I called my buddy Tim today to talk some business stuff, and the second his voice hit the phone I could tell there was something amiss.  He wasted no breath telling me that his wife’s brother was killed in a motorcycle accident a few days ago.  Those of you who know me well enough to know that I can completely empathize with such a sudden, senseless tragedy also know that when it hits this close to home, it hits even harder.  I never knew Stevhan.  I’ve never really even met Missy.  But I know Tim quite well---he’s become one of my great friends this past year during the making of SHOCK FESTIVAL---and I have to tellya, this is a tragedy that brings real tears to my eyes and makes my heart heavy.  To Tim and to Missy, my best love and condolences.  To Stevhan, my best Jedi wishes.  Because you are not really gone . . . so long as we remember you.  And remember you, we shall.

Stevhan Gobble was a great human being, a rock and roller, and the face of John Constantine in the bargain.  The Tim to which I refer is indeed Tim Bradstreet, and it a testament to the man’s sense of family that Stevhan was the model for his classic HELLBLAZER covers.  Those among you who are HB fans or Tim fans, head over to the memorial page at Facebook and pay your respects:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=2022376&id=1005663335&ref=mf

It means a lot to Missy and Tim.

As for me . . . I’m lighting a candle tonight, so that the legend and the memory never dies.  You have joined with the Force, Stevhan, and will always be with us.

STEPHEN