Artists and Writers Mourn the Death of Ed Piskor and React to Controversy
The sudden death of Ed Piskor, the talented artist and writer behind “Hip Hop Family Tree” and “X-Men: Grand Design,” has sent shockwaves through the artistic community. Piskor, who was based in Munhall, Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work and a devoted following.
In addition to his creative contributions, Piskor was known for co-creating the popular YouTube channel Cartoonist Kayfabe with fellow Pittsburgh area artist Jim Rugg. However, his untimely death comes amidst controversy, as the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust recently postponed his exhibition at 707 Penn Gallery due to allegations of misconduct. A woman claimed on Instagram that Piskor had made advances towards her when she was 17 in 2020, although no charges were filed against him.
The news of Piskor’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow artists and writers. Gary Groth of Fantagraphics Books, who published Piskor’s work, described him as a “giant personality” in the world of comics and expressed his condolences to Piskor’s family. Rob Liefeld, the co-creator of Deadpool and Cable, praised Piskor’s passion for the medium, while artist Klaus Janson called his death “a gut punch.”
Despite the sadness surrounding Piskor’s passing, some artists have also reflected on the role of social media in the aftermath. Ben Templesmith lamented the impact of social media on the situation, while J. Scott Campbell hoped for “real lessons learned” moving forward. The news has left many in the artistic community reeling, with cartoonist Evan Dorkin acknowledging his own role in the situation and expressing regret for any hurt he may have caused.
As the artistic world mourns the loss of Ed Piskor, his family, friends, and fans are left to grapple with the legacy he leaves behind. Piskor, who was just 41 years old, is survived by his parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. His passing serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by those in the creative industry, and the importance of supporting one another in times of need.