also oversaw the rise of Diamond to dominate the direct market, with exclusive deals for the biggest comic book publishers. Schanes was also part of Diamond's early forays into digital distribution. He remains a constant source of information. But today we have information about him. He posts on Facebook as to why he won't be attending San Diego Comic-Con this year, reproduced with permission.

Hey everyone. Life/medical update
I'm sending out this post to update all of you on my current health situation. I had been enjoying spending a prolonged visit with my son David in the Portland/Vancouver area.
A couple of days ago I experienced a lapse of cognitive skill and my motor skills were sketchy. I started to slur my words and feeling dizzy. Luckily David was right next to me, and he called 911, right away, who arrived in just a few minutes.
I've been in the hospital for a few days so far. Early prognosis is that I've had several small strokes. My blood press was extremely high, as was my cholesterol and blood sugar. I have had no paralysis which is of course good news. I am experiencing seizures a few times a day which result in mental confusion, slurred speech, and an inability to speak. I'm starting an anti seizure medication today which should help. I've also been diagnosed with diabetes which will require some lifestyle changes and medication.
I'm pretty tired and communicating can be quite draining so please no phone calls until I'm ready. Text and email should be fine but response times will vary based on my energy levels.
I'll miss seeing you all in San Diego for the convention, have a great con and hopefully we will see each other soon
Thanks for your support
Your brother/uncle/friend William "bill" schanes
(David helped write this and sends his love as well)

Here are a few of the comments he received from familiar names;

Mark Wheatley: Be well, Bill!

Danny Fingeroth: Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery, Bill!

Bill Sienkiewicz: Full and speedy recovery, Bill!

Joseph Michael Linsner: L Feel better! Hang in there, you'll be climbing mountains again in no time

Dan Vado: Get better Bill, the whole Vado and SLG family sends their best!

Jennifer M. Contino: Heal quick!

Joseph Rybandt: Get better, bill!

Bob Lauer: Take care Bill, we are all getting if a certain age where this stuff creeps inti Iife. Heed the dics advice, make the necessary changes and continue on with your adventures!

Catherine Yronwode: Best wishes for a full recovery and many more happy years.

Phil Boyle: Caught it early! Speedy recovery, Bill!

Beau Smith: Bill, please know that Beth and I are praying for you and thinking of you. So glad you were not alone when this happened. Recovery and better health

Torsten Adair: Rest up! Guess you won't be eating any Pop Tarts for awhile!

Adam R. Philips: Bill, I'm sending you all the good energy for a speedy recovery and more travels around the globe to come!

Brian Hibbs: I have every confidence that you'll be able to get through it.

Ralph Mathieu: Hope you get on the positive side of this quickly, Bill.

Paul Levitz: Wishing you a full and fast recovery, pal.

Dirk Wood: Crap, get better soon Bill!!! And remember you have plenty of friends here in Portland and not everyone is going to comic con, if there's ANYTHING you need please be in touch, and we'll be reaching out directly too, zero worries on response, but just know that we're around if you need us.

Carl Potts: Hope you are feeling better and out of the hospital at light speed!

Kelley Jones: Just do what the Docs say and rest and you will be ok!

Joe Field: You've got a lot of good people rooting for you, Bill. Here's hoping the worst of it is behind you. Sending you my best!

Mike Friedrich: You're in my thoughts, Bill. I'm glad your son is able to help.

Alex Segura: Sending healing thoughts.

Chip Mosher: Get well soon man! Take care!!!

Robert Greenberger: Oh wow. Please get better quickly.

Pat Broderick: You hang in there William.

Paul Kupperberg: Feel better and take care of yourself, Bill!

Michael T. Gilbert: Sorry to hear that, Bill. Get well soon…

Stu Levy: Sending all the healing   love Bill

Steve Conley: Thinking of you, Bill! I hope you're back on your feet soon!

Tony Isabella: Good thoughts.

Charles Rozanski: Nanette and I are sending you our best wishes for a speedy recovery

Fabian Nicieza: Best Wishes for a strong and speedy recovery, Bill!

Jo Duffy: Praying for you, Bill. Hope you are much better soon.

Matt Hawkins: Bill! Wish you the best man. Take care of yourself and I'll definitely miss our pre-planned world traveler discussion. Next time my friend.

Filip Sablik: So sorry to learn of this, Bill. Sending best wishes for a full and speedy recovery from me and my entire family, sir.

Dean Haspiel: Feel/get better PRONTO, Bill!

Dave Olbrich: Take good care of yourself Bill. We'll see you when we see you.

Ross Richie: Get well soon!!!!

Rob Liefeld: Wishing you a full recovery! Best health to you Bill!

Tom Mason: Take care, Bill. We're all hoping for the best!

Joe Pruett: So sorry, my friend. I've had two strokes in the past 9 years and have bounce back strongly each time. I'm confident you will follow the same path. Take care of yourself and if you ever need to talk to compare notes, I'm always here for you.

Lance Fensterman: Sending you love bud.

David Campiti: Oh, no. I've been through such strokes and know what they're like. I hope you rebound fast and fully.

Jeff Mariotte: Sending all the good healing vibes your way, Bill. We all love you.

Rantz Hoseley: Heal quickly and fully good sir!

Colleen Doran: Oh man, sending all my love, buddy!

Cliff Biggers: I hope things are better soon!

Jesse Leon McCann: Thanks for any current and future updates, pal! One thing they will suggest you do in your rehabilitation is play games and solve puzzles to strengthen your cognitive abilities. I decided to learn how to play a musical instrument and it worked like a c… See more

Chris Staros: So glad you're pulling through here! Love you, Bill. Take the time to fully recover, and just relax where you are.

Dennis L Barger Jr: Hey better bill we got several more years to argue about things

Brian Haberlin: Get better bud!

Louise Simonson: Hope you're better soon!

Steve Geppi: Bill, I'm so sorry this happened, but We know you to be a tough cookie, so I'm confident you will be on the mend shortly. In the meantime, you will be in my prayers!

Diana Schutz: Bill, if you are still in the Portland/Vancouver area and need any help—or maybe just something better than the glop they call hospital food—fer god's sakes let me know! I'm right here for you!

Scott Shaw: I'm sure that you'll receive massive good vibes from many of us at SDCCI. Listen to your doctors and you'll do fine. Best wishes, Bill.

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