In Memory of Michael Layne Turner (April 21, 1971 – June 27, 2008)
The passing of an artist
July 3, 2010.
Michael Turner (right) and I pose for a photo during the Wizard World Los Angeles Convention in 2006.
How time flies when you are busy with the everyday happenings that make up one’s life.
I am no different.
Well, as I was going about some research online, I was suddenly reminded of the 2nd death anniversary of Aspen MLT Inc. founder Michael Turner.
Here is a tribute I wrote two years ago.
In Memory of Michael Layne Turner (April 21, 1971 – June 27, 2008)
Michael Turner.
Much has already been detailed with his eight-year battle with chondrosarcoma, so this tribute would basically be one that celebrates his life.
Cover of Supergirl #1 (2005) by Michael Turner.
Early history
From what I recall, Turner and a family member took a year off (commonly known as a “gap year” in the United States) before entering college to pursue medicine. The duo decided to move closer to the beach as Turner had a loved being around water despite living all the way in Crossville, Tennessee. During this time, the pair waited on tables to make ends meet and soaked up the sun and waves whenever they could.
Eventually, Turner–a gifted artist– turned to the comic book industry to provide supplementary income. He eventually dropped out from school and immersed himself in his craft. Among his most notable works at this stage of his career was the co-creation, covers, and interiors of Top Cow’s Witchblade.
By the turn of the century, Turner had gone full circle and founded his own company–Aspen MLT Inc. which was bannered by several of his creations: Ekos, Soulfire, and Fathom—the latter being a story of a heroine who is constantly in the water.
Fathom was one of Michael Turner’s finest creations. It is also possible that he may have lived vicariously through her (Fathom) as cancer treatments had left him unable to engage in his true passion—surfing and diving.
My signed Michael Turner and Jim Lee Jam Cover from the Wizard Millennium Edition: Michael Turner.
In 2004, Turner signed several deals with giants D.C. Comics and Marvel Comics to either write, do cover illustrations, or interiors of some of the industries most popular characters: Superman, Batman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, etc. Turner was also responsible for bringing back into continuity Kara Zor-El, who is better known as Supergirl.
Meeting the man
In 2006, I had the opportunity to meet Michael Turner at the Wizard World Tour in Los Angeles, California. The lines were long, our meeting was brief, but in that short time, he was gracious and generous—signing everything that I brought—including the Turner inspired Supergirl shirt I was wearing.
Michael Turner passed away yesterday at the Santa Monica Hospital in California due to complications brought about by his bout with cancer.
He was 37.
Michael Layne Turner (April 21, 1971 – June 27, 2008).
