Local artist, published creator, and one of my childhood heroes, Paul Ryan, died this past weekend. The news was sudden and hit all of us who knew Paul hard. I grew up reading his Avengers, The Flash, Fantastic Four, and more. Paul lived just outside Boston and attended nearby conventions for many years. It was at conventions I was able to get know Paul and gleam bits of wisdom from this hard working professional. Paul was a sweet man, dedicated to his loving wife, Linda, with a passion for animals, in particular, horses. I will forever regret not calling or emailing Paul sooner, but I am grateful for the brief time I spent with him and the laughs we shared.

Avengers #309, 1989. This was one of three comics books I bought with my first allowance and my introduction to artist, Paul Ryan.

A commission Paul had completed for me and I just recently framed. I remember how happy he was to see it on a wall in my apartment.