Publisher Humanoids has announced the death of Italian artist, writer and teacher Saverio Tenuta, aged 54, creator of the graphic novels Legends of the Pierced Veil: The Scarlet Blade, Izuna, and The Mask of Fudo.

His funeral will take place later today, Friday 4th August, at the Church of della
Holy Annunciation in Rome.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Saverio Tenuta, author of Legends of the Pierced Veil, at the age of 54,” said the Les Homanoïdes Associés in a statement, who have published his works since 2006.

Born on 14th May 1969, Saverio Tenuta began his career as an advertising graphic designer in Italy, then worked in the United States for DC Comics, Marvel and Heavy Metal.

In 2006, he published Scarlet Blades, the first volume of Legends of the Pierced Veil, a brilliant saga marked by beauty and tragedy, with influences from medieval Japan and ancient myth.

The universe of Legends of the Pierced Veil expanded in 2014 with Izuna then with The Mask of Fudo from 2016 to 2020. A deluxe edition of Legends of the Pierced Veil: Izuna, by Saverio Tenuta, co-writer Bruno Letizia, and artist Carita Lupattelli, was published in June.

“I really don’t have words,” commented Italian writer Sergio Algozzini. “So young.
I invite those who didn’t know him to look at his art, to buy a book.”

“A great artist and even better man,” noted artist Marko Stojanovic.

“He left his mark on the world of comics with his talent and poetry, and with his kindness to all those who met him,” said Humanoids.

Tenuta was also a gifted teacher of creating comics, many of his former students taking to social media to praise him for his dedication to the form and kindness. He started teaching comic and drawing techniques in 1995, founding the Daishō Studio in 2010 to both teach students and develop new comic and illustration projects.

“He was one of the teachers that stayed in my heart the most and believed in my abilities by teaching me so much about comic books,” notes artist and colourist Alessandra Patanè. “A talented man and artist and incredible craftsmanship.
When I looked back on my journey, he was always in the memories of people who made me mature artistically a lot.

“What a great and sudden loss… I hope his works will live forever.”

Writing about his work and the challenges of creating art and comics in 2020, Tenuta said “Ci affanniamo alla ricerca della perfezione come riconoscimento del nostro valore. Seguiamo la folle idea che solo così saremo compresi e apprezzati.

“Ma l’intimo segreto della bellezza è nelle imperfezioni. Sono queste che ci rendono unici e già meravigliosi lì dove ci troviamo.”

“We strive for perfection as an acknowledgment of our worth. We follow the crazy idea that only in this way will we be understood and appreciated.

“But the intimate secret of beauty is in imperfections. These are what make us unique and already wonderful where we are.”

Our sympathies to his family, loved ones and friends at this time.

• Saverio Tenuta, 14th May 1969 – 3rd August 2023

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.

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