LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2008) -- When artist Mike Wieringo passed away, he was in the middle of his latest Marvel Comics book, a What If? story. Mike had completed seven pages of what became a massive 27-page story. With Mike’s passing, Marvel Comics generously provided access to the script and Mike’s art to The Hero Initiative, and Mike’s friends stepped up to finish the story, and pay tribute to Mike. Now, What If…This Was The Fantastic Four?: A Tribute to Mike Wieringo is slated as a massive, 48-page tribute book for June shipping that contains the full story, and additional written tributes to Mike.
The tremendous list of talent participating in the book includes Jeff Parker, Arthur Adams, Paul Renaud, Stuart Immonen, Cully Hamner, Alan Davis, David Williams, Sanford Greene, Humberto Ramos, Skottie Young, Mike Allred, Barry Kitson, and Val Staples. Cover artwork is by Mike Wieringo and Paul Mounts, and The Hero Initiative is publishing the book with the full support of both Marvel Comics, and the family of Mike Wieringo.
This book is listed in Diamond Previews and the Previews Order Form under “Hero Initiative,” so order there! The book retails for $4.99.
“While Mike was always looking forward as an artist, he had a genuine appreciation of the efforts of those that came before him. He knew that, without their hard work and talent, he would not have had a career. He was a great and generous guy and he would have been thrilled to be a part of this book. And I’m honored that I’ve been allowed to be a part of it as well,” said Matt Wieringo, Mike’s brother.
Editor Nate Cosby says of the project, “Mike was (and still IS) one of my favorite artists of all time. He drew the world as he saw it, and combined his vision with the imaginations of others to create some of my favorite comics of all time. It was more than a pleasure to work with him all-too-briefly. This book is a remembrance of what Mike could do with a pencil, and a tribute to him as a man.”
“I’m amazed at the generosity of Marvel, and all the artists who stepped forward to help out on this book,” said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. “It’s a great package, and a fitting tribute to Mike.”
