Honoring Ed Piskor: Art, Unity & Cartoonist Kayfabe
Vložit
- čas přidán 6. 04. 2024
- This was the hardest video I've ever had to make. It wasn't planned but is undeniably significant for us to discuss for our community. This week I want to reflect on the tragic loss of Ed Piskor, a beacon in the comic world, and the impact it has had on the artistic community, especially here in Pittsburgh.
Our newsletter and community for artists is at drawordie.co
Ed Piskor Legacy Memorial is April 20th in Pittsburgh at Phantom of the Attic Books if you want to come celebrate his life and work.
As we ponder on disbanding or continuing the Draw or Die brand, we're reminded of the thousands of artists who've found solace and purpose through our community.
This week, I have to explore the darker sides of creativity, the struggles artists face, and the immense support and transformation that our community, Draw or Die Co., has fostered for artists this past 107 weeks.
As we navigate through this tough conversation, I extend a message of perseverance to all artists battling their own inner demons.
Whether it's depression, anxiety, or the repercussions of internet bullying, we urge you to keep going.
Remember, assistance is just a call away at 988 in the United States.
I also take a moment to address the no-drama ethos of Draw or Die Co. and our stance on internet bullying, especially in light of Ed's last message.
This video is a tribute to his legacy, a reminder of the urgent need for empathy and support within our artistic circles.
This video is a call to action: to support each other, to create more, to live passionately, and to ensure the legacy of artists like Ed Piskor endures through our collective creativity.
Stay encouraged, keep drawing, and let's honor the journey of EVERY artist together.
#MakeMoreComics #Readmorecomics #Makemorecartoonists
Thanks for all your love and support. I have incredibly mixed feelings about this video being “the best performing” video on my channel. But I’m glad it’s reaching the right people who need to grieve and reframe all this with love and respect. Nobody worry about me… I told Jim last night I’m planning to draw forever. I hope you join me.
The entire industry lost a titan.
Fleeting consolation; this titan left behind really a lot of great work to be inspired by.
Ed was so sweet humble.He introduced me to so many comics I never would have imagined.He was murdered by the fucking industry…Rest In Power ED.
I know this was hard to do. You always show up for this group and it means a lot. Thank you. We are here for you. ♥
Thanks. Love you folks. See you tomorrow at 7am!
Draw and live, folks.
I’m a Kayfaber for life. Ed was a GIANT: charismatic, talented, erudite, articulate and all of it with a heart on his sleeve passion and belief that was absolutely contagious. Ed and Jim inspired me daily to commit to the art grind and this is a massive loss for everybody in the community. But Ed would want us to keep going, to keep reading, collecting and making comics, and I hope the community is working on a prompt list for this years Kayfabe-tober because IMO the best way to honour Ed’s legacy is to make art if your heart is in it, no matter who you are or what your skill level is. R.I.P. Ed Piskor, American Cartoonist and Graphic Arts Historian 1982-2024. Condolences to all those affected by this senseless tragedy.
This was hard to watch, DJ. Can’t imagine how much harder it was for you. We’re here for each other, all of us in this club. 🙏🏼
Sorry for your loss. Ed was passionate, that’s for sure. Kayefabe set the bar high for the discussions of comics. We need to help each other, not hurt.
Exactly.
I've watched Kayfabe every day from the beginning, it completely reinvigorated my love for drawing and comics, and inspired me creatively like nothing before. Ed and Jim became like close friends to me. This past week was utterly soul crushing. Your words here are so appreciated. I'm so sorry about your dear friends, (Ed AND Jim) I realize that however I'm feeling - you must feel it tenfold. Take care of yourselves, be extra kind to others and get drawing - Ed would want that.
I've been re-watching some of their episodes lately, especially their manga stuff...man, it just re-invigorated my love of manga and drawing, period. I admit I was not a regular viewer of Kayfabe but when I watched one of their videos I always learned something and appreciated Ed's enthusiasm. R.I.P. to Ed and sincere condolences to his family and friends.
We all live forever. The mystery of life is, that it is much bigger, than the most of us think.
I was best friends with Eddie growing up, we used to draw together but I quite and he continued. I'm truly heart broken for his parents. The local news was all at his house when this happened, but I didn't see not one report on his death from them scumbags. Truley a sad situation 😢
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of an artist talking about the artist spectrum. As soon as you mentioned it, I thought how much it made sense.
Thank you for sharing, DJ. you make a massive difference in many peoples lives. I hope people will take your messages to heart. Thank you for leading the club. You and ally have helped me ❤
Thanks so much for being a part of the community
I’ve been reading and collecting comic books since I was 5 years old, so when I run across Cartoonist Kayfabe 3 years ago I loved the videos about older comics and comic creators it was just fun to see these guys so energetic about the comics. Ed Piskor was a hard working artist and now we’re not going to have this guy that put his heart and soul into his work. Don’t be negative towards each other, focus on the positives. RIP Ed Piskor
For sure. I've had some people tell me I should feel more outraged. Imagine that, telling a person how to feel? Hahah.. I think the energy is better given to keep making comics and putting MORE GOOD stuff into the world rather than be in the gutters.
@@DJCoffman totally agree 👍
Well done DJ. Lots of things to think about for all creatives.
Thanks for this. Have also been in a fog since the news came out, CK viewer from the start here. This is the most nuanced unpacking of feelings similar to mine. Both-and, not pick-a-side. Unite not tear down. Wish u, EP & his fam, Jim, Tom, CK army, and bigger creative community peace & unity.
I love that these tribute videos keep coming out. Keep showing love for Eddie P! 🙌🏿
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your memories of Ed and embracing the level-headed, compassionate response that acknowledges everyone touched by this. And I hear ya about the personal brand. I'm not sure active on youtube yet, but I've been running podcasts and personal websites for almost 20 years and I heavily gravitate towards the skull iconography. I'm a co-host of the Cult Film Club where the logo that I illustrated is a skull projector, and my current site Plastic Rocket Pop prominently features my take on the brain freeze with the skull that's in my avatar. But I can't help but second-guess the morbid aspects, or at least question why I feel so drawn to utilizing that imagery. Anyway, thank you again for sharing this. Watching videos like this is helping my grieving process.
Thanl you for this video. You address a great loss with such dignity, honesty and balance. Let's make more cartoonists!
Thanks. Well said. Still hurts. Hard to believe it happened.
So well said and relatable. Thanks m8
I'm struggling to deal with my feelings around Ed's death. I can't bare to watch any Kayfabe videos and hear his voice as it just hurts.
Ed and Jim helped me through the lockdowns when i discovered their content.
Genuinely feel like I've lost a friend.
This just should never have happened...
Thank you for posting your thoughts DJ, I know this was not only difficult for you, but important to do as well. My condolences to you regarding sister, life has been dealing you some pretty terrible card’s lately. Big hugs to the DoD home office.
Thank you Jim. Gotta keep rolling through the punches
Thanks for being real. Sometimes it's not easy, but when you're the real you and show that stuff that hurts and sucks, you really inspire those of us that want to encourage others and be nice to do so. I have to say for such a difficult topic you handled this so well. This community that I really wasn't sure I had time to join (I know, silly) has been amazing, and when something you build is so positive and truly helps others, you gotta know you're doing right. And when the time comes that you figure out the "more" part, I'm here along with your other club members ready to help get it done. [I don't mean this in a culty way, it just kinda sounds like it]
Thanks for making this. Would love to hear how the memorial event goes for those of us who can't attend.
This wrecked me. I never met him but I admired him tremendously. Thank you for opening up about him.
I'm so shocked. This is surreal. I loved to listen to Ed & Jim on their Kayfabe channel. Such a wealth of information and inspiration.
I can't believe Ed is gone
Much love to you DJ and to the rest of Ed’s friends and family. Heartbroken.
Hey DJ, thanks so much for posting this and keeping it up. I've struggled to stay motived with my projects for what seems like years. I never met Ed, but this whole ordeal felt like a real gut punch and I thought "Well, I'm done with comics once and for all." But hearing your words are encouragement that there are good people who just want to make good comics and help one another still. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for saying that Ron. Yep, this stays up forever. Make more cartoonists!
Thank you for being strong. Your dedication to the community and continue support for the club is greatly appreciated. The DorD club community is here for you!
I appreciate that! See you on the live streams !
DJ, thank you for making this video and for sharing your thoughts. I know it wasn't easy. Thank you for being you.
really good video, thank you for it.
Kudos for this heartfelt tribute! And major kudos as well for treating it like a rational adult....something that's been sorely lacking over the past week and a half or so.
I April 20th goes well.
RIP legend.
When I heard about this, it made me so angry. I remember I am nostalgic for the early days of the Internet when it was a fun friendly place, especially for artists. The fact that people can be so uncaring ferocious and“ brave“ behind a keyboard and ruin peoples lives appalling. Equally appalling is the way and manner in which so many people rush to believe the worst in a person just because it appears magically online. This tragedy speaks to all of us artists I don’t blame you for getting emotional about it. We all should.
I think even just raising awareness of cartooning is a great start.
Personality I have no drawing skill but I've always been intrigued by comics and graphic design. What Kayfabe did for me was first show me what to read and, the greatest part, how to read comics.
Jim and Ed were such experts, watching them walk through a comic really showed me what to look for.
It's great to have more artists and we should have more fans too!
Also meant to say thanks, DJ.
Watching others express themselves does actually help man ❤
This cycle is so destructive… your words add consolation and reflection to a disgusting situation and outcome.I love Ed’s work and his voice along w/ Jim helped me find joy in this medium.
We gotta keep it going in spirit.
Hey DJ, thanks for doing this. I had never heard of you or your channel until about an hour ago. I loved Ed and Jim's show and was just looking for some help in dealing with the loss of Ed (who I never met personally but felt like I knew) when I stumbled across this video. Your words helped a lot. I am 60, a part-time artist and long-time lover of comic books, and have decided to make my first comic book in Ed's honor. I have subscribed to your channel and will definitely check out your videos for help in my project along the way. God bless.
Ed was someone I only knew as a viewer of CK, but I figured really quickly that he was carrying a lot of intense feelings behind the kayfabe. I come from games dev and the stories there are equally familiar - it's a bigger business that you can get lost in a little easier, but it's hard in all the ways that comics are hard, and I can still point to people who got crushed, sometimes pretty successful people. But it's also like all those Victorian novels where it's not really about the specifics of the tragedy, because people die for all kinds of reasons: it's, what happens on the other end of that, to the people that feel affected? We're in that story right now, we are those protagonists. I know I am there, because when I sat down and did my little hobby comic this weekend, I thought "I want to make something Ed would say was cool", cause he was very inspiring, he had that energy, and then it comes: "but he's not here anymore..."
There was something I picked up from when I had a buddy back in high school die, which was that I could turn an activity - anything I wanted to get myself to do more of - into a remembrance. So for me, comics is going to be a way of remembering this very inspiring guy.
DJ I am so sorry for your loss 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I can't believe the internet pushed a man over the edge, nobody deserves to die for their mistakes.
very reasonable and measured response.
I've been saying it all week. Instead of all of this cancel culture and gatekeeping, it would seem like the next natural progression from all of this would be to learn from Ed -that contempt prior to investigation can cost people everything. We need to treat each other better. Powerful video and a lovely message. Thank you.
thanks for this video! rip dear Ed
Thank you for making this. Im sorry about your friend.
Appreciate you!
I didn't know Ed personally. So i can't imagine what his friends and loved ones are feeling when I, a stranger, have felt such a tremendous loss.
I've resisted the thought of posting something in memory of him as i would hate for it to be seen as bandwagoning on unearned grief. Instead, I've watched videos made by his friends and colleagues to help me process it all. (This one is right up there with Rob Liefeld's.)
There's only one thing I disagree with you on: The fact that he named his killers. I'm glad he did.
Everything I've gleaned tells me that those people are not worthy of grace or kindness.
Anyway, this was an honorable tribute to a legend. Thanks for your part in helping a fellow artist toward healing. Subscribed.
Thank you for subscribing. We all have the right to feel how we feel after the fact, but I encourage everyone to protect their own energy. We’re all in a better place when we can use the energy now to create and grow. Let the law and karma sort the rest out. Thanks for the sub!
❤
Personally i have never been rude to anyone online, the onli time i was i made sure to contact the person i felt i had offended, by telling the truth, but i am well aware my words in any given time if not measured can push anyone to do a stupid thing.
Beethoven is a prime example of the obsessionist issue. HIs composing process for the ninth while deaf is a story of mental anguish and true obsession to the point of self-neglect and concern by others who witnessed it.
This is a tragedy that it never should have happened. It reminds me of the story of the young boy who took his life after being blackmailed over adult images he thought he sent to a girl. Who was Ed speaking with during his crisis?
I’m gonna guess, as an artist, he spoke to himself alot more than he spoke to others. And that can be very dangerous. Two minds exist within and the darker one took over here. Maybe on all sides. Maybe THAT is what evil is.
@@DJCoffman Ed was going through a crisis. Catastrophizing the situation. The mind imagines scenarios that are far worse because of that internalized fear. I'm certain, in time things would have settled and Ed could have continued as before. But because Ed was in such crisis, he could only see the worst scenario's. And that's why he would have needed some family and friends to look after him for the time period. So my I'm just dumb-founded that he had no one to turn to...
Red Room was an amazing book and it is a tragedy.
🥰🥰🥰
Let´s become a Hydra!
What exactly does Kayfabe mean?
Did you watch the video? I explained it. But… it comes from pro wrestling. in short, it’s a character we put on. Like A stage name or persona, but bigger than that. It becomes your brand and what you are known for, and you shouldn’t break the illusion, mainly for the fans. For example… nobody could see Macho Man Randy Savage having tacos with Hulk Hogan. They would have broken Kayfabe… the story .
Sorry, I’m commenting so much here because you’re really pushing a cluster of issues that’s on my mind being familiar with the story I can relate to you saying be careful on how you are responding to the women your friends with and teaching/mentoring not to get on my soapbox, but it seems we’re at its time where it’s open season one men, I certain women who want to paint us all with a broad brush to the point that today are absolutely terrified talking to women in traditional ways that men spoke to women. You can’t.joke you can’t flirt it seems you can’t do anything that can be misconstrued as something inappropriate, and in this climate that this poor guy got his life ruined
Draw and Thrive Co. I'm not going to watch the entire video. Ed's death has affected me in a profound way as I am sure everyone that is involved in comics. Whether reading them or making them. Your videos are nescessary for posterity sake....to make MORE artists/cartoonists that need information from someone as experienced as you.
Best wishes.
It’s a long mopey video, so I understand . Thanks for commenting. I appreciate you
@@DJCoffman I wasn't disparraging your video my friend or discarding your sentiments. Just the first few seconds of your feelings on display here, I know you are genuine. I just couldn't revisit those feelings. I was raw for a week, having seen all this and did nothing when I should have; I don't even know Piskor personally, but I could have stood up (however that's done online) and said something nstead of watching people bash him and his art and being quiet. I could feel myself wanting to fall back into grief over the incident, but I wanted to say, and probably should have said, was please keep going and keep this site up!!!
Maybe you can change your brand to draw and live to be honest even before the tragic death of this artist, I looked at your logo and said to myself why does such a happy go lucky positive affable guy like him have such a dark logo like that? I was somewhat offended That death could be drawn so frivolously. Oh yeah, I get how clever it looks as an image, but I thought someone as talented as you could come up with something better perhaps this is a turning point where you might do that of course it’s your life and you can choose to get over this dark and keep your logo, which has become your identifier, so don’t think I’m hating hating by saying what I’ve just said
I decided to keep it. There are plenty of those happy go lucky artists, but I think my vibe is more of a mix of stoicism and art, and sustainability. Also a nice reminder that the clock is ticking.
Maybe the best video I’ve seen on the topic ❤️🩹 Ed was a massive inspiration, so sorry for your loss DJ.
Thank you.
Thank you for everything you said! I started watching Cartoonists Kayfabe in late March/April of 2021 on my phone! I’ve been reading comics early on and by the late sixties I was definitely in for the long haul! Also liked drawing and would make homemade comics that were crude as hell , especially through high school ! I would fall in and out of drawing for years ! Since 1987, I really pushed myself to draw more throughout the 90’s , I felt something came alive little by little! I’m self taught, I wrote notes, character development but at the same time I was working 40 hours + a week and there were days where I wasn’t drawing or got swept up in redundant routines and had friends who cartoon or come up with ideas and bs around way to much and I just decided to do what I wanted to do! Years have passed and Cartoonist Kayfabe was a big inspiration for me! I read a variety of books, comics etc etc. Ed and Jim for their age showed me the potential of possibilities available and I will always be eternally grateful! I met Jim at LCS appearance,great guy who is very friendly! In Baltimore 2022, I stopped by the Kayfabe booth and finally met Ed and chatted with him and Jim! Great conversation and great comic con! The news about Ed and the unfortunate outcome really hurts and my condolences go out to Ed’s parents,family and friends at such a difficult time! Very unfortunate and especially despise some of the asinine mean spirited comments made at Ed’s expense! That’s rotten but I know how people are and I’m not surprised! That’s how all dummies roll, especially the insensitive ones! Perseverance! Ed Piskor RIP🙏❤️