Sadly I got the news last night of Dwayne’s death last night.
Only a few days ago I’d e-mailed Dwayne to invite him to watch my film “CornerStore” because there’s a scene where 4 black guys stand around discussing comicbooks. Specifically Black superheroes. And I soooo wanted him to see this scene and relate to it. And maybe even laugh at it.
If there’s a heaven up above I know he will get to see it. I met Dwayne many times over the years beginning in the late 80′s. He was Black man from Detroit like me. Yet he had climbed to such great heights in a business I loved and knew there were so few of us in. Comics. He worked at Marvel. Then DC then created Milestone media with his esteemed partners.
He had put words into Spiderman, The Fantastic Four, Superman, Wonder Woman and the entire Justice League. He created frakking STATIC one of the best young adult superheros since Peter Parker (and I hope lives on in the DCU forever!). He was a dreamer who created dreams for others and future generations. One of the reasons he will live forever.
I got the pleasure to edit his weekly column TO BE CONTINUED for 5 or 6 memorable months for Psycomic 2.0 when I worked there. I learned so much from him, his humility and good humor. He cared dearly for his fellow man, Black people and superheroes. I’m going to miss him but I’m so blessed and lucky to have admired him, met him, worked with him and loved him.
The fight continues for proper Black representation in ALL media. Even good old fashioned comics which Mr. McDuffie so loved. I and others will continue it, until we too are gone with only cherished memories remaining for those we touched through our stories and deeds. Rest in Peace Dwayne.
Joe Doughrity
LA 2.23.11
