Cody White
Ernie Colón, a true journeyman artist in the comics industry, lost his long battle with cancer on Thursday (August 8th, 2019) at the age of 88. From his official Facebook account:
I’m posting today with a heavy heart. The extraordinary Ernie Colón passed away yesterday afternoon in his home at the age of 88, surrounded by family, after over a year battling — and I mean battling — cancer. He did things on his own terms. The legacy he leaves behind is astonishing; a 60+ years career in comics, not to mention the work he did in other mediums including painting, writing, sculpting… I don’t think there was anything he couldn’t do. He loved to create — he was always creating. When people asked if he was “still drawing,” he said, “No idea what else I would be doing, since I would draw even when not paid for it. (half the story of my life).” ??
Colón’s notable work included extended runs at Harvey Comics in the ’60s and ’70s working on Richie Rich and Casper the Friendly Ghost; the co-creation of Marvel’s Damage Control; and extended runs on Arak, Son of Thunder and Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld for DC. Countless other projects for Valiant, Goldkey, Harvey, DC, and Marvel as well as a three-year stint as an editor at DC round out this beloved career in comics.
The industry responded in force on Twitter.
DC joins the comics community in mourning the passing of Ernie Colón: editor, artist, colorist, and co-creator of Amethyst. As beloved as he was talented, his art influenced countless professionals who followed. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/STnbVv65HA
— DC (@DCComics) August 9, 2019
Terribly sad to hear of the passing of one of my all-time favorite comic book artists, the great Ernie Colon. He never got the credit he deserved, but he was amazing, equally at home with fantasy, adventure, and humor. Always wanted to work with him, I missed that chance.
— GAIL SIMONE (@GailSimone) August 10, 2019
So sad to hear Ernie Colón passed away!! His work was stunning. pic.twitter.com/dWQRAyUe4o
— Amy Reeder (@amyreeder) August 10, 2019
Ernie Colón has caught the last train out. I'm deeply sorry to hear this. A great guy, a friend, a wonderful artist. A light in any room he walked into.
My condolences to all of Ernie's family and friends and fans. Godspeed, Ernie.
— Walter Simonson (@WalterSimonson) August 9, 2019
Ernie Colon passed away. Ernie drew for Warren's horror comics, he drew for Marvel and DC, he was an early pioneer in the graphic novel format.
He drew everything; crime, sci fi, superhero, fantasy– and there was always a little of the "wide-eyed kid in his work".
I'll miss him. pic.twitter.com/PBZdZhgLFB— Patch Zircher (@PatrickZircher) August 9, 2019
Rest In Peace, Ernie Colon.
— Bill Sienkiewicz (@sinKEVitch) August 10, 2019
The extraordinary Ernie Colon!! pic.twitter.com/hZ4wr9xHME
— Karen Berger (@karenpberger) August 10, 2019
Ernie Colon was an editor, too. I remember how genuine he came across in his letter columns. pic.twitter.com/3pd2tfgXhf
— Tom Peyer (@tompeyer) August 9, 2019
Ernie Colón visited the DC offices frequently when I was a production flunky just out of college ('82-83). He was kind and generous with his time and shared our curiosity for all things creative; an important early inspiration. Gone now and deeply missed. https://t.co/ax3rzJmuDh
— sc?????mcc???? (@scottmccloud) August 9, 2019
RIP, Ernie Colon. Master artist. pic.twitter.com/nQwOf64bjA
— Marc Andreyko (@marcandreyko) August 9, 2019
aw no this is so awful- Ernie's work has always been such an inspiration, especially Amethyst. RIP Ernie Colón https://t.co/biSEGYogpT
— John McCrea @TFNation 18th Aug (@mccreaman) August 9, 2019
Adios, Ernie Colon. God bless him for this Atlas/Seaboard house ad that made their universe look way more legit and compelling than it was. His work on the 9/11 report was a memorable capstone to a remarkable career. pic.twitter.com/qzU7vXyY8Q
— Phillip Hester (@philhester) August 9, 2019
RIP the great Ernie Colon, a master of all genres. His Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld is world building success it’s finest, and great for so many different types and ages of readers.
— Christos Gage (@Christosgage) August 9, 2019
Just saw the news about Ernie Colón. He was the first professional who took the time to look at my work, and give me a real honest and constructive critique. I may still have the letter he wrote me, and we had a few phone conversations afterwards. Such a gentleman. RIP.
— Chris Sotomayor (@SotoColor) August 9, 2019
We're deeply saddened by the passing of artist Ernie Colón
He contributed several classic stories to Vampirella. And we love his work on Amethyst and Damage Control pic.twitter.com/MmQJLMMVZK
— Dynamite (@DynamiteComics) August 9, 2019
The great Ernie Colon passed away yesterday. Undersung, overlooked, and-on the-level brilliant. His work ranged from Harvey comics, to Marvel, and independent comics. Probably I’ll share more of his work today. Here's a house ad for Atlas Seaboard.#erniecolon #casper #comics pic.twitter.com/pizIsx7rpX
— John Arcudi (@ArcudiJohn) August 9, 2019
From all of us here at Comic Watch, Rest in Power, Ernie Colón, and thanks for all the stories.