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05-20-2008, 09:12 AM
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#1 |
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the moose in the closet
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 1,298
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Rory Root died yesterday
I'm assuming at least half of the people on this board who actually made a comic has at least talked to Rory Root. I'm sure a lot of us have received a big boost from him, as well. As far as my story...
I wasn't having a lot of luck finding a place to have a Postcards signing at SDCC last year. The book wasn't out yet, no-one could accommodate a large group of creators, and Harvey Pekar, the book's biggest draw, wasn't even going to be there. That's when Antony Johnston recommended I ask Rory Root. After a couple of email communications and phone calls Rory agreed to host us for the show. He ordered the book pretty strong for the signing - 30 or 40 copies, I believe. He let us have two hours to sign and we mobbed his booth with a total of 15 creators over those two hours. He had to move his cash register as we had artists and writers flooding in behind the booth. His employees were obviously a bit annoyed. We sold through most of our books. By the time we were done I thought Rory was going to smack me for the somewhat unorganized mass of people I tried to get in his area. Instead he said he hopes to host me again next year when I release Volume II (I didn't...sorry Rory!). But he did politely suggest I keep it to three people signing at a time, tops. The guy would champion your book if you met him halfway. He was a friend to comics and one of the most responsible and kind-hearted retailers I've ever met. A Google Blog Search just goes to show how many comic creators have received advice, help, and a nice firm push from Rory. For all you guys on this board that are just starting out I feel bad that you won't get to work with Rory. I really do. |
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05-20-2008, 10:28 AM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Long Pond, PA
Posts: 1,460
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I just read from an old friend that Rory passed away.
I met him in the last millennium, and his store in Berkeley is just around the corner from my friend's sf bookstore, The Other Change of Hobbit. Rory was an enthusiastic supporter of the bookstore model for comics. He made it work. What's that model? He sold more collected editions and OGNs than periodicals. He kept books in stock and reordered what sold out. He PROMOTED and CHAMPIONED lesser known creators and more obscure titles. He TAUGHT the appreciation of comics to people who walked in off the street. He was what all of SHOULD have as an advocate for comics and graphic novels where we live, but probably don't. He was a MODEL for what the direct market and comics stores really need to do to stay in business for the long haul. He was also a very kind man. This is a very sad day for me. And a very sad day for us. --Lee |
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05-20-2008, 11:20 AM
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#3 |
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Jason A. Quest
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Purgatory, Michigan
Posts: 1,785
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My reaction when I first read this news elsewhere is still the best response I can come up with:
God, you bastard. We still needed him. |
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05-20-2008, 11:55 AM
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#4 |
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Writer/SUMM Publications
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Boston
Posts: 2,252
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I never met him. But I heard stories and he kinda sits as a folk hero in my mind. Don't even know what he looked like. Wish I met him. RIP
__________________
T.J. May Writer Praise for CATCHING LUCIFER'S LUNCH: "[T.J. May's script] reminded me a bit of the kind of dark fable one might expect from Neil Gaiman...it definitely boasts that kind of strength." --Don MacPherson (TheFourthRail.com) www.tjmay.net www.summ.net |
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05-20-2008, 12:20 PM
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#5 |
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member of G.R.O.S.S.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: right here
Posts: 10,836
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I've never met Rory, but his advice was always thoughtful and straight to the point. For those that never had a chance to talk with Rory, I suggest joining the CBIA forum as he freely gave his advice there.
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05-20-2008, 12:35 PM
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#6 | |
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the moose in the closet
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 1,298
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Quote:
Some of his more recent advice to creators can be seen here. Probably all you'd need to read can be seen here . |
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05-20-2008, 01:36 PM
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#7 |
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member of G.R.O.S.S.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: right here
Posts: 10,836
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FYI : Comic Relief (Rory's store) will continue on.
Rory willed the store to the current store manager. |
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05-20-2008, 05:56 PM
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#8 |
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I'm really Richard Corben
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hollywood
Posts: 2,003
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Very sad. Comic Relief is a historical monument IMHO. I never met Rory but sent him books that he kindly pimped for me. I had heard of him years before I ever got into the creator side of things.
Comic Book Guy will be missed. A legend is gone, we've lost one of the great champions of comics. [Yes...he was the inspiration for the Simpson's character.] |
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05-20-2008, 06:19 PM
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: philadelphia
Posts: 2,354
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condolences to his family and friends. he was a relatively young guy i'm told and that's sad. jason and i were talking yesterday about how good he treated 'postcards' at sdcc last year. sounds like comix lost a good man.
rest in peace, mr. root. |
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05-20-2008, 07:01 PM
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#10 |
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jeffo46
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Woonsocket,R.I.
Posts: 1,333
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That is a shock! I met Rory Root in 1981 when I was stationed in Alameida aboard the carrier U.S.S. Enterprise.I used to take the bus from Alameida to Oakland and catch another one from there to go to his store Comic Relief,in Berkeley.I went to that store for 3 years until my enlistement was up and I came back home to R.I. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone or anything,and his back issue stock was right up there with Mile High Comics as far as I'm concerned.I bought quite a few Gold and Silver age books from him which I still have.He was one of the best shop owners that I have ever met.He'll be missed.
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05-20-2008, 07:30 PM
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#11 |
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Dread Avenger
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Metro City
Posts: 11,138
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I'd never heard of him, but I'm sorry to hear of his passing all the same. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
__________________
Frank Dirscherl Writer/creator of The Wraith Dread Avenger of the Underworld ® http://www.the-wraith.com * Cult of the Damned, the third novel in The Wraith Adventure Series, is NOW AVAILABLE to buy! Don't miss out!! http://www.the-wraith.com/cultdamnedpbknovel.html * |
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05-20-2008, 09:17 PM
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#12 |
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Is a Juggernaut
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 1,660
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RIP Mr. Root!
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05-20-2008, 10:39 PM
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#13 |
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Easy Reader
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,314
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I never heard of him neither.
But after knowing about him, his life and his deeds, I feel an immense admiration by this man. He was, is and will be the true example of good people that work in and for the comics. Dignifying them. Might his example to be an inspiration in the heart and the soul of all the honest people that love comics. My condolences to his family. |
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05-20-2008, 11:26 PM
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#14 | ||
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the moose in the closet
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 1,298
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Quote:
Actually, he wasn't. In his own words: Quote:
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