Last week we received the sad news that David Burton had passed away. David was always so helpful to those in need especially donating his work to help animal rescues and always wanting to do even more. It's hard to be as kind in print to someone that was always so kind to everyone he seemed to meet. David was such a wonderful person and such a great talent. Not only has the comic industry lost a terrific talent, but the world has lost a wonderful person. I think his friend Ronald Hanna summed it up for us best below..........Thanks so much for the memories
DAVID BURTON – A MEMORIAL
by Ronald Hanna
This is perhaps the toughest article I've ever had to write, and yet as strange as it may seem, it's also the easiest. David Burton (March 10, 1960 – December 8, 2011) was a very dear friend of mine, as close as my own brother, and it broke my heart when I heard of his passing. He was a very accomplished artist, writer, poet, and creator who I had the pleasure of knowing, and working with, for many years. Primarily self-taught, he eventually began teaching others the craft of illustration, most notably by giving art lessons to children at his local Library. And in a way, that sums up what made him so special to myself and many others, and what made this article easy to write: He was a “giving” person. He has always done whatever he could to help others in need, especially animals... He was a huge friend to “all creatures great and small”, and he was always there for anybody who needed help, advice, or assistance. His work for various Charities is well-known amongst his friends.
His artwork was absolutely stunning. His depictions of Edgar Rice Burroughs' creations (Tarzan, John Carter, etc.) were met with much critical acclaim. Danton Burroughs (ERB's grandson) even once said that David's illustrations were probably the best that has ever been done, and that his grandfather would be proud of David's work. Ray Bradbury, the legendary Science Fiction and Fantasy author, even commissioned David to do a painting of “King Kong” that hangs on the wall of Bradbury's office. He was a friend of many well-known Comic Book artists such as Al Williamson, Gary Gianni, Michael Kaluta, and others... and Williamson always had very high praise for David's work, and yet, David remained fairly unknown outside of the Pop and Pulp Cultures that he adored. But he always strived to follow his dreams despite a lack of commercial success.
Recently, we had been working on publishing a full-color art book of his work, but since his death happened so suddenly, we are instead looking at doing a special “Tribute Issue” of my pulp magazine Startling Stories that will feature a cover by David, as well as a Gallery of his work. All proceeds from that issue will be donated to his favorite Animal Rescue Shelter in David's name. I think he would like that.
David Burton was a gentle soul, a humble man, and a talented artist... Most of all, he was my very dear friend... I love him, and I will miss him...
Rest in Peace, buddy...
