Tue May 1, 2007 9:02PM12 comments ›
Tue May 1, 2007 — by Mike Gold
Tom Artis, R.I.P.
Comics artist dies of diabetes complications
Comics artist Tom Artis died of complications from diabetes today at his home in Springfield, Illinois.
Tom had been hospitalized off and on for the past several years. According to his friend, fellow artist Doug Rice, Tom had been in a hospice since the beginning of the year. His wife Kim and children, Duke and Hope, were there with him when he died.
Tom's many credits included Judge Dredd, Aliens vs. Predator, Justice Society of America, She-Hulk, The Spectre, Green Arrow, and his own creation for DC Comics (with friend and writer Peter Gillis), Tailgunner Jo.
I had the honor of working with Tom for several years; he was a talented artist and a good man. He will be missed greatly.
Jump to comments (12) 
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Comments (12)
Glenn Hauman (10:49 PM on Tue May 1, 2007)
Dammit.
Tom did one of my favorite Wasteland stories, a nasty piece of work called "Heebie Jeebies". His work was filled with humor and seriousness at the same time, and moved well between them.
Len Strazewski (11:54 PM on Tue May 1, 2007)
Tom was a creative powerhouse. Ideas spilled out of him in flood. He was a gas to work with. I'm pleased I got to share projects with him.
Len Strazewski
Mike Gold (9:10 AM on Wed May 2, 2007)
That's actually my favorite Wasteland story.
Bob Jessup (12:27 AM on Fri May 11, 2007)
At the family's request, Tom's obituary was not published online. However, our local newspaper (State Journal-Register, Springfield IL) ran an article about Tom and family on the previous day. It is currently online but read it soon if you are interested; once they move it into the archive it will only be available for a fee:
http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/114038.asp
Joe Judt (1:45 PM on Wed May 2, 2007)
The really sad part, besides the hit to gut of loosing an old friend, is that his creative potential was never realized. Tom was a virtuoso, who managed to erupt out of his circumstances through sheer force of will, and then get pulled pulled back again by the iron-clad baggage of his life. He had a hard life, but his heart was good and expansive. Losing him is like losing a treasure that noone has seen. Doubly tragic. Spent last night toasting to his memory. He'll be missed.
tc freind (12:47 AM on Fri May 11, 2007)
please help out tc's family they are in a need of help thanks alot rip artis
Howard Johnson (11:25 AM on Wed May 2, 2007)
This is a shock. I had heard rumors about his health, but still...
"Heebie Jeebies" was also one of Del's favorites; Tom did a fantastic job on that, snd so many other stories...
Jim Engel (10:13 PM on Thu May 3, 2007)
This is too bad, and my condolences to his family... I never knew Tom WELL, but to the degree that I did know him, I thought he was a really nice guy, and a real talent. He certainly was a fixture around Chicago comic shops and cons during the era that my old pal Chuck Fiala & I hung out in those places (along w/some of the above commentators). He was too young...
Phil Knecht (4:14 AM on Sat May 5, 2007)
He was a good friend, and a great mentor.
rodney rodis (1:26 PM on Wed May 2, 2007)
i was lucky enough to hangout with tom in detroit after a con. we talked comics and the BTS of the industry. he was a good guy.