Comic Book Artist Ian McGinty passed away at Age 38

Ian McGinty • Comic book • Welcome to Showside • Obituary • Adventure Time • Invader Zim: Comic book writer and artist Ian McGinty passed away early Thursday, June 8.

His mother wrote (in a post shared by a family friend), "We have lost a son, a brother, and a good friend." At the time of writing, his mother did not reveal the official cause of his passing, instead using her own words to eulogize her son. 'Ian was the kindest person on the planet. [We will always love you. May your kind heart carry on in the lives of the many people you touched," she continued.

McGinty, who was born on May 6, 1985, is the author of various American 's art and writing for comics based on the animated series; in 2015, production company Modern Prometheus (co-founded by Z2 founder Josh Frankel) produced a comic book series by McGinty creators, "Welcome to Showside" was optioned for the animated pilot; McGinty provided the art for the pilot, as well as the script and voice acting for the main character, Kit. Prior to the pilot's release, he told the Hollywood Reporter that the experience of bringing his series to another medium was "really daunting and something I've never done before. [I] can't wait for everyone to see this world and the characters that live in it!" he said.

Z2 Comics, which published McGinty's creator-owned series "Welcome to Showside," has since issued its own statement. In it, the company called him "a true friend of Z2 ... . for his brilliant art, his humorous and thoughtful writing, and his promise to always be young at heart," it said. [Ian's legacy will live on forever in his art. We are grateful to have worked with him and been his friends. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones."

Various members of the art and animation community have been reminiscing about McGinty on social media, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.