Remembering Leonard Nimoy: The Day Spock Died

By John Freeman on February 28, 2015

The Day Spock Died by Paul O’Connell

Fans of Star Trek and Leonard Nimoy‘s other work – photography, music and film – are in mourning across the globe with news of his death yesterday. WIRED Magazine has an affectionate round up of just some of the thousands of tributes here, and his passing has promoted many an artwork tribute.

Beam me up. #RIPLeonardNimoy pic.twitter.com/A9Uekc9hu8

— Khaled Bey (@KhaledBeydoun) February 28, 2015

Live long and prosper. March 26, 1931 – February 27, 2015 http://t.co/ZfALq6E3Im #RIPLeonardNimoy pic.twitter.com/UFUtllvqDf — DeviantArt (@DeviantArt) February 27, 2015

Wherever there is mystery and the unexplained, cosmic forces shall draw me near. #RIPLeonardNimoy pic.twitter.com/lp7qtpwoD5

— The Simpsons (@Simpsons_tweets) February 27, 2015

“Live long and prosper” #RIPLeonardNimoy http://t.co/wXApPsxTr1 pic.twitter.com/eVrW35GXW3 — L.A. Times Graphics (@LATimesGraphics) February 27, 2015

Leonard Nimoy championed full-figured women through his photographs: http://t.co/nhftepeiGb pic.twitter.com/WE78XZQF2m

— Mashable (@mashable) February 28, 2015

Had to draw a toon about Leonard Nimoy, who encouraged me as a kid to explore new worlds… http://t.co/upnUtzZEtT pic.twitter.com/WHzjvg9IG5

— Rob Tornoe (@RobTornoe) February 27, 2015

In Britain, even the real Basil Brush paid tribute…

Very sad news about Mr Spock, Leonard Nimoy, lovely man. He did tell me off for biting his fingers though!! HaHaHa BB pic.twitter.com/fA5btPOq1a — Basil Brush (@realbasilbrush) February 27, 2015

As did many British comic creators, including Jonathan Wyke, Dave Elliott and Ben Oliver…

Oh no. #RIPLeonardNimoy http://t.co/S1vrcRUHGZ — Jonathan Wyke (@JonathanWyke) February 27, 2015

Live Long and Prosper! #RIPLeonardNimoy #Deviantart http://t.co/bGMjTVVXMq

— Dave Elliott (@DeevElliott) February 28, 2015

Exquisite work! A perfect tribute! RT @BenOliverArt: Farewell Mr. Spock #LeonardNimoy #Spock pic.twitter.com/Ii4lBzhYUX — Gary Erskine (@garyerskine) February 27, 2015

“I guess this is what happens the older you get, you watch your heroes die,” notes British comics creator Paul O’Connell. “I heard the news and was reminded of an old strip I did – ‘The Day Spock Died‘ – based on a story told to me by my friend Harry.

“Re-reading it in the light of today’s news one line in particular stuck out for me…’the world had betrayed me’…it occurs to me that no matter how old you are, it’s a feeling that you have to learn to get used to.”

As I mark his death and fond memories, I leave the last word to Leonard Nimoy himself with his final, poignant tweet…

I think we can all only aspire to have a final tweet as brilliantly poignant as @TheRealNimoy #LLAP #RIPLeonardNimoy pic.twitter.com/G9X9vXMvB6

— Ryan Love (@RyanJL) February 27, 2015

• Read Paul O’Connell’s strip: http://soundofdrowning.com/day%20spock%20died.html

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as 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.