I met Chad
thru Deviant Art 7 years ago. His art was at a different level than mine, he was doing some pro work and I had just started drawing again after a 6 year layoff. For some reason he took a liking to me and made a point to offer me feed back and critique, always encouraging and helpful. His movie and book reviews are legendary, everyone loved reading up on what he had to say. When he heard we were starting a studio he said he wanted in (which surprised the hell out of me at the time). I remember the first time he colored some of my lines I was on cloud 9.
Everything seemed on track for us to start a big push.
Then we got the news that he had cancer. It was like a punch to the gut, I automatically thought the worst (I never knew anyone with cancer, my panic was unavoidable). Chad was very matter of fact in explaining what was going to happen and what he need to do win. Chad was the coolest dude, he was shaken but not defeated. He battled, he raged and he continued to make art. No excuses, no bullshit, no pity party. Just a dude on a mission to beat cancer.
He had his ups and downs, every victory cut short by a new recurrence. His fight continued, and he wearily kept pushing forward. He was for sure the under dog in this battle but I held hope that he would pull it out.
Talking to him about comics, art and movies was always a highlight. I will miss our conversations and our heated debates (he was a great debater). I'm satisfied in knowing that he was my friend and that he is now at peace.
You will be missed Chad Fuller.
Your Friend.
-Erick