"Take your shot, kid."

 Archive

0

Gerard Conte started out as James’s intern at Marvel, believe it or not. He’s since become a dear friend, and has always been an incredibly talented artist. (The art of Gerard Conte.)

0

This lovely contribution came from David Marquez, who touched our hearts with his art, and more than earned the plate of thank-you cookies he’ll be getting at NYCC next weekend. (The art of David Marquez.)

0

“It’s time for me to follow through, James.” When we opened this sketch from Skottie Young, it was like having Grandpa whisper the sentiment directly into our hearts. (The art of Skottie Young.)

0

Charles Paul Wilson captures the lighthearted beauty of a boy and his grandpa for James. (The art of Charles Paul Wilson III.)

0

Riley Rossmo lends his exceptional talent to James and #JimViscardiDay. (Riley Rossmo’s art.)

20

Todd Nauck’s take on James and Grandpa Gullo. (Todd Nauck on Tumblr.)

0

A likeness of James and Grandpa Gullo, courtesy of the fantastic artist, Ryan Stegman. (The art of Ryan Stegman.)

0

This week, we lost a great man and leader in our family. Sal Gullo passed away at the age of 84, and a void was left that is too large for us ever to hope to fill. He was, among many, many other things, a man of love, compassion and influence. He left no life he encountered untouched, the life of my dear husband— his grandson— James, more than most. James had a better relationship with his grandfather than most people ever know with their own parents. All the things that were beautiful in Grandpa manifest themselves in James: his compassion, his humor, his willingness to love unconditionally and lend a shoulder, a hand or an ear without expectation or judgment. James is the kind of man you count yourself lucky to know. He got that from Grandpa Gullo.  For this reason, friends, colleagues and others touched by James also feel the loss of Grandpa Gullo. This Tumblr is an homage to the family legacy that a humble barber’s son handed down to his oldest grandchild. A huge, warm, resounding THANK YOU to the artists and comic professionals who contributed images to this project. It doesn’t begin to express my gratitude (there will be cookies at NYCC for that) but it’s a start.   Last but certainly not least, I want to pass on the lesson Grandpa always left us with at every holiday, birthday, phone conversation or idle chat: “Don’t ever be afraid to take your shot, kid.” They’re words to live by… and take me at my word when I tell you that Grandpa Gullo was a man who knew how to live.  -Mallory