It is with a great deal of sadness that we announce that our friend, and now Patron Saint of Comics, Rory Root passed away on Monday. Rory was kind, understated, and smart. He promoted the underdog publishers, the zinesters, the ideas, the gay comics, weird fetish comics, and the Not Comics at All (like us) in his bookstore Comic Relief; without hiding them way in the back but front and center. His immense knowledge was not a self important one, as he often took time to discuss books with untrained aunts and uncles who happened to wander in.

As an indy publisher, there’s nothing like seeing your publication on the shelf at Comic Relief. When Annie and I started Hi-Fructose, Rory’s advice was beyond encouraging. Seeing the first issue on the shelves at CR made it all “real” somehow. I, like so many, will miss the long talks with you Rory. This is a huge loss for so many people. Goodbye to our friend. More on Root here