I just learned of the passing of Tatjana Wood, one of the greatest comic book colorists of the last century. And she made it through almost the whole thing, coming up less than three days short of her 100th birthday. I’m pleased to say I knew her for over half of that and proud to say she colored covers for my book, THE WARLORD.

When I found out Tatjana would be working on my book, it made me want to do better work and she always gave back more than she got. But, in my opinion, her very finest work was on DC’s SWAMPTHING. Her beautiful colors and soft, subtle tones were a perfect match for the subject.

I first met Tatjana in the hallway outside Joe Orlando’s office at DC Comics. We were introduced by Wally Wood, whom I had met just a few minutes earlier. I told her how excited I was to learn she’d be working on my book. When Woody left, she kissed him warmly and watched him go. “My ex-husband,” she said. “Unusual, don’t you think, for us to be so close?” But I noticed there was a tear in her eye. “I love that man so much,” she said, “but I just can’t live with him.”

I believe that, when we come to the end of our run, we go back to being stardust and all those we loved and lost are waiting on the other side to welcome us.

I hope they found their way home. 

–Mike Grell