The comics community lost a legend yesterday. Rory Root, the legendary owner of Comic Relief in Berkeley passed away after falling into a coma after surgery. Rory was a dear friend to me and a quick glance around the internet today will tell you that I wasn't the only one.

He and I made a plan to meet up this Wednesday. The fact that I had to schedule time to gossip with Rory was a sign that his health was not great. For him not to be in Comic Relief took a great deal. I used to see him every week andget a full glass of comics wisdom (whether I wanted it or not). I don't think I ever had a conversation with him that didn't last an hour. 

Rory encouraged me. He taught me. He made me laugh and feel like a legitimate artist.  He was a fountain of wisdom and I miss him terribly. 

A-lot about his life has been covered elsewhere on the web, but there's one thing that's been missed: Rory had fucking stones.

Building an awesome comic book store takes a great deal of risk. Supporting alternative comics and mini-comics is not a very lucrative activity, especially not 20 years ago. People would advise him to be more conservative, not to buy as many art comics. He never wavered, even to his personal and financial detriment. His love of comics was true.

I wish Rory got a chance to see all of the tributes to him that are coming out. As tough as he was, he was a big softie at heart. He would have been touched by this tremendous out-pouring of affection. 

Sweet dreams, Rory.