It was announced earlier today that famed Batman artist Norm Breyfogle had passed away over the weekend. Breyfogle was best known for the six years he spent dedicated to drawing the character Batman at DC Comics, and the years after when he would go on to intermittently reprise his role illustrating the Dark Knight while also helming his own projects.
Breyfogle was also known for his six-issue creator-owned work Metaphysique, which combines elements of virtual reality, the mystical and the superhero genre. Also of note is Breyfogle’s entry in Malibu Comics’ Ultraverse line, Prime, which focused on a teenage boy who could turn into an adult superhero.
RELATED: Norm Breyfogle: ‘I’m Crying Tears of Joy Every Day’
While the details the Breyfogle’s death are being kept private for the moment, the artist did suffer a stroke in 2015. Breyfogle subsequently created a crowdfunding campaign to help him pay for his medical costs, an amount totaling roughly $200,000. The nonprofit Hero Initiative helps comic book creators, many of whom work as uninsured freelancers, to pay for such medical fees in times of crisis.
As a veteran of the comic book industry, Breyfogle had the opportunity to meet and befriend many other creators. Today, many of those creators took to Twitter to share their condolences, grief and fond memories in light of the artist’s passing. Here is how the comic book industry remembers Norm Breyfogle, one of their own:
Artist Norm Breyfogle’s undeniable impact on the Dark Knight will live on in the hearts of his fans. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/IKOgEceh39
— DC (@DCComics) September 27, 2018
Tremendously saddened to hear of the passing of the great artist Norm Breyfogle. With his dynamic and expressive style, he was one of the beloved, definitive Batman artists who brought him to life for generations of appreciative comics fans. https://t.co/x38VMQCUgm
— Jim Lee (@JimLee) September 27, 2018
Deeply saddened to hear of Norm Breyfogle’s passing. His Batman was a staple of my youth, and his contributions to comics in general, and Gotham City in particular, are immeasurable. I imagine the Batsignal lit just for him tonight. #RIP pic.twitter.com/u4w20fZsD7
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) September 26, 2018
With the passing of Norm Breyfogle, who used crowdfunding to help pay for treatment after a stroke, it’s worth mentioning that comic book creators are freelancers, and often do not have adequate insurance or any at all. Support the @heroinitiative if you can. Thank you.
— Tim Seeley NYCC B25 (@HackinTimSeeley) September 26, 2018
When I close my eyes and think of Batman (which I do oddly often and occasionally professionally), I see Norm Breyfogle’s cover for Batman 465.
The protector and his ward. The bats in the night. The cape and the shadow.
RIP Mr. Breyfogle. Thank you for the beautiful dreams. pic.twitter.com/qPfKKzQnCI
— Tom King (@TomKingTK) September 26, 2018
Incredibly saddened by the news that Norm Breyfogle has died. I never met Norm, but his work was a massive influence on me and my path in life. I can’t even tell you, I just love his work so much. His Batman is iconic, but it was through Norm’s vision that I first met Nightwing. pic.twitter.com/haftATwDHz
— Andy Khouri (@andykhouri) September 26, 2018
So saddened to hear of the passing of Norm Breyfogle. I never got to meet the man but talk about someone who defined a whole era of my life and continued to be a huge inspiration into adulthood and my career.
Breyfogle was THE Batman artist. Rest In Peace, sir. pic.twitter.com/59u7QlsbhV
— Mitch Gerads @NYCC K-34 (@MitchGerads) September 26, 2018
RIP Norm Breyfogle. The definitive Batman artist for a generation – but of course, he did so much more than that. His mastery of line, flow, storytelling and emotion – both subtle and operatic – shone through in every panel. pic.twitter.com/s0r0QY7DDa
— Al Ewing Writes Comics And Tells You About Them (@Al_Ewing) September 26, 2018
I just heard that Norm Breyfogle has passed away. I had the pleasure of working with Norm on THE SPECTRE and he was a wonderful collaborator: powerful drawing, impeccable storytelling—and he really thought about the stories. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/GTiBtgtQSn
— J.M. DeMatteis (@JMDeMatteis) September 26, 2018
There was a time when Norm Breyfogle’s depiction of Batman was absolutely iconic and embraced by readers all over the world. He left us far too soon. RIP.
— Dan Jurgens (@thedanjurgens) September 26, 2018
Saddened to hear of Norm Breyfogle’s passing. He had a unmistakable style all his own and inspired many Batman creators with his work, including me. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/UFSbXhnQZs
— Tony S Daniel (@TonyDanielx2) September 26, 2018
Batman artist Norm Breyfogle passed away. Norm’s Batman was pure adrenalin rush. Everything was drawn to suit what Norm wanted to express, his exuberance on the page could not be pinned down by mundane mechanics and necessities.
He will be remembered. pic.twitter.com/PBi3iapBaO— Patch Zircher (@PatrickZircher) September 26, 2018