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Artist Rufus Dayglo pays tribute to Garry Leach, urges support for Hero Initiative

By John Freeman on April 28, 2022 • ( 1 )

2000AD artist Rufus Dayglo has posted a wonderful art tribute to his friend and inspirational comic artist Garry Leach, following the influential creator’s sudden death last month – and asked followers to support the Hero Initiative.

Garry Leach - Hero Initiative Poster by Rufus Dayglo

His art posting follows an appeal by Garry’s family to support the organisation which helps support comic artists who have fallen on hard times by offering financial help; and has been echoed across social media platforms by other creators.

“Please consider donating to the HERO Initiative in memory of my amazing friend Garry Leach,” Rufus, who was one of Garry’s closest friends , asked on Twitter.

“The Hero Initiative help comic book artists and writers in need, and helped many of Garry’s heroes. Let’s pay that kindness forward.”

The Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for comic creators who have worked in or for American comic publishers who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. Since inception, the Hero Initiative has been fortunate enough to benefit creators, including British creators, with more than $1 million worth of much-needed aid, fuelled by supporter contributions, a chance for comic fans to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Tributes to Garry have continued since his death was announced. Just last week, Star Wars artist Gary Erskine posted his take on Marvelman (aka Miracleman), noting a debt to the cofounder of Atomeka Press, with Dave Elliott.

“I wouldn’t be a comic book artist if it wasn’t for Garry Leach,” he acknowledged. “His work on the VCs and Dredd in 2000AD was already distinctive enough, but it was the introduction for Marvelman in Warrior that was the push I needed to pursue a career in the industry. Thank you, Garry.”

“If you loved Garry Leach and his art, consider making a donation to the HERO Initiative in his memory,” Dave Elliott also asked on the Atomeka Press Facebook Page.

“Garry’s funeral will be on May 11th. Please take a moment to think of him that day. If you were fortunate enough to have met him, tell us your story, if you loved his art, tell us the piece that you loved the most.

“Garry had a huge heart and he’ll be with us forever.”

• Find out more about the Hero Initiative and donate at www.heroinitiative.org

• Share your memories of Garry with Atomeka Press here on Facebook

• Rufus Dayglo is online at www.rufusdayglo.com | Follow Rufus on Twitter

• Read our tribute to Garry Leach

• Read Scott Dunbier’s wonderful, personal tribute to his friend Garry on Facebook

• The Sale of the Estate of Garry Leach, Gosh! Comics, 10.30am – 7.00pm Sunday 29th May 2022 | 1 Berwick Street, London W1F 0DR | Web: goshlondon.com | Tel: 02074370187

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.