If you enjoy the work of American comic creator and Eisner nominee William Messner-Loebs on DC Comics The Flash or many other comics, including his wonderful creator-owned series, Journey, we’re sorry to report he’s in a terrible situation and needs your help.
Messner-Loebs’ work in comics was beloved by fans for many years, but the circumstances of his life – illness and injuries – have conspired to make things financially quite difficult.
Recently out of the hospital, Bill, now 74, and his wife, Nadine, are now facing eviction. His exact medical and legal situation is, rightfully, a private matter, but it’s quite clear from what I’ve seen privately that this situation is not of Mr Loebs making and he needs support.
It’s prompted writer, editor, and publisher Clifford Meth to launch a $25,000 GoFundMe campaign to try to and help earlier this week, with some $14,000 raised so far.
“I implore you to help this kind and gentle soul,” asks Clifford. “He’s endured a terrible episode and needs human kindness and generosity now. Thank you, and may God bless our efforts together.
“He is certainly heartened by knowing there are friends and readers who are there for him,” Clifford added, as momentum built in support. “The situation is miserable and frightening, but his humour is intact.”
“For over 50 years, comic books have been our life,” says William himself. “The road has been long with many ups and many low points and we are hoping with the help of our fans we can can get back up.”
• GoFundMe: Help writer-artist Bill Messner-Loebs
Organised by Clifford Meth
• You can also support William through Patreon
• Journey Volume One (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
A classic adventure series from Eisner nominee William Messner-Loebs, Journey introduced the world to Joshua “Wolverine” McAlistaire and the Fort Miami settlement populated by both real-life and fictional characters. IDW re-presented this acclaimed work in two comprehensive volumes, the first of collecting issues #1-13.
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.
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Can’t believe this situation is still ongoing. Awful to hear. Shame DC don’t put provisions in place ro help creators in times like this. If they even put out omnibuses of his wonderful Flash run and his WW work, that would be a start.
Just announced (and pictured in this very article!), Messner-Loebs’ Flash is getting the omnibus treatment in 2024!