I've been crushed by this for the last week and to hear this today is devastating. I'm 51, I'm an artist, but in my 40's I gave up on drawing. I didn't draw anything for a decade, had no desire to at all. Then about 3 years I found Ed and cartoonist kayfabe and it inspired me to start drawing again. Now I take a sketchpad and bag of drawing tools with me to work and draw on my breaks every day, and it's because of Ed. This is a terrible loss.
I usually dont care about celebs death, but I thought about ed all night, its just was so sad how we lost him, how people who attacked him are now sorry. Great video brother.
Exactly the same for me. I really felt like I knew Eddy and Jim and felt like I actually hung out with the via Cartoonist Kayfabe I can believe this really. RIP EDDIE, RIP C.K, RIP SHOOT INTERVIEWS
Yes this Ed situation has me thinking. It's a warning for all of us guys. We shouldn't messaged Ed and kept him around. I didnt think he'd do this though.
All the pieces of garbage that piled on and clout chased should be held to some kind of accountability. A lot of those content providers are ones who preached against cancel culture and touted personal responsibility. Real funny how their principles only applied when they were convenient.
Exactly. I don’t listen or watch a lot of channels to begin with but they kept popping up in my feed last week. Now they’re all “I’m sad to report”. You were all happy to report something last week about someone you felt wasn’t one of you.
I hope they're fucking happy, all the "I knew it" and attacking his art and personality. over, let's face it, a lapse in judgement during co-vid. mercy and compassion is needed in this world, because it's lacking really bad
Such sad news, I was really hoping Ed could survive this storm. While I never read any of his books, I watch their channel regularly. My heart goes out to his family, fans and friends. As a wannabe Comic Creator myself, this just hurts.
I rarely get too upset over the passing of someone I’ve never met, but somehow I felt very attached to Ed and Jim. I did love their show, and to be honest it brought me back to comics I’ve given up on the medium for a long time now. At age 63 I had a hard time looking at anything new with any kind of respect at all. They brought me back and I enjoyed what they did, and it was just so sad to see this young man take his life over a whole bunch of nothing in my opinion, words are just words And people don’t seem to understand some words hurt more than others and destroy a man’s career without even hearing his side of the story was just so ridiculous and it’s so petty I can’t even put into words how sad I am by this and how much I’m going to miss that guy.
Same. Dude was my age too and I’ve lost 3 lifelong friends in the past 6 years. I just found out this morning I cried and I’m so mad. I was friends with Ed on Facebook I looked to try to message him the day after the shitstorm started and I couldn’t find his account. It was weighing on my mind so I reached out to Jimmy via Facebook instead. I told him how much their channel meant to me and how they were like my companions during really dark times and made me pick up the pencil again and get back into comics, at a time when I really was losing hope and wanting to give up on myself and give up on everything. I thanked him and said that I hope Ed is managing through this. I really had wanted to specifically ask about Ed and to offer support to him but I never had spoken to Jim and it felt like it could be intrusive…. Jimmy responded somewhat to my surprise and just said Thanks I appreciate the sentiment, things are tough right now. “Glad you’re drawing again, don’t give up on everything” In my darkly hopeful subconscious I wondered this morning when I heard the news that knowing Ed’s edgy humor and wit, and it happening on April Fool’s Day, that this could be some epic prank… I’m still not accepting this properly whatsoever.
He was killed off by the self righteous horde of hit-hungry content creators that used this over exaggerated circumstance to virtue signal, and raise their subscriptions. Ed was NOT a groomer or a pedophile. He was an overzealous, happy person that had lost context and crossed a line. The term "groomer", is vague and broad, and often applied to cheaply slander people in order to destroy them. Well, the people that misused it against Ed, apparently succeeded in destroying him. God forgive all of them. Rest in peace. Ed. I love you and will pray for you and your family and friends..
I was never really a fan of Ed's style, but I have always been amazed and admired his crazy depth of knowledge of comics. This whole situation is just disturbing and wrong. The only positive I am seeing is that many are speaking out about the vitriolic cancel culture in the comics industry that led to Ed's passing. I hope there is accountability for those that he named in his letter.
They gave my comic a signal boost back in 2020, so those guys will always have a special place in my heart. Even when things looked their worst, I never believed Ed was trying to groom anyone and I completely disbelieved the most aggressive accusations. Even though I thought he made some stupid and inappropriate comments to a young girl, I was hoping he’d release a statement that would salvage his career and make sense out of the quagmire he found himself in. I never thought for an instant that he’d do so in a suicide note. That was one of the most gut-wrenching things I’ve ever seen. I’m still reeling from it.
Recognize your name and avatar from you commenting on some of the old CK videos of the past. I have to say, in the back of my brain I feared this would be a possibility just because of how Ed used to talk about how comics were really the only option for him as he was growing up. I think down deep he probably believed that even if parts of this blew over, he'd still be a "marked man" in his industry and I guess he couldn't deal with that. I'm with you though...I don't think he was "grooming" anyone....I just think from the area of social media he was too removed and made bad judgment just having the conversations with a then teenager. I said when the DMs surfaced that at worst it looks devious and at best it shows bad judgment and awareness of boundaries. Ed owns up to that in the note. But the other two accusations, to me, are a lot more lacking in substance....at least enough substance to go after the guy as vehemently as some did. One is, as he noted, a he said, she said situation....there's no paper trail, no witnesses...nothing. Just some things a woman whose friendship with him soured put out there (and then deleted within like 2 days). When she added the bits alleging he was faking his sales numbers and saying he was making "racist" caricatures in HHFT, my bullshit detector started going off (things she claimed were racist about his Russell Simmons drawings were THINGS HE DID TO HIMSELF WHEN DOING SELF-PORTRAITS!). The 3rd "accusation" was that he asked a woman he knew if he could draw her nude sometime. I mean, sure, there are possibilities of someone with sleazy intentions doing that....but it's also something artists have done for like a hundred years. The woman making the claim never said he was doing or saying anything else....he asked, she didn't want to do it. End of story. The sad irony now is the kind of people he mentioned in his note are proving his point. Go on Twitter and look at some of the claims....plenty of stuff like "He was a pedophile who was grooming multiple children!!"...all sorts of that kinda thing. One of the craziest was stating that he and Jim Rugg did books for young adults in order to draw them in and groom them!
Nailed it man, I was disappointed to hear and read the stuff about him but I was reserving condemnation until he came out with a statement. Such a sad situation
My man, Ed Piskor, I will miss your immense talent and passion, your quirky swag, the Pirates brim and the shades, and last but not least your love of comics. Rest in power my guy….
@starshipMythic Got some attention? Feel better? What material benefit do you believe there is telling folks who are mourning that “Yeah, he’s in Hell right now.” two days after his death? I can’t think of any aside from you wanting to be an edgy asshole.
Hey, I watched kayfabe and then I found and watched your channel too, I enjoy your stuff. Seeing all the mess throughout the week, I was glad you didn't sell yourself to get attention, and acted maturely. it says a lot. People are sh.
The sad thing is is that this was inevitable. Piskor said his whole life was comics so being cancelled left him with nothing. That’s why a person has to have more than material goals in this physical existence. If he believed in true forgiveness and an eternal reward, he would have been able to fight off the despair of material loss.
His cartooning career wasn't even over, just one project. A plethora of talented cartoonists are being cancelled and then turning around and building an all-new, even better career.
Know, I've never really read any if Ed's books, but the cartoonist kayfabe channel has kept me company at work on a daily basis for almost 3 years, I watched hundreds of Ed's and Jim's videos...I'm heart broken. MAKE MORE COMICS!
I didn’t like Piskor’s public persona (never met him personally): to me he came out like a nerd kid behaving like a edgy rock star which at his age speaks of lack of professionalism. Never mind, I feel awful. He did what he did and he left behind family and friends, a good body of comic book work, some alleged victims and a good damn last note that should be a wake up call to american comic book “pros”, “journalists”, and cultists of any side of the political aisle. So far it’s just another tragedy and comic media drama, as if Piskor haven’t put a big f4cking sign to the elephant in the room. Some things are obvious now: Piskor was mentally ill, he loved comics and he was far from prepared to tackle on the “cancel culture” and the toxic shit in American comics that has been pestering the medium since early 2000s. Piskor did what he did and that’s on him - but the f4cking toxicity in comics books has gone too far. Rob, your comment feels honest and thank you for that - few are the people who are commenting who do not have a big pile of baggage that makes them sound as hypocrites.
GG Allin is the most notorious punk rocker of all time. A controversial figure who did some horrible things and made music with mixed success. He's one of those polarizing figures whose fandom is mostly made up of fringe weirdos.
To ANYONE who says that cancel culture doesn’t exist, those who say the the whisper network doesn’t exist, or that night letters aren’t real, to you I say to hell with you and your b.s. A human being is gone. This garbage needs to stop
RIP Ed. In his sui. note he said the day after the girl posted the insta screen caps, he did his testament -> why couldn’t he fight through this? He should have said the things mentioned in his final note right then and there. I think he knew this wasn‘t going away but getting worse and worse, he died of shame is what he wrote…
Thank you for speaking up about this, Robert. I am absolutely gutted by this news. Ed's work and insight on the medium (along with Jim Rugg) has been nothing short of inspirational. It should have NEVER come to this. The Cartoonist Kayfabe channel has been both a lifeline for creatives and absolutely essential. This is quite simply....devastating. I miss you already, Ed.
That's the realesr video I've heard. Sad circumstances. But that spoke to me, but I felt that way. End it. But keep going. Life honors those who keep going.
I totally didnt think that would happen. At worst, a bad apology statement, a year of laying low and self reflection amd then awkward rehabilitation with the public.
Cartonist Kayfab, Yah Boy Zack/Comicsmatter and other Artist Inspired my to start my Channel. Whatever "They Said on the Internet" He did...well, I would have waited to see whats what. But as always the Hysterical Witchhunt Starts. And Lives get destroyed. If he has done (something) wrong... it is up to time, or people or to whoever to Judge that. But well. This is Tragic. And ...man.
I thought the girl was 17 going on 18. That makes the girl a minor. That does not mean underage for consent to sexual relations. Must be factual about things. 16 is the age of consent. Being a minor means you're not allowed to buy alcohol or buy a gun or have political voting privileges. Even though she was 17 it means it was a bad idea and immoral if he's not trying to marry the woman. As you had said it was not illegal. Unless I have it wrong about the instance in which you're talking about. People keep saying underage, underage. But then when you look at the facts she was a minor by law. That doesn't equate the same and that's why we can say that he did nothing illegal with evidence provided, to this date. I think Jim Rugg is going to need a lot of support. This thing happened so fast.
I’m not going to say rest in peace because Ed hated that pithy crap. A fucking terrible loss. I cried this morning when I found out. Kayfabe was like my companion when things were really dark for me. I appreciate your heartfelt video and honest sharing Robert.
Yeah I’m pretty upset about it too. It really makes you hate everybody, especially those people who were posting videos about how he was a creep last week because Ed didn’t bend the knee to their group and are now making videos giving Ed’s family their condolences and using his death as ammunition to make shots at their enemies. As if they aren’t the same exact thing.
I never liked Red Room at all myself, but I'm sorry about Piskor's suicide and I can respect his passion about comics as a medium and will always remember such things as him and Jim Rugg interviewing Dave Gibbons and doing a complete study of Watchmen with Gibbons at the same time, and exposure of such things as the Captain Marvel and The Monster Society of Evil to Frank Frazetta's more obscure art. Kayfabe did a Hell of job of promoting comics as a medium across the board for so many years when most other UA-cam “comic book channels” strictly covered comic book movies and little else.
Only thing I'd disagree with is where you said no-one cares what you have to say. I remember finding your channel and you talked about how Kayfabe inspired you and it was the same for me. This was beautifully said and heartfelt and honest. Thank you Rob. Ed's death affected me way more than I expected. That channel was a lifesaver during lockdown. I'm sad and I'm angry at the damn mob of spiteful little ghouls who couldn't wait to get their knives out. You're right, the world is a dark place and now it's a bit darker. Ed was one of the rare lucky ones who made his passion his profession and in a week he saw his reputation, career and future disappear while friends and colleagues distanced themselves or turned on him. I hate that he did this and felt this was the only option he had. RIP Ed Piskor and condolences to his family.
Thank you so much for making this video. I listened to many similar statements in the last couple days, but yours was the best. I didn't know Ed and until last week the only times I ever talked or wrote about him was to recommend his UA-cam channel, which was unparalleled and the best channel of its sort by far. Last week, however, after the allegations broke I made an Instagram story in which I said that his persona of wearing sunglasses and a hat inside all the time was "a warning sign" or "a red flag" or something. A week later, I see his hat and sunglasses as protective measures from a person who, despite his hiphop braggadocio, was actually very shy. For the most part, like you, I enjoyed his UA-cam personality, but sometimes I thought that the act went on too long and he seemed "fake" at times. I still loved his channel, but I wished that he could be more genuine, drop the shades more often, and not used forced hiphop slang so often. I didn't understand what he was going through. (Even his final note included some glib turns of phrase that seem like kayfabe...) I don't think you saw my Instagram post, but if you did and it pissed you off, I'm sorry. I'm sure I wasn't the only one complaining about Ed last week, and my commentary was briefer and less cruel than most. Still, of course I wish I had said nothing. Like others have said, it's a complicated situation now, but the overriding emotion is sadness that it got to this point, because he did not deserve to lose everything. I had no idea he was so close to the edge. I wish we lived in a society where forgiveness was possible enough for Ed to realize that he could be forgiven for his behavior. I wish we lived in a society where Ed didn't need the sunglasses.
R.I.P. Ed you will be missed and your story will be told. This toxic cancel culture needs to stop and people NEED TO WAIT FOR INFORMATION TO COME OUT!!! Edit: youtube is running ads on this video so don't think they going take it down. You safe I believe.
I loved Cartoonist Kayfabe. Ed, Jim, and Tom were our guys, and I am shocked and mystified by all of this-I had no idea until I watched your video. As I don't know the man or any other players personally, I won't comment on the events leading up to this tragedy. Still, my heart goes to his family, and I hope his comics will remain in circulation indefinitely.
Shit escalated so quick. Pretty wild. One week ago I’m watching their 1980s comic review video and now Eddy P is dead and Jim Rugg is hiding out. Wild. I was a fan of the channel, but they had some issues- stuck up, almost pretentious at times, they shadow banned half their subscribers, played petty games (won’t take pic with Noah Van Sciver?!), etc. But none of that really matters when someone takes their own life.
I have no desire to speculate on the death of artist Ed Piskor. I was a fan of the work he and Jim Rugg did on their UA-cam channel. Their interest in their medium was infectious and their commentaries were interesting. "Fair winds and following seas" to Mr. Piskor's family.
Still reeling from this one. I haven't drawn or collected comics in a long time but I still do art and conventions. That was my favorite YT channel and they were very inspiring to listen to. These ghouls who were determined to cancel Ed undoubtedly have their own skeletons in their closets. This whole situation is so sad and upsetting. I'll miss Ed.
Damn dude. You really spoke for me in this video. And so did Liefeld. I feel messed up about the whole thing. Wish I'd been one of the people who reached out to him. However unlikely and for whatever good that would've done. This suuuuucks.
wow this is crazy. i watched cartoonist kayfabe channel for a while and just recently heard about the allegations......now this!!! this is truly shocking. this is horrible. i loved watching those 2 going over comics and always did great interviews.
IA couple of days ago, I was listening to a Stream by thinking Critical and i felt sick, his guests were just trashing Ed in a way that was way unfair, and this guys are not kids, they are grown adults. but all i could get out their vibe was a lot of envy.
I needed to watch your video, you put to words what i never could. I wasnt even the biggest Ed Piskor fan but i respected him a lot and loved Cartoonist Kayfabe. I feel bad for even lightly speculating before this all came out. I will never make that mistake again. Lord Jesus Christ please forgive Ed, he didnt have the strength to handle this and seek you for guidance.
Too bad he couldn't just release the letter and let that be it. It will be interesting to hear what Ethan Van Sciver has to say about this as he was onevof his most vocal critics.
Ethan already spoke on the matter and actually broke the news. He stands on what he said like a man. Ed cancelled him, his brother and many others no one made a fuss about it. It's never fun when the tables are turned.
Great video on Piskor. Probably the best of all the tribute videos I've seen. Also watch your brother's videos. Had no idea you guys were related. Been watching you separately for a little while now. Enjoy what both of you do.
Thanks for sharing your thoughs on this. I was also inspired by CK channel and now all that joy is gone. I feel sad and dissapointed, but somehow now i'm more desperate to keep creating. Maybe is one good thing to come out of all of this mess.
I agree with you. Seeing, knowing Ed and Jim’s friendship, no way they desert each other. I still can’t stop thinking about it. I’ve been avoiding this in my feed. I didn’t know them but they feel like old friends. Gutted!!!
Ed's comment about Jim's statement in his last Facebook post was that it hurt and that he lost a friend. As for his sunglasses and cap, Ed suffered from ulcerative colitis from an early age. This condition causes light sensitivity and also alopecia (early hair loss). It also significantly impacts sex drive due to sex often causing severe pelvic pain, so the fact that he was a sex fiend or attempting to set up a harem is extremely debatable.
Ed and Jim always treated me kindly. Ed called me the "Dark Prince of Independent comics" that is a title I will wear like a badge of honor. The world has lost a genuine Talent. A true Gem. Comics, wether they know it or not, will never be as good with him gone.
It seems to me that Ed did not have a good support network outside of the comics industry friends he had. I think that made the turmoil around his personal life completely derail things. From hearing Ed on his channel and from people who know Ed personally he was a prickly character. I think that made his personal life more difficult in terms of having partners or close friends. We all need people who love and care about us regardless of work life. I am really torn up about this. Such a sudden loss of a creative and interesting person. Your mistakes are not who you are, face up to them and move on. I have no doubt Ed could have done just that and he would still be here. Sadly missed.
Thank you for this. It should have never come to this. There were so many factors here and we never even got a verdict. Instead it was dog pile and schadenfreude. He messed up but his death does not balance the scales. To lose everything because you were at a weak point? Terrible.
I met Ed at a con nearly ten years ago and have followed his career since then. We talked about 90's comics, Rob Liefeld-- the difference in newstand paper stock from 80's and 90's. The types of tools we liked to use. He was very nice and gracious, a lot of of makers are stand-offish and are hostile to people they perceive as fans or wannabes. Not Ed, he loved to talk about the details and the process.
This is a tragedy. My heart goes out to him and his family. I thought about Ed all night as well. He was a man who made mistakes as we all do. He could have made a public apology, instead the cancel culture went after him. He was a man and now he's gone. Rest in peace, Ed.
I think Ed was a big fish in a small pond, and by that I mean that he was successful in comics when so many people aren’t. And I think (especially with American comics being a relatively small industry) that puts a target on your back. I think people resent that success. I’ve heard Sean Gordon Murphy basically say as much in interviews.
I really enjoy your videos in general. This was a good one too. If only he'd seen another way out. I thought he was a very media savvy guy who would see a way through. But I guess he couldn't face the professional impact of being dropped by companies "just in case", a life of side-eye at cons, comments online etc. Desperately sad. Take care of yourself and take comfort in that there are way more people feeling this than Piskor would have thought.
I had no idea this was even going on. Staying away from social media for a while is always good. ED should have done that and just stayed away for a while. Maybe just focus on his craft.. That much sudden negative attention must be overwhelming i guess, but he should have gave himself a chance for the sake of his family. He made this decision way too quick. But everyone is different. Im sure you learned too Rob, never give up hope. Its always possible for things to work out. Im sure Jim Rugg is beside himself. Cant imagine. Really sad situation. Hope they keep that youtube channel up. Its invaluable information. RIP.
Unforgivable? I’m not condoning suicide but they literally took away his entire life. I completely understand how he ended up in this situation feeling like he had no other option. Don’t be angry with him, be sad that he felt that way. Signed-a suicide survivor
I DO feel sad he felt that way. And i talked about how i had thought about doing something similar. But all the pain is now lumped on his parents… brothers and sisters…. Friends and coworkers. Now THEY all get to go thru this pain.
Good video Rob. I came across CK during the pandemic and was instantly hooked. Ed seemed so passionate about the art of comics and so respectful of its history. I don't know how to feel about the whole situation, but I appreciate you talking about it. Very tragic ending.
As far as I understand he was texting someone who was 17 but none of the texts I read were explicit, obscene or even overtly sexual. No crime was committed. It just seems such a tragedy
He worked hard to build his career and had friended big shots in the industry and maybe was ashamed at what the fallout would have been to lose all of that.
This really is terrible. I loved Red Room and now this great book will never be worked on again, let alone see Ed continue being an artist. It's unfair this whole cancel culture and internet mob drove him to take his own life.
Sad. I recently discovered CK, and UA-cam suggested your channel which led me to discover you, and for months both of your channels were must watch content for me. I really wished there was another way out for Ed. I have a lot of thoughts, but a too many for a comment section . Thank you for saying something. I know it's cathartic, but if you have any kind of platform, saying anything leaves you open to people bashing you if your opinion doesn't match or isn't as strongly worded as their own. Wishing you comfort as you process this and hopefully we can all learn something about ourselves.
I dont want to promote more hate or pain but I hope justice will be served. But the kind of justice that is needed is something that doesnt thrive much anymore. People used to be held accountable for strong accusations that turned out to be false. Something about this really doesnt sit right. This culture is double fkd. The auto attacks and on the other end people folding for the people that dont deserve the satisfaction. A##holes playing social justice mouthpieces. Some of the worse sociopaths out there. And it is those people who become increasingly poisonous the more you hold them accountable. Anything to save face, deflect and dismiss responsibility for being a piece of s##t talking cockroach. That girl seemed to have a bitter streak in her that was looking for a target. Issues perhaps? Check the history. Check to see if depression and social problems were present. ED. I cant beleive it bro. It didnt have to be this way. Someone forgot to tell you that you should have let some weeks pass as the dust settled. I dont know what else to say. Accept that I KNOW IT WASNT NECESSARY AND YOU ED COULD HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH IT HAD YOU WERE CONCENTRATING ON THE SUPPORT YOU WERE GETTING.
Human beings are deeply flawed and despite legitimate concerns I think many forget that these are real living people. A very similar thing happened to A Night In The Wood's creator. These are artists, its not just a job, its their soul bared.
Thanks Robert for this, we lost one of ours in this comic game. Who knew PC culture would make its way to our section of entertainment, poor Ed fell victim to man hate mafia.
great thoughtfull video Robert.... so unhappy that he decided to unalive himself and not just weather it out.... there is always sunshine at the end of the tunnel... even if hard to see
I've been crushed by this for the last week and to hear this today is devastating. I'm 51, I'm an artist, but in my 40's I gave up on drawing. I didn't draw anything for a decade, had no desire to at all. Then about 3 years I found Ed and cartoonist kayfabe and it inspired me to start drawing again. Now I take a sketchpad and bag of drawing tools with me to work and draw on my breaks every day, and it's because of Ed. This is a terrible loss.
Man, it like I wrote this myself. The channel was a big impact.
@@Tis_But_A_Scratch oddly for me too. I’m a tad older and been watch for four years but eerily similar.
I usually dont care about celebs death, but I thought about ed all night, its just was so sad how we lost him, how people who attacked him are now sorry. Great video brother.
I feel the same. All night thinking about him. This is so sad
Exactly the same for me. I really felt like I knew Eddy and Jim and felt like I actually hung out with the via Cartoonist Kayfabe
I can believe this really.
RIP EDDIE, RIP C.K, RIP SHOOT INTERVIEWS
Me too, i couldn't sleep
Yes this Ed situation has me thinking. It's a warning for all of us guys. We shouldn't messaged Ed and kept him around. I didnt think he'd do this though.
Same bro
All the pieces of garbage that piled on and clout chased should be held to some kind of accountability. A lot of those content providers are ones who preached against cancel culture and touted personal responsibility. Real funny how their principles only applied when they were convenient.
Facts
Exactly. I don’t listen or watch a lot of channels to begin with but they kept popping up in my feed last week. Now they’re all “I’m sad to report”. You were all happy to report something last week about someone you felt wasn’t one of you.
I hope they're fucking happy, all the "I knew it" and attacking his art and personality. over, let's face it, a lapse in judgement during co-vid. mercy and compassion is needed in this world, because it's lacking really bad
This is the response the community needed to hear. Thank you.
So much comic history, knowledge, and talent gone so soon, shame.
Such sad news, I was really hoping Ed could survive this storm. While I never read any of his books, I watch their channel regularly. My heart goes out to his family, fans and friends. As a wannabe Comic Creator myself, this just hurts.
I rarely get too upset over the passing of someone I’ve never met, but somehow I felt very attached to Ed and Jim. I did love their show, and to be honest it brought me back to comics I’ve given up on the medium for a long time now. At age 63 I had a hard time looking at anything new with any kind of respect at all. They brought me back and I enjoyed what they did, and it was just so sad to see this young man take his life over a whole bunch of nothing in my opinion, words are just words And people don’t seem to understand some words hurt more than others and destroy a man’s career without even hearing his side of the story was just so ridiculous and it’s so petty I can’t even put into words how sad I am by this and how much I’m going to miss that guy.
Same. Dude was my age too and I’ve lost 3 lifelong friends in the past 6 years. I just found out this morning I cried and I’m so mad.
I was friends with Ed on Facebook I looked to try to message him the day after the shitstorm started and I couldn’t find his account. It was weighing on my mind so I reached out to Jimmy via Facebook instead.
I told him how much their channel meant to me and how they were like my companions during really dark times and made me pick up the pencil again and get back into comics, at a time when I really was losing hope and wanting to give up on myself and give up on everything.
I thanked him and said that I hope Ed is managing through this.
I really had wanted to specifically ask about Ed and to offer support to him but I never had spoken to Jim and it felt like it could be intrusive….
Jimmy responded somewhat to my surprise and just said Thanks I appreciate the sentiment, things are tough right now. “Glad you’re drawing again, don’t give up on everything”
In my darkly hopeful subconscious I wondered this morning when I heard the news that knowing Ed’s edgy humor and wit, and it happening on April Fool’s Day, that this could be some epic prank…
I’m still not accepting this properly whatsoever.
He was killed off by the self righteous horde of hit-hungry content creators that used this over exaggerated circumstance to virtue signal, and raise their subscriptions. Ed was NOT a groomer or a pedophile.
He was an overzealous, happy person that had lost context and crossed a line. The term "groomer", is vague and broad, and often applied to cheaply slander people in order to destroy them.
Well, the people that misused it against Ed, apparently succeeded in destroying him. God forgive all of them. Rest in peace. Ed. I love you and will pray for you and your family and friends..
He could have moved to Japan and started over. Things get better in time. Never do this to your family. RIP.
Personally I think the local news coming after his family was what pushed him over the edge. He was ashamed. Shame is a killer.
I was never really a fan of Ed's style, but I have always been amazed and admired his crazy depth of knowledge of comics. This whole situation is just disturbing and wrong. The only positive I am seeing is that many are speaking out about the vitriolic cancel culture in the comics industry that led to Ed's passing. I hope there is accountability for those that he named in his letter.
They gave my comic a signal boost back in 2020, so those guys will always have a special place in my heart. Even when things looked their worst, I never believed Ed was trying to groom anyone and I completely disbelieved the most aggressive accusations. Even though I thought he made some stupid and inappropriate comments to a young girl, I was hoping he’d release a statement that would salvage his career and make sense out of the quagmire he found himself in. I never thought for an instant that he’d do so in a suicide note. That was one of the most gut-wrenching things I’ve ever seen. I’m still reeling from it.
Recognize your name and avatar from you commenting on some of the old CK videos of the past. I have to say, in the back of my brain I feared this would be a possibility just because of how Ed used to talk about how comics were really the only option for him as he was growing up. I think down deep he probably believed that even if parts of this blew over, he'd still be a "marked man" in his industry and I guess he couldn't deal with that. I'm with you though...I don't think he was "grooming" anyone....I just think from the area of social media he was too removed and made bad judgment just having the conversations with a then teenager. I said when the DMs surfaced that at worst it looks devious and at best it shows bad judgment and awareness of boundaries. Ed owns up to that in the note. But the other two accusations, to me, are a lot more lacking in substance....at least enough substance to go after the guy as vehemently as some did. One is, as he noted, a he said, she said situation....there's no paper trail, no witnesses...nothing. Just some things a woman whose friendship with him soured put out there (and then deleted within like 2 days). When she added the bits alleging he was faking his sales numbers and saying he was making "racist" caricatures in HHFT, my bullshit detector started going off (things she claimed were racist about his Russell Simmons drawings were THINGS HE DID TO HIMSELF WHEN DOING SELF-PORTRAITS!). The 3rd "accusation" was that he asked a woman he knew if he could draw her nude sometime. I mean, sure, there are possibilities of someone with sleazy intentions doing that....but it's also something artists have done for like a hundred years. The woman making the claim never said he was doing or saying anything else....he asked, she didn't want to do it. End of story. The sad irony now is the kind of people he mentioned in his note are proving his point. Go on Twitter and look at some of the claims....plenty of stuff like "He was a pedophile who was grooming multiple children!!"...all sorts of that kinda thing. One of the craziest was stating that he and Jim Rugg did books for young adults in order to draw them in and groom them!
Nailed it man, I was disappointed to hear and read the stuff about him but I was reserving condemnation until he came out with a statement. Such a sad situation
My man, Ed Piskor, I will miss your immense talent and passion, your quirky swag, the Pirates brim and the shades, and last but not least your love of comics. Rest in power my guy….
Well said
Agreed.
Rest In Peace Ed, condolences to the Piskor family. He & Jim inspired me into “ Make Comics”
@StarshipMythicproof?
Gross reply. Hope you have a chance to find out.@StarshipMythic
@starshipMythic Got some attention? Feel better?
What material benefit do you believe there is telling folks who are mourning that “Yeah, he’s in Hell right now.” two days after his death? I can’t think of any aside from you wanting to be an edgy asshole.
@StarshipMythicplease, not now.
Ed Piskor 1982-2024 Rest in peace. Sorry to see things go this way.
best comment here. Simple and without perceived innocence or guilt.
Such a tragic sequence of events. Everything you said on the matter resonated with me, Robert. You're a good man.
This world needs more kindness.
Thank you
After the allegations, everybody was like "I never liked Ed Piskor." Man, he sure sold a lot of comics to no one.
Exactly
and then after the note, so many people tryin to walk that back..
Red room was like a huge red flag too. Was hoping things would blow over and it could get back to normal.
Hey, I watched kayfabe and then I found and watched your channel too, I enjoy your stuff. Seeing all the mess throughout the week, I was glad you didn't sell yourself to get attention, and acted maturely. it says a lot.
People are sh.
Thank you
The sad thing is is that this was inevitable. Piskor said his whole life was comics so being cancelled left him with nothing. That’s why a person has to have more than material goals in this physical existence. If he believed in true forgiveness and an eternal reward, he would have been able to fight off the despair of material loss.
Either a troll or seriously underpowered brain to post that.
His cartooning career wasn't even over, just one project. A plethora of talented cartoonists are being cancelled and then turning around and building an all-new, even better career.
We need to be kinder to our artists. They’re the antennae of the race and we treat’em like shit.
Know, I've never really read any if Ed's books, but the cartoonist kayfabe channel has kept me company at work on a daily basis for almost 3 years, I watched hundreds of Ed's and Jim's videos...I'm heart broken.
MAKE MORE COMICS!
I didn’t like Piskor’s public persona (never met him personally): to me he came out like a nerd kid behaving like a edgy rock star which at his age speaks of lack of professionalism. Never mind, I feel awful. He did what he did and he left behind family and friends, a good body of comic book work, some alleged victims and a good damn last note that should be a wake up call to american comic book “pros”, “journalists”, and cultists of any side of the political aisle. So far it’s just another tragedy and comic media drama, as if Piskor haven’t put a big f4cking sign to the elephant in the room.
Some things are obvious now: Piskor was mentally ill, he loved comics and he was far from prepared to tackle on the “cancel culture” and the toxic shit in American comics that has been pestering the medium since early 2000s.
Piskor did what he did and that’s on him - but the f4cking toxicity in comics books has gone too far.
Rob, your comment feels honest and thank you for that - few are the people who are commenting who do not have a big pile of baggage that makes them sound as hypocrites.
GG Allin is the most notorious punk rocker of all time. A controversial figure who did some horrible things and made music with mixed success. He's one of those polarizing figures whose fandom is mostly made up of fringe weirdos.
Social media is cancel culture.
Cancel culture is social media.
One cannot exist without the other.
So true
This is effed up on so many levels.
To ANYONE who says that cancel culture doesn’t exist, those who say the the whisper network doesn’t exist, or that night letters aren’t real, to you I say to hell with you and your b.s. A human being is gone. This garbage needs to stop
RIP Ed. In his sui. note he said the day after the girl posted the insta screen caps, he did his testament -> why couldn’t he fight through this? He should have said the things mentioned in his final note right then and there. I think he knew this wasn‘t going away but getting worse and worse, he died of shame is what he wrote…
Thank you for speaking up about this, Robert. I am absolutely gutted by this news. Ed's work and insight on the medium (along with Jim Rugg) has been nothing short of inspirational. It should have NEVER come to this. The Cartoonist Kayfabe channel has been both a lifeline for creatives and absolutely essential. This is quite simply....devastating. I miss you already, Ed.
That's the realesr video I've heard. Sad circumstances. But that spoke to me, but I felt that way. End it. But keep going. Life honors those who keep going.
I totally didnt think that would happen. At worst, a bad apology statement, a year of laying low and self reflection amd then awkward rehabilitation with the public.
Cartonist Kayfab, Yah Boy Zack/Comicsmatter and other Artist Inspired my to start my Channel. Whatever "They Said on the Internet" He did...well, I would have waited to see whats what. But as always the Hysterical Witchhunt Starts. And Lives get destroyed. If he has done (something) wrong... it is up to time, or people or to whoever to Judge that.
But well. This is Tragic. And ...man.
I thought the girl was 17 going on 18. That makes the girl a minor. That does not mean underage for consent to sexual relations. Must be factual about things. 16 is the age of consent. Being a minor means you're not allowed to buy alcohol or buy a gun or have political voting privileges. Even though she was 17 it means it was a bad idea and immoral if he's not trying to marry the woman. As you had said it was not illegal. Unless I have it wrong about the instance in which you're talking about. People keep saying underage, underage. But then when you look at the facts she was a minor by law. That doesn't equate the same and that's why we can say that he did nothing illegal with evidence provided, to this date.
I think Jim Rugg is going to need a lot of support. This thing happened so fast.
I’m not going to say rest in peace because Ed hated that pithy crap. A fucking terrible loss. I cried this morning when I found out. Kayfabe was like my companion when things were really dark for me.
I appreciate your heartfelt video and honest sharing Robert.
Yeah I’m pretty upset about it too. It really makes you hate everybody, especially those people who were posting videos about how he was a creep last week because Ed didn’t bend the knee to their group and are now making videos giving Ed’s family their condolences and using his death as ammunition to make shots at their enemies. As if they aren’t the same exact thing.
I never liked Red Room at all myself, but I'm sorry about Piskor's suicide and I can respect his passion about comics as a medium and will always remember such things as him and Jim Rugg interviewing Dave Gibbons and doing a complete study of Watchmen with Gibbons at the same time, and exposure of such things as the Captain Marvel and The Monster Society of Evil to Frank Frazetta's more obscure art. Kayfabe did a Hell of job of promoting comics as a medium across the board for so many years when most other UA-cam “comic book channels” strictly covered comic book movies and little else.
Only thing I'd disagree with is where you said no-one cares what you have to say. I remember finding your channel and you talked about how Kayfabe inspired you and it was the same for me. This was beautifully said and heartfelt and honest. Thank you Rob. Ed's death affected me way more than I expected. That channel was a lifesaver during lockdown. I'm sad and I'm angry at the damn mob of spiteful little ghouls who couldn't wait to get their knives out. You're right, the world is a dark place and now it's a bit darker. Ed was one of the rare lucky ones who made his passion his profession and in a week he saw his reputation, career and future disappear while friends and colleagues distanced themselves or turned on him. I hate that he did this and felt this was the only option he had. RIP Ed Piskor and condolences to his family.
Well, I had no idea of any of this til just now. This is really terrible news on so many levels.
Thank you so much for making this video. I listened to many similar statements in the last couple days, but yours was the best. I didn't know Ed and until last week the only times I ever talked or wrote about him was to recommend his UA-cam channel, which was unparalleled and the best channel of its sort by far. Last week, however, after the allegations broke I made an Instagram story in which I said that his persona of wearing sunglasses and a hat inside all the time was "a warning sign" or "a red flag" or something. A week later, I see his hat and sunglasses as protective measures from a person who, despite his hiphop braggadocio, was actually very shy. For the most part, like you, I enjoyed his UA-cam personality, but sometimes I thought that the act went on too long and he seemed "fake" at times. I still loved his channel, but I wished that he could be more genuine, drop the shades more often, and not used forced hiphop slang so often. I didn't understand what he was going through. (Even his final note included some glib turns of phrase that seem like kayfabe...) I don't think you saw my Instagram post, but if you did and it pissed you off, I'm sorry. I'm sure I wasn't the only one complaining about Ed last week, and my commentary was briefer and less cruel than most. Still, of course I wish I had said nothing. Like others have said, it's a complicated situation now, but the overriding emotion is sadness that it got to this point, because he did not deserve to lose everything. I had no idea he was so close to the edge. I wish we lived in a society where forgiveness was possible enough for Ed to realize that he could be forgiven for his behavior. I wish we lived in a society where Ed didn't need the sunglasses.
R.I.P. Ed you will be missed and your story will be told. This toxic cancel culture needs to stop and people NEED TO WAIT FOR INFORMATION TO COME OUT!!!
Edit: youtube is running ads on this video so don't think they going take it down. You safe I believe.
I loved Cartoonist Kayfabe. Ed, Jim, and Tom were our guys, and I am shocked and mystified by all of this-I had no idea until I watched your video.
As I don't know the man or any other players personally, I won't comment on the events leading up to this tragedy. Still, my heart goes to his family, and I hope his comics will remain in circulation indefinitely.
Heartbroken over this. My heart goes out to his family.
Shit escalated so quick. Pretty wild. One week ago I’m watching their 1980s comic review video and now Eddy P is dead and Jim Rugg is hiding out. Wild. I was a fan of the channel, but they had some issues- stuck up, almost pretentious at times, they shadow banned half their subscribers, played petty games (won’t take pic with Noah Van Sciver?!), etc. But none of that really matters when someone takes their own life.
RIP Eddy P. He didn’t break any laws. Any the texts are not worth this shit.
I have no desire to speculate on the death of artist Ed Piskor. I was a fan of the work he and Jim Rugg did on their UA-cam channel. Their interest in their medium was infectious and their commentaries were interesting. "Fair winds and following seas" to Mr. Piskor's family.
Still reeling from this one. I haven't drawn or collected comics in a long time but I still do art and conventions. That was my favorite YT channel and they were very inspiring to listen to. These ghouls who were determined to cancel Ed undoubtedly have their own skeletons in their closets. This whole situation is so sad and upsetting. I'll miss Ed.
Damn dude. You really spoke for me in this video. And so did Liefeld. I feel messed up about the whole thing. Wish I'd been one of the people who reached out to him. However unlikely and for whatever good that would've done. This suuuuucks.
Thanks my friend
wow this is crazy. i watched cartoonist kayfabe channel for a while and just recently heard about the allegations......now this!!! this is truly shocking. this is horrible. i loved watching those 2 going over comics and always did great interviews.
Good on you bro. This was a good tribute.
IA couple of days ago, I was listening to a Stream by thinking Critical and i felt sick, his guests were just trashing Ed in a way that was way unfair, and this guys are not kids, they are grown adults. but all i could get out their vibe was a lot of envy.
I needed to watch your video, you put to words what i never could. I wasnt even the biggest Ed Piskor fan but i respected him a lot and loved Cartoonist Kayfabe. I feel bad for even lightly speculating before this all came out. I will never make that mistake again. Lord Jesus Christ please forgive Ed, he didnt have the strength to handle this and seek you for guidance.
Very sad about the loss of Ed, this was terrible. When I was younger I would've loved a channel like Comics Kayfabe 😢
ppl just need a reason, any reason. to tear ppl down, anger is addicting
Too bad he couldn't just release the letter and let that be it. It will be interesting to hear what Ethan Van Sciver has to say about this as he was onevof his most vocal critics.
Ethan already spoke on the matter and actually broke the news. He stands on what he said like a man. Ed cancelled him, his brother and many others no one made a fuss about it. It's never fun when the tables are turned.
Great video on Piskor. Probably the best of all the tribute videos I've seen. Also watch your brother's videos. Had no idea you guys were related. Been watching you separately for a little while now. Enjoy what both of you do.
Well said.
Thanks for sharing your thoughs on this. I was also inspired by CK channel and now all that joy is gone. I feel sad and dissapointed, but somehow now i'm more desperate to keep creating. Maybe is one good thing to come out of all of this mess.
I still can't wrap my head around this
I agree with you. Seeing, knowing Ed and Jim’s friendship, no way they desert each other. I still can’t stop thinking about it. I’ve been avoiding this in my feed. I didn’t know them but they feel like old friends. Gutted!!!
the kayfabe boys where my inspiration too. he will be sadly missed. thanks for the info. rip ed.
Ed's comment about Jim's statement in his last Facebook post was that it hurt and that he lost a friend.
As for his sunglasses and cap, Ed suffered from ulcerative colitis from an early age. This condition causes light sensitivity and also alopecia (early hair loss). It also significantly impacts sex drive due to sex often causing severe pelvic pain, so the fact that he was a sex fiend or attempting to set up a harem is extremely debatable.
Ed and Jim always treated me kindly. Ed called me the "Dark Prince of Independent comics" that is a title I will wear like a badge of honor. The world has lost a genuine Talent. A true Gem. Comics, wether they know it or not, will never be as good with him gone.
I met Ed at Heroescon 2018. He was such a kind dude and took time to just chat with me about hip hop. This one hurts bad.
It seems to me that Ed did not have a good support network outside of the comics industry friends he had. I think that made the turmoil around his personal life completely derail things. From hearing Ed on his channel and from people who know Ed personally he was a prickly character. I think that made his personal life more difficult in terms of having partners or close friends. We all need people who love and care about us regardless of work life. I am really torn up about this. Such a sudden loss of a creative and interesting person. Your mistakes are not who you are, face up to them and move on. I have no doubt Ed could have done just that and he would still be here. Sadly missed.
Thank you for this. It should have never come to this. There were so many factors here and we never even got a verdict. Instead it was dog pile and schadenfreude. He messed up but his death does not balance the scales. To lose everything because you were at a weak point? Terrible.
I like how you worded that. His death doesn’t balance the scales. So well said
I met Ed at a con nearly ten years ago and have followed his career since then. We talked about 90's comics, Rob Liefeld-- the difference in newstand paper stock from 80's and 90's. The types of tools we liked to use.
He was very nice and gracious, a lot of of makers are stand-offish and are hostile to people they perceive as fans or wannabes. Not Ed, he loved to talk about the details and the process.
I'm glad you decided to make the video. Respect. RIP Ed.
This is a tragedy. My heart goes out to him and his family. I thought about Ed all night as well. He was a man who made mistakes as we all do. He could have made a public apology, instead the cancel culture went after him. He was a man and now he's gone. Rest in peace, Ed.
I think Ed was a big fish in a small pond, and by that I mean that he was successful in comics when so many people aren’t. And I think (especially with American comics being a relatively small industry) that puts a target on your back. I think people resent that success. I’ve heard Sean Gordon Murphy basically say as much in interviews.
This broke my heart so bad…. 😢😢😢
I really enjoy your videos in general. This was a good one too. If only he'd seen another way out. I thought he was a very media savvy guy who would see a way through. But I guess he couldn't face the professional impact of being dropped by companies "just in case", a life of side-eye at cons, comments online etc. Desperately sad. Take care of yourself and take comfort in that there are way more people feeling this than Piskor would have thought.
I had no idea this was even going on. Staying away from social media for a while is always good. ED should have done that and just stayed away for a while. Maybe just focus on his craft.. That much sudden negative attention must be overwhelming i guess, but he should have gave himself a chance for the sake of his family. He made this decision way too quick. But everyone is different. Im sure you learned too Rob, never give up hope. Its always possible for things to work out. Im sure Jim Rugg is beside himself. Cant imagine. Really sad situation. Hope they keep that youtube channel up. Its invaluable information. RIP.
Thank you for talking about this horrible experience that we true fans will remember and live with for the rest of our lives: R.I.P., Eddie P. 🙏🏼❤️
Rest In Paradise Eddie P.🕯
Absolutely tragic. I hope all those cyber bullies feel remorse for what they’ve done
They don't. And, make no mistake, they won't stop.
Unforgivable? I’m not condoning suicide but they literally took away his entire life. I completely understand how he ended up in this situation feeling like he had no other option. Don’t be angry with him, be sad that he felt that way. Signed-a suicide survivor
I DO feel sad he felt that way. And i talked about how i had thought about doing something similar. But all the pain is now lumped on his parents… brothers and sisters…. Friends and coworkers. Now THEY all get to go thru this pain.
To be honest, his show was the best. Why he would ever think dm-ing a 17 yr old girl to stay over at his house was a good idea is lost on me.
I keep wondering the same. That wasn't a smart move.
Good video Rob. I came across CK during the pandemic and was instantly hooked. Ed seemed so passionate about the art of comics and so respectful of its history. I don't know how to feel about the whole situation, but I appreciate you talking about it. Very tragic ending.
As far as I understand he was texting someone who was 17 but none of the texts I read were explicit, obscene or even overtly sexual. No crime was committed.
It just seems such a tragedy
An unfortunate story all around. And man, did UA-cam adfuck the shit out of this video. They plugged an ad in about every 2-3 minutes...
Nice video , Rob. Tragic all around.
He worked hard to build his career and had friended big shots in the industry and maybe was ashamed at what the fallout would have been to lose all of that.
this is just ….so sudden …. I can hear his voice in my head…It’s so hard to believe
Ed was a character. Incredibly sad.
This really is terrible. I loved Red Room and now this great book will never be worked on again, let alone see Ed continue being an artist. It's unfair this whole cancel culture and internet mob drove him to take his own life.
Rest in peace Ed. Thank you ❤
Beautiful video, Man. Im still shocked. I will miss his work so much. RIP Eddie Piskor.
My mother committed suicide.
Is this a April fools day joke?
Sad. I recently discovered CK, and UA-cam suggested your channel which led me to discover you, and for months both of your channels were must watch content for me. I really wished there was another way out for Ed. I have a lot of thoughts, but a too many for a comment section . Thank you for saying something. I know it's cathartic, but if you have any kind of platform, saying anything leaves you open to people bashing you if your opinion doesn't match or isn't as strongly worded as their own. Wishing you comfort as you process this and hopefully we can all learn something about ourselves.
That means a lot. Thank you so much
Great video. Thank you.
Excellent take, man. A real tragedy this happened.
I dont want to promote more hate or pain but I hope justice will be served. But the kind of justice that is needed is something that doesnt thrive much anymore. People used to be held accountable for strong accusations that turned out to be false.
Something about this really doesnt sit right. This culture is double fkd. The auto attacks and on the other end people folding for the people that dont deserve the satisfaction. A##holes playing social justice mouthpieces. Some of the worse sociopaths out there. And it is those people who become increasingly poisonous the more you hold them accountable. Anything to save face, deflect and dismiss responsibility for being a piece of s##t talking cockroach.
That girl seemed to have a bitter streak in her that was looking for a target. Issues perhaps? Check the history. Check to see if depression and social problems were present.
ED. I cant beleive it bro. It didnt have to be this way. Someone forgot to tell you that you should have let some weeks pass as the dust settled.
I dont know what else to say. Accept that I KNOW IT WASNT NECESSARY AND YOU ED COULD HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH IT HAD YOU WERE CONCENTRATING ON THE SUPPORT YOU WERE GETTING.
Ed’s legacy is not only an admirable body of work but the whole community of people he inspired to make more comics
Well damn. We all have demons.
Human beings are deeply flawed and despite legitimate concerns I think many forget that these are real living people. A very similar thing happened to A Night In The Wood's creator. These are artists, its not just a job, its their soul bared.
Well said
Thanks Robert for this, we lost one of ours in this comic game. Who knew PC culture would make its way to our section of entertainment, poor Ed fell victim to man hate mafia.
great thoughtfull video Robert.... so unhappy that he decided to unalive himself and not just weather it out.... there is always sunshine at the end of the tunnel... even if hard to see
You’ll be missed Ed
I think you did a good job.
awful, just awful . . . he will be missed.
This is horrible. I feel gut-punched. Ed was a good guy and a true creative genius. He inspired a lot of people & he will be missed.