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{{Short description|American comics artist (1971–2008)}}
{{Refimprove|date=July 2008}}
{{other people|Michael Turner}}
{{Infobox comics creator
{{Infobox comics creator
| name = Michael Turner
| name = Michael Turner
| image = Turner draw.jpg
| image = Turner draw.jpg
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| caption = Turner at his drawing board, as seen in the posthumous ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'' #8 (April 2009).
| caption = Turner at his drawing board, as seen in the posthumous ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'' #8 (April 2009)
| birth_name = Michael Layne Turner
| birth_name = Michael Layne Turner
| birth_place = [[Crossville, Tennessee|Crossville]], [[Tennessee]], United States
| birth_place = [[Crossville, Tennessee]], U.S.
| death_place = [[Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center|Santa Monica Hospital]], [[Santa Monica, California]], United States
| death_place = [[Santa Monica, California]], U.S.
| nationality
| nationality =
| write = y
| write = y
| art =
| art =
Line 21: Line 22:
| notable works = ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]''<br>''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]''<br>''[[Superman/Batman]]''<br>''[[Witchblade]]''
| notable works = ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]''<br>''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]''<br>''[[Superman/Batman]]''<br>''[[Witchblade]]''
| awards =
| awards =
⚫
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1971|4|21}}
| subcat = American
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1971|04|21}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2008|6|27|1971|4|21}}
⚫
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2008|06|27|1971|04|21}}
| influenced = [[Shelby Robertson]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://sigmatestudio.com/2009/10/shelby-robertson/|title= Shelby Robertson Creating a Graphic Novel: Art - Food - Photography|date= October 28, 2009|publisher= Sigmatestudio.com|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131212043756/http://sigmatestudio.com/2009/10/shelby-robertson/|archivedate= December 12, 2013|deadurl= no|accessdate= July 26, 2013}}</ref>
}}
}}
'''Michael Layne Turner'''<ref name=LATObit>{{cite web |url= http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/04/local/me-turner4|title= Michael Turner, 1971-2008 Comic-book artist known for his highly stylized covers|first= Valerie J.|last= Nelson|date= July 4, 2008|publisher= ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20121024224711/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/04/local/me-turner4|archivedate= October 24, 2012|deadurl= no}}</ref> (April 21, 1971 – June 27, 2008)<ref name=nyt>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/arts/design/06turner.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1388202224-A939uB8Y5EeKH+lm/5ue8g |title=Michael Turner, 37, Creator of Superheroines, Is Dead |first=George Gene |last=Gustines |date=July 6, 2008 |publisher=''[[The New York Times]]'' |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228034754/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/arts/design/06turner.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1388202224-A939uB8Y5EeKH%2Blm%2F5ue8g |archivedate=December 28, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> was an [[Americans|American]] [[comics artist]] known for his work on ''[[Witchblade]]'', ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'', ''[[Superman/Batman]]'', ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'', and various covers for [[DC Comics]] and [[Marvel Comics]]. He was also the president of the entertainment company [[Aspen Comics|Aspen MLT]].<ref name="ap1">{{cite web |url= http://www.today.com/id/25555875#.Ur5HfEnnbIU|title= Comic book artist Michael Turner dies at 37|date= July 6, 2008|publisher= [[Associated Press]] via ''[[Today (U.S. TV program)|Today]]''|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131228034042/http://www.today.com/id/25555875|archivedate=December 28, 2013 |deadurl= no|accessdate= December 27, 2013}}</ref>
'''Michael Layne Turner'''<ref name=LATObit>{{cite news |url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jul-04-me-turner4-story.html|title= Michael Turner, 1971-2008 Comic-book artist known for his highly stylized covers|first= Valerie J.|last= Nelson|date= July 4, 2008|newspaper= [[Los Angeles Times]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121024224711/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/04/local/me-turner4|archive-date= October 24, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> (April 21, 1971 – June 27, 2008)<ref name=nyt>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/arts/design/06turner.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1388202224-A939uB8Y5EeKH+lm/5ue8g |title=Michael Turner, 37, Creator of Superheroines, Is Dead |first=George Gene |last=Gustines |authorlink=George Gustines |date=July 6, 2008 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228034754/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/arts/design/06turner.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1388202224-A939uB8Y5EeKH%2Blm%2F5ue8g |archive-date=December 28, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> was an [[Americans|American]] [[comics artist]] known for his work on ''[[Witchblade]]'', ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'', ''[[Superman/Batman]]'', ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'', and various covers for [[DC Comics]] and [[Marvel Comics]]. He was also the president of the entertainment company [[Aspen Comics|Aspen MLT]].<ref name="ap1">{{cite web |url= http://www.today.com/id/25555875#.Ur5HfEnnbIU|title= Comic book artist Michael Turner dies at 37|date= July 6, 2008|publisher= [[Associated Press]] via [[Today (American TV program)|Today]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131228034042/http://www.today.com/id/25555875|archive-date=December 28, 2013 |url-status= live|access-date= December 27, 2013}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Michael Turner was born in [[Crossville, Tennessee]] on April 21, 1971.<ref name="Lambiek">{{cite web |url= http://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/turner_michael.htm|title= Michael Turner|year= 2012|publisher= [[Lambiek|Lambiek Comiclopedia]]|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120506095542/http://lambiek.net/artists/t/turner_michael.htm|archivedate= May 6, 2012|deadurl= no|accessdate= December 27, 2013}}</ref> He was a student at the [[University of Tennessee]], and graduated from International Performing Arts Academy after which he moved to San Diego, California, where he developed an interest in comics.<ref name="trib1">{{cite web |url= http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-07-04/news/0807030909_1_comic-book-comic-book-artist-mr-turner|title= Michael Turner: 1971-2008 'Popular and influential' comic book artist; Published the best-selling ''Fathom''|first= Valerie J.|last= Nelson|date= July 4, 2008|publisher= ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131228033125/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-07-04/news/0807030909_1_comic-book-comic-book-artist-mr-turner|archivedate=December 28, 2013 |deadurl= no}}</ref>
Michael Turner was born in [[Crossville, Tennessee]] on April 21, 1971.<ref name="Lambiek">{{cite web |url= http://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/turner_michael.htm|title= Michael Turner|year= 2012|publisher= [[Lambiek|Lambiek Comiclopedia]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120506095542/http://lambiek.net/artists/t/turner_michael.htm|archive-date= May 6, 2012|url-status= live|access-date= December 27, 2013}}</ref> He was a student at the [[University of Tennessee]], and graduated from the International Performing Arts Academy after which he moved to [[San Diego]], California, where he developed an interest in comics.<ref name="trib1">{{cite news |url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/07/04/michael-turner-1971-2008/|title= Michael Turner: 1971-2008 'Popular and influential' comic book artist; Published the best-selling ''Fathom''|first= Valerie J.|last= Nelson|date= July 4, 2008|newspaper= [[Chicago Tribune]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131228033125/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-07-04/news/0807030909_1_comic-book-comic-book-artist-mr-turner|archive-date=December 28, 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Turner was discovered by [[Marc Silvestri]] at a convention<ref name="Lambiek" /> and hired by Silvestri's [[Top Cow Productions]] as an artist.<ref name="ap1"/> He initially did background illustrations for Top Cow titles before co-creating ''[[Witchblade]]''. In the summer of 1998 he debuted the [[creator ownership|creator-owned]] ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'', having also worked on his new series ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]''.
Turner was discovered by [[Marc Silvestri]] at a convention<ref name="Lambiek"/> and hired by Silvestri's [[Top Cow Productions]] as an artist.<ref name="ap1"/> He initially did background illustrations for Top Cow titles before co-creating ''[[Witchblade]]''. In the summer of 1998 he debuted the [[creator ownership|creator-owned]] ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'', having also worked on his new series ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]''.


As well as an artist, Turner was an award-winning water skier, held an instructor level red sash in martial arts, and was an avid video game player. In March 2000, Turner was diagnosed with [[chondrosarcoma]], a form of [[cancer]], in the right pelvis. He was treated at the [[Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center]] with surgery in which he lost a hip, 40% of his pelvis, and three pounds of bone. The surgery was followed by nine months of [[radiation therapy]].
As well as an artist, Turner was an award-winning water skier, held an instructor-level red sash in martial arts, and was an avid [[video game]] player. In March 2000, Turner was diagnosed with [[chondrosarcoma]], a form of [[cancer]], in the right pelvis. He was treated at the [[Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center]] with surgery in which he lost a hip, 40% of his pelvis, and three pounds of bone. The surgery was followed by nine months of [[radiation therapy]].


Turner departed Top Cow in late 2002 to found his own comic book publishing company,<ref name="Lambiek" /> [[Aspen Comics|Aspen MLT Inc.]] (where MLT stands for Michael Layne Turner), located in [[Santa Monica, California|Santa Monica]], with a studio in [[Marina del Rey, California]]. The release of comics from Aspen was delayed by a year-long lawsuit with Top Cow Productions over the rights to ''Fathom'' and over the rights to the unreleased titles ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'' (initially called ''Dragonfly'') and ''[[Ekos (comic)|Ekos]]'', both of which Turner had begun developing before leaving Top Cow and before his diagnosis of cancer. Aspen and Top Cow settled the lawsuit out of court in 2003.
Turner departed Top Cow in late 2002 to found his own comic book publishing company,<ref name="Lambiek"/> [[Aspen Comics|Aspen MLT Inc.]] (where MLT stands for Michael Layne Turner), located in Santa Monica, with a studio in [[Marina del Rey, California]]. The release of comics from Aspen was delayed by a year-long lawsuit with Top Cow Productions over the rights to ''Fathom'' and over the rights to the unreleased titles ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'' (initially called ''Dragonfly'') and ''[[Ekos (comic)|Ekos]]'', both of which Turner had begun developing before leaving Top Cow and before his diagnosis of cancer. Aspen and Top Cow settled the lawsuit out of court in 2003.


In 2004 Turner contributed covers to various [[DC Comics]] titles, including ''[[The Flash (comic book)|The Flash]]'' and ''[[Identity Crisis (DC Comics)|Identity Crisis]]''. He provided cover art and co-wrote the "Godfall" story arc that ran in the three main ''Superman'' titles in early 2004 and illustrated the six-issue Supergirl story arc in ''[[Superman/Batman]].''<ref name="trib1"/><ref>{{cite book|last= Manning|first= Matthew K.|chapter= 2000s|title= Batman: A Visual History|publisher= [[Dorling Kindersley]]|year= 2014|location= London, United Kingdom|page= 274|isbn= 978-1465424563|quote= [Jeph] Loeb began the second major story arc on this title in this issue [#8], drawn by superstar Michael Turner.}}</ref> His creator-owned title ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'' began publication in 2004 and ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' resumed publication in that year as well, though this time with Aspen MLT rather than Top Cow.
In 2004 Turner contributed covers to various [[DC Comics]] titles, including ''[[The Flash (comic book)|The Flash]]'' and ''[[Identity Crisis (DC Comics)|Identity Crisis]]''. He provided cover art and co-wrote the "Godfall" story arc that ran in the three main ''Superman'' titles in early 2004 and illustrated the six-issue Supergirl story arc in ''[[Superman/Batman]].''<ref name="trib1"/><ref>{{cite book|last= Manning|first= Matthew K.|chapter= 2000s|title= Batman: A Visual History|publisher= [[DK (publisher)|Dorling Kindersley]]|year= 2014|location= London, United Kingdom|page= 274|isbn= 978-1465424563|quote= [Jeph] Loeb began the second major story arc on this title in this issue [#8], drawn by superstar Michael Turner.}}</ref> His creator-owned title ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'' began publication in 2004 and ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' resumed publication in that year as well, though this time with Aspen MLT rather than Top Cow.


On August 6, 2005, [[Marvel Comics]] announced the signing of Michael Turner to a work-for-hire deal for a six-issue project and covers. This would turn out to be at least the variant covers for the miniseries ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' and the Wolverine ongoing series ''[[Wolverine: Origins]]''.<ref name="trib1"/> In addition Turner had been announced as the artist on ''[[Ultimate Wolverine]]''.
On August 6, 2005, [[Marvel Comics]] announced the signing of Michael Turner to a work-for-hire deal for a six-issue project and covers. This would turn out to be at least the variant covers for the miniseries ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' and the Wolverine ongoing series ''[[Wolverine: Origins]]''.<ref name="trib1"/> In addition Turner had been announced as the artist on ''[[Ultimate Wolverine]]''.


Turner created [[List of Heroes graphic novels|online comic adaptations]] for the [[NBC]] television series ''[[Heroes (TV series)|Heroes]]''.<ref name="LATObit" />
Turner created [[List of Heroes graphic novels|online comic adaptations]] for the [[NBC]] television series ''[[Heroes (American TV series)|Heroes]]''.<ref name="LATObit"/>


==Death and tribute==
==Death and tribute==
Turner died June 27, 2008 at the [[Santa Monica Hospital]] in [[Santa Monica, California]], of complications from [[bone cancer]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16988|title= Michael Turner Passes Away at 37|first= Jonah|last= Weiland|date= June 28, 2008|publisher= [[Comic Book Resources]]|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131008090325/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16988|archivedate= October 8, 2013|deadurl= no|accessdate= June 29, 2008}}</ref> He is survived by his mother Grace Crick, his brother Jake Turner, and his fiancee Kelly Carmichael.<ref name=LATObit/> ''Fathom'' vol. 3 #1, which was published on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, featured a tribute to Turner in the form of a stylized blue ribbon in the upper right hand corner of its cover, and its first page was a memorial to him.<ref>''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' vol. #1 (Sept. 2008)</ref> AspenMLT also published a [[Trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]] collection of writings from people who knew Turner, titled ''A Tribute to Michael Turner'', which features a cover painted by [[Alex Ross]].
Turner died June 27, 2008, at the [[Santa Monica Hospital]] in [[Santa Monica, California]], of complications from [[bone cancer]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16988|title= Michael Turner Passes Away at 37|first= Jonah|last= Weiland|date= June 28, 2008|website= [[Comic Book Resources]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131008090325/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16988|archive-date= October 8, 2013|url-status= live|access-date= June 29, 2008}}</ref> He is survived by his mother Grace Crick, his brother Jake Turner, and his fiancée Kelly Carmichael.<ref name=LATObit/> ''Fathom'' vol. 3 #1, which was published on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, featured a tribute to Turner in the form of a stylized blue ribbon in the upper right-hand corner of its cover, and its first page was a memorial to him.<ref>''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' vol. #1 (Sept. 2008)</ref> Aspen MLT also published a [[Trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]] collection of writings from people who knew Turner, titled ''A Tribute to Michael Turner'', which features a cover painted by [[Alex Ross]]. Volume #21 of ''[[The Boys (comics)|The Boys]]'' included a page dedicated to Michael Turner as well.<ref>''[[The Boys (comics)|The Boys]]'' vol. #21 (Sept. 2008)</ref>


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
===Interior art===
===Interior art===
====Aspen MLT====
====Aspen MLT====
* ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'' #0–6 (2004–2005)
* ''[[Soulfire (comics)|Soulfire]]'' #0–7 (2004–2005)


====DC Comics====
====DC Comics====
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====Image Comics/Top Cow Productions====
====Image Comics/Top Cow Productions====
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* ''[[Ballistic (Image Comics)|Ballistic]]'' #1–3 (1995)
* ''[[Ballistic (Image Comics)|Ballistic]]'' #1–3 (1995)
* ''[[Codename: Strykeforce]]'' #14 (among other artists) (1995)
* ''[[Codename: Strykeforce]]'' #14 (among other artists) (1995)
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* ''Witchblade'' #1–8, 10–23, 25 (1995–1998)
* ''Witchblade'' #1–8, 10–23, 25 (1995–1998)
* ''Witchblade/Tomb Raider Special'' #1 (with Keu Cha)(1998)
* ''Witchblade/Tomb Raider Special'' #1 (with Keu Cha)(1998)
* ''Wolverine/Witchblade'' #1 (1997)
* ''Witchblade/Elektra '' #1 (1997)
{{div col end}}


===Covers===
===Covers===
[[File:JLA 12 Variant.jpg|thumb|Variant incentive cover for ''[[Justice League|Justice League of America]]'' #12 (October 2007).]]
[[File:JLA 12 Variant.jpg|thumb|Variant incentive cover for ''[[Justice League of America]]'' #12 (October 2007)]]


====Aspen MLT====
====Aspen MLT====
Line 73: Line 76:


====DC Comics====
====DC Comics====
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* ''[[Action Comics]]'' #812–813 (2004)
* ''[[Action Comics]]'' #812–813 (2004)
* ''[[Adventures of Superman (comic book)|The Adventures of Superman]]'' #625–626 (2004)
* ''[[Adventures of Superman (comic book)|The Adventures of Superman]]'' #625–626 (2004)
Line 82: Line 86:
* ''[[Superman/Batman]]'' #8–13, 19, 26 (2006)
* ''[[Superman/Batman]]'' #8–13, 19, 26 (2006)
* ''[[Teen Titans]]'' vol. 3 #1 (2003)
* ''[[Teen Titans]]'' vol. 3 #1 (2003)
{{div col end}}


====Image Comics/Top Cow Productions====
====Image Comics / Top Cow Productions====
* ''[[The Darkness (comics)|Darkness]]'' #7, 11 (1997–1998)
* ''[[The Darkness (comics)|Darkness]]'' #7, 11 (1997–1998)
* ''[[Tomb Raider (comics)|Tomb Raider]]'' #1, 9, 25, 46 (1999–2004)
* ''[[Tomb Raider (comics)|Tomb Raider]]'' #1, 9, 25, 46 (1999–2004)
* ''[[Witchblade (comics)|Witchblade]]'' #1–25, 27, 50, 86, 100, 103 (1995–2007)
* ''[[Witchblade (comics)|Witchblade]]'' #1–25, 27, 50, 86, 100, 103 (1995–2007)


====Image Comics/Hurricane Ent.====
====Image Comics / Hurricane Ent.====
* ''[[Violent Messiahs]]: Lamenting Pain #1 (2002)
* ''[[Violent Messiahs]]: Lamenting Pain #1 (2002)


====Marvel Comics====
====Marvel Comics====
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* ''[[Black Panther (comics)|Black Panther]]'' vol. 4 #18, 23–25 (2006–2007)
* ''[[Black Panther (comics)|Black Panther]]'' vol. 4 #18, 23–25 (2006–2007)
* ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' #1–7 (2006–2007)
* ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' #1–7 (2006–2007)
* ''[[Fantastic Four]]'' #544–553 (2007)
* ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]'' #544–553 (2007)
* ''[[Hulk (comics)|Hulk]]'' vol. 2 #1, 6 (2008)
* ''[[Hulk]]'' vol. 2 #1, 6 (2008)
* ''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' vol. 3 #100 (2006)
* ''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' vol. 3 #100 (2006)
* ''[[Carol Danvers|Ms. Marvel]]'' vol. 2 #1 (2006)
* ''[[Carol Danvers|Ms. Marvel]]'' vol. 2 #1 (2006)
* ''[[Onslaught (comics)|Onslaught]]: Reborn'' #1 (2006)
* ''[[Onslaught (Marvel Comics)|Onslaught]]: Reborn'' #1 (2006)
* ''[[Spider-Man]]/[[Red Sonja]]'' #1–5 (2007)
* ''[[Spider-Man]]/[[Red Sonja]]'' #1–5 (2007)
* ''[[Namor|Sub-Mariner]]'' vol. 2 #1, 6 (2007–2008)
* ''[[Namor|Sub-Mariner]]'' vol. 2 #1, 6 (2007–2008)
* ''[[Thor (comics)|Thor]]'' vol. 3 #1 (2007)
* ''[[Ultimate X-Men]]'' #75 (2006)
* ''[[Ultimate X-Men]]'' #75 (2006)
* ''[[Uncanny X-Men]]'' #500 (2008)
* ''[[Uncanny X-Men]]'' #500 (2008)
Line 106: Line 113:
* ''[[Wolverine: Origins]]'' #1 (2006)
* ''[[Wolverine: Origins]]'' #1 (2006)
* ''[[Wolverine (comic book)|Wolverine]]'' vol. 3 #66 (2008)
* ''[[Wolverine (comic book)|Wolverine]]'' vol. 3 #66 (2008)
{{div col end}}


==References==
==References==
Line 116: Line 124:
==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.aspencomics.com Aspen MLT Inc.], official website
* [http://www.aspencomics.com Aspen MLT Inc.], official website
* [http://www.mikesamazingworld.com/features/creator.php?creatorid=150 Michael Turner] at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
* [http://www.mikesamazingworld.com/mikes/features/creator.php?creatorid=150 Michael Turner] at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
* [http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/namt17.htm#N2099 Michael Turner] at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators
* [http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/namt20.htm#N2099 Michael Turner] at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
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[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American artists]]
[[Category:21st-century American artists]]
[[Category:American comics artists]]
[[Category:American comics artists]]
[[Category:American comics writers]]
[[Category:American comics writers]]
[[Category:Artists from San Diego]]
[[Category:Artists from Tennessee]]
[[Category:Comic book publishers (people)]]
[[Category:Comic book publishers (people)]]
[[Category:Deaths from bone cancer]]
[[Category:DC Comics people]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in California]]
[[Category:Deaths from bone cancer in California]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics people]]
[[Category:People from Crossville, Tennessee]]
[[Category:People from Crossville, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Witchblade]]
[[Category:Witchblade]]

Latest revision as of 02:29, 11 September 2024

For other people named Michael Turner, see Michael Turner (disambiguation).
Michael Turner
Turner at his drawing board, as seen in the posthumous Soulfire #8 (April 2009)
BornMichael Layne Turner
(1971-04-21)April 21, 1971
Crossville, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedJune 27, 2008(2008-06-27) (aged 37)
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Area(s)Writer, Penciller, Inker, Publisher
Notable works
Fathom
Soulfire
Superman/Batman
Witchblade

Michael Layne Turner[1] (April 21, 1971 – June 27, 2008)[2] was an American comics artist known for his work on Witchblade, Fathom, Superman/Batman, Soulfire, and various covers for DC Comics and Marvel Comics. He was also the president of the entertainment company Aspen MLT.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Michael Turner was born in Crossville, Tennessee on April 21, 1971.[4] He was a student at the University of Tennessee, and graduated from the International Performing Arts Academy after which he moved to San Diego, California, where he developed an interest in comics.[5]

Career

[edit]

Turner was discovered by Marc Silvestri at a convention[4] and hired by Silvestri's Top Cow Productions as an artist.[3] He initially did background illustrations for Top Cow titles before co-creating Witchblade. In the summer of 1998 he debuted the creator-owned Fathom, having also worked on his new series Soulfire.

As well as an artist, Turner was an award-winning water skier, held an instructor-level red sash in martial arts, and was an avid video game player. In March 2000, Turner was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, a form of cancer, in the right pelvis. He was treated at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center with surgery in which he lost a hip, 40% of his pelvis, and three pounds of bone. The surgery was followed by nine months of radiation therapy.

Turner departed Top Cow in late 2002 to found his own comic book publishing company,[4] Aspen MLT Inc. (where MLT stands for Michael Layne Turner), located in Santa Monica, with a studio in Marina del Rey, California. The release of comics from Aspen was delayed by a year-long lawsuit with Top Cow Productions over the rights to Fathom and over the rights to the unreleased titles Soulfire (initially called Dragonfly) and Ekos, both of which Turner had begun developing before leaving Top Cow and before his diagnosis of cancer. Aspen and Top Cow settled the lawsuit out of court in 2003.

In 2004 Turner contributed covers to various DC Comics titles, including The Flash and Identity Crisis. He provided cover art and co-wrote the "Godfall" story arc that ran in the three main Superman titles in early 2004 and illustrated the six-issue Supergirl story arc in Superman/Batman.[5][6] His creator-owned title Soulfire began publication in 2004 and Fathom resumed publication in that year as well, though this time with Aspen MLT rather than Top Cow.

On August 6, 2005, Marvel Comics announced the signing of Michael Turner to a work-for-hire deal for a six-issue project and covers. This would turn out to be at least the variant covers for the miniseries Civil War and the Wolverine ongoing series Wolverine: Origins.[5] In addition Turner had been announced as the artist on Ultimate Wolverine.

Turner created online comic adaptations for the NBC television series Heroes.[1]

Death and tribute

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Turner died June 27, 2008, at the Santa Monica Hospital in Santa Monica, California, of complications from bone cancer.[7] He is survived by his mother Grace Crick, his brother Jake Turner, and his fiancée Kelly Carmichael.[1] Fathom vol. 3 #1, which was published on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, featured a tribute to Turner in the form of a stylized blue ribbon in the upper right-hand corner of its cover, and its first page was a memorial to him.[8] Aspen MLT also published a trade paperback collection of writings from people who knew Turner, titled A Tribute to Michael Turner, which features a cover painted by Alex Ross. Volume #21 of The Boys included a page dedicated to Michael Turner as well.[9]

Bibliography

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Interior art

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Aspen MLT

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DC Comics

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Image Comics/Top Cow Productions

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  • Ballistic #1–3 (1995)
  • Codename: Strykeforce #14 (among other artists) (1995)
  • Fathom #0–14 (1998–2002)
  • Tomb Raider #25 (2002)
  • Tomb Raider/Witchblade, one-shot, (with Brian Ching) #1 (1997)
  • Witchblade #1–8, 10–23, 25 (1995–1998)
  • Witchblade/Tomb Raider Special #1 (with Keu Cha)(1998)
  • Wolverine/Witchblade #1 (1997)
  • Witchblade/Elektra #1 (1997)

Covers

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Variant incentive cover for Justice League of America #12 (October 2007)

Aspen MLT

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  • Fathom vol. 2, Beginnings, Prelude #0, 1–4, 7–8, 10–11 (2005–2006)
  • Shrugged #0, 1–6 (2006–2007)
  • Soulfire Preview, #0, 1–10 (2004–2009)

DC Comics

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Image Comics / Top Cow Productions

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Image Comics / Hurricane Ent.

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Marvel Comics

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Nelson, Valerie J. (July 4, 2008). "Michael Turner, 1971-2008 Comic-book artist known for his highly stylized covers". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012.
  2. ^ Gustines, George Gene (July 6, 2008). "Michael Turner, 37, Creator of Superheroines, Is Dead". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 28, 2013.
  3. ^ a b "Comic book artist Michael Turner dies at 37". Associated Press via Today. July 6, 2008. Archived from the original on December 28, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c "Michael Turner". Lambiek Comiclopedia. 2012. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c Nelson, Valerie J. (July 4, 2008). "Michael Turner: 1971-2008 'Popular and influential' comic book artist; Published the best-selling Fathom". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on December 28, 2013.
  6. ^ Manning, Matthew K. (2014). "2000s". Batman: A Visual History. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 274. ISBN 978-1465424563. [Jeph] Loeb began the second major story arc on this title in this issue [#8], drawn by superstar Michael Turner.
  7. ^ Weiland, Jonah (June 28, 2008). "Michael Turner Passes Away at 37". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 8, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
  8. ^ Fathom vol. #1 (Sept. 2008)
  9. ^ The Boys vol. #21 (Sept. 2008)

Further reading

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  • Jim McLauchlin, "Up from the Depths", Wizard #112
  • "Playin' It Cool", interview with Michael Turner, Wizard #115
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Preceded by
n/a
 Witchblade penciller
1995–1998 		Succeeded by
Randy Green
Preceded by Superman/Batman penciller
2004 		Succeeded by
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