Bernie Wrightson was an amazing talent. He co-created Swamp Thing and with his style, set off a chain reaction that I truly believe you can trace back any number of modern comic classics. Sandman and Preacher, as Vertigo babies, and even Watchmen might not have happened if Wrightson hadn’t helped Alan Moore take over his baby.

I’m not a big horror fan and so I never experienced much of Bernie’s work personally. I never had the pleasure of meeting the man, either. And though it is a pale tribute, I am a firm believer that it’s important to note and honor the passing of the greats in the field.

So good night, Bernie. Your pain is at an end.