Milestone Comics creator and noted comic book and animation writer Dwayne McDuffie has died. Some online have already compared the way fans and fellow comic book industry folk have reacted to this sudden news to that of the equally-tragic passing of artist Mike Wieringo -- that sudden punch to the gut. Certainly, they both died entirely too young, leaving the big question as to what further projects they might have accomplished, further characters & worlds they might have created.

While McDuffie is largely known for his comics work on books like "Fantastic Four," "Static," and "Justice League of America," I'd really suggest you go now and track down some of the episodes of "Justice League Unlimited" that he wrote. Those stories, which included extended multi-episode storylines, are some of the finest superhero animation you will ever have a chance to watch -- far superior to many live-action TV shows, and paving the way for DC's later animated features (including one of McDuffie's last projects, "All-Star Superman," which was officially released today).

I never worked with McDuffie, only met him a few times in person. He was friendly, gracious, and obviously cared a lot about comics and the people who make them. I didn't know him very well, but I feel a great sense of loss right now. This is incredibly devastating news, and a real blow to the mediums of both comics and animation. We will take a deeper look at McDuffie's extensive body of work in a future post. Our condolences to his friends and family.

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