ESPN’s Bill Simmons had a link to sadkermit.com, with a clip of everybody’s favorite frog singing Johnny Cash’s “Hurt”, complete with images of Kermit shooting up heroin and staring at portraits of Miss Piggy and Jim Henson. It reminded me of the saddest comic I ever read, Chris Aubry’s “I Still Think Of You, Jim Henson”. The piece originally ran in the back of Cerebus 162. I remember sobbing for nearly an hour when I saw it.
I’m running it here, but with some trepidation. I couldn’t find any information as to Aubry’s current whereabouts, so I’m running this without his permission. I’d feel worse about it, but the strip shouldn’t be forgotten. Chris, if you’re out there, drop me an email or comment here with what you’re currently up to (or, if you want, a request to pull this down; I’ll understand and comply).
So what’s the saddest comic you’ve ever read? Drop a line in the comments.
I couldn’t get through Maus. I don’t know if I could finish it. Too depressing.
Great blog you have.
Hi, Ray,
Currently, I’m a high school English teacher. (Having said that, I will now proceed to make as many grammatical/spelling errors as possible.) I used to get occasional letters from far away (like Canada and the UK)in response to my cartoon, which was awesome, and now I enjoy it every time I see it pop up on the Internet. I’m glad the cartoon seems to have a life of its own, and I’m glad to discover there are people like yourself who are still affected by it. Having Dave Sim ask me if he could publish it had to be one of the best and most surreal moments of my life.
News articles in 1990 described Big Bird singing Jim Henson’s signature song “Bein’ Green” in a wavering voice at Henson’s funeral. I would have given anything to hear it.
Thanks for posting the cartoon and sharing your comments.
Chris
I was wondering if anyone knows how to get an email to Mr. Aubry.
I’d definitely have to give a vote to this unofficial “last calvin and hobbes comic.”
god that was sad. talk about a downer
Don’t know if this qualifies, but the “Speechless” poster honoring Mel Blanc at his death always puts a lump in my throat.
Here was the best version I could find online, kind of hard to see.
poster
An issue of the Hulk from the 1970’s, featuring the hobo Crackajack Jackson. He dies at the end.
Bengo
http://floatinglightbulb.blogspot.com/
Me again. It’s Hulk 182. Here’s a detailed rundown on the story.
http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/cracjack.htm
I saw him at Staple (www.staple-austin.com)
and picked up this comic. as a long-time muppet fan, i love it!
There is another Jim Henson cartoon like the Mel Blanc one. All the muppets were sullen and acting as pallbearers for his casket.
Amazing Spider-Man #248, the assistant editors month. I had started collecting comics with ASM #254, and the letter column was an overflow from the previous issue. “The Kid Who Collected Spider-Man” is the backup story, and is one of the best stories Marvel has ever published. The story does things which can only be done in comics, and I’m misty eyed right now just thinking about it.
Two others, which don’t really fit here: Astro City 1/2 “The Nearness Of You” and Fantastic Four #285, “Hero”.
The saddest moment for me in the death of Jim Henson was a cartoon from the LA Times (I think?) sent to me as wrapping inside a package. It showed Kermit in top hat and tails, sitting in the alley outside the Muppet Theater, staring out directly at me, with a caption that read “I lost my voice.”
I’m shedding tears right now, and I read that comic nearly 18 years ago.
RIP, Jim.
Chris,
You can find a video of Big Bird singing at Jim Henson’s funeral on YouTube. Make sure you have plenty of tissue.
“I had started collecting comics with ASM #254, and the letter column was an overflow from the previous issue. “The Kid Who Collected Spider-Man†is the backup story, and is one of the best stories Marvel has ever published.”
Oh my! I remember reading that one. It was the first time I ever got teary-eyed because of a comic book! It was simply powerful.
I used to have a comic strip I had cut out when Henson died that was Mickey and Big Bird sitting on a park bench, with Mickey consoling Big Bird stating, “I know how you feel”.
I kept it for so long, but have not seen it in years. If anyone knows were it can be found on the net plase let me know.
Thanks.
Not the best wat to start a good post. Johnny Cash’s “Hurt†is not Johnny Cash’s. Its Trent Reznor’s. But that being said. Mine would be the one you just had me read. :.( we all miss you Jim.