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Update: Checkout Gilead's new profile page on Vindicatorsgo.com
Hey everybody, I've been meaning to write this journal entry for a while now, but I just haven't been able to manage it until now. I had knee surgery at the start of the year and unfortunately it did not go well. I went in for a meniscus repair and wound up getting a meniscectomy which is a complete removal of the meniscus. The result was me on my back in agony for the last four months. This would not have been so bad if I could have done some artwork but I just couldn’t focus through the pain and the drugs. Bad times.
Then I got the news that my friend Gary (Hulkdaddy G) Pope had passed. Those of you that follow me regularly are probably aware of Gary's page and our friendship.
But for those who don't... Gary and I met here on DA years ago when he reached out as Vindicator fan. I didn't realize how much of a fan until he traveled to New York Comic Con for the Vindicators debut. Even then he was struggling with health issues, but pressed through them just to be there for the event. We've been good friends ever since.
We talked superheroes and comics and ran story ideas by each other. Gary was especially proud of his OC Gilead. So I didn't see it coming when he essentially asked me to adopt Gilead into the Vindicators. I was shocked by this for several reasons, primarily because I knew how much he loved the character.
I encouraged him to develop the character on his own because he had a great concept and he'd regret giving it up. But I didn't think Gary felt confident in his ability to see the idea through. Or at least that's what I thought then.
Gary moved to Georgia with his family and I visited him there when I was In town. It was then I realized the extent of his health issues. Gary could barely stand. He assured me he had a plan to improve his health and mobility and I believed him.
Over time Gary became less communicative. When I ask what was up he was evasive and I didn't press, I should have. When I last communicated with him he informed me he'd possibly be moving into an assisted care facility. Again, I should have asked more questions. It was the last time I heard from him.
Gary was always a helpful and supportive friend and I fear I failed to be the same for him. I think now he was asking me to take Gilead the way you might ask a friend to take care of your favorite pet if thought you might not be around to do it yourself. So I'm going to do just that. From now on Gilead will reside in the Rodcom Universe. My friend may be gone, but part of him will live on in the pages of the Vindicators.
© 2020 - 2026 RODCOM1000
Comments19
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I've been gone for quite a while and Omer aka MangaAngel told me today that Gary passed. Very sad news indeed. Gary was a good man. Had a fantastic character and it was a pleasure working with him in on M.O.C.C. back in the day. It will always be a cherished memory. Keep your head up sir. In this time with everything being so crazy I know its rough. But like you told me a long time ago, tough times never last. Tough people do. And I kept that in mind always.