I began reading “Miss Peach” in the early 70s as a kid and “Momma” soon after.
Although “Momma” had been firmly in reruns for months, I didn’t know if Mell was sick or retired and I’d missed the obits six weeks ago. Sad to see this day but it’s great to see him “surrounded” by the friends who loved and admired him.
Actually, he was still drawing strips just a few weeks before his death with help from his wife. These latter strips were noticeably drawn with a shaky hand.
I don’t see any of Mell’s own characters, yet it has his signature. Did he prepare this in advance. Did the other artists personally contribute? Not really important, though I am curious..And though it eventually happens to us all, it’s still sad that he is gone.
I never met Mell, of course. But I learned a lot about him over the years, notably from Tom Gammill’s Learn to Draw videos on YouTube. I absolutely believe that Mell would have been delighted to see his (or Sonya’s) funeral played with a dark laugh or two along the way. I consider this strip a warm and loving tribute to Mell from those who knew him.
Rest in Peace, Mell.Thanks for all the years of enjoyment you gave to me.I have fond memories of the Miss Peach strip as well as Momma.My sincere condolences to your family.You ARE missed.Goodbye, and thanks for all the smiles!
I didn’t know this, either. So who’s been drawing this, then? Dang it! Why is that whenever I add something new to my favorites, it goes away? I haven’t been reading this one all that long. I hope they go and put in a Momma Classics so I can start at the beginning.
So sorry to hear Mell has left us….May he rest in peace….and we are so grateful for all the years of fun and laughs he has given us. Such a sweet final strip!!
AtariDragon over 8 years ago
Wow, I didn’t know. Still, this is a harsh way to announce his passing.
dlkrueger33 over 8 years ago
This just gave me the chills. My Dad was born 1927 and also just passed away a few weeks ago…. RIP, Mell.
Curtis Mathews over 8 years ago
Rest in Peace, Mell. You will sorely be missed.
Gerard Carroll over 8 years ago
Oh Crap…wow…What a sad morning. Thank you for all the smiles you put on my face Mell. You sure are going to be missed
Lmccj over 8 years ago
Mell died in May. It was in all the papers.
Leeroy over 8 years ago
RIP Mell…. you will be missed. I have fond memories of the Miss Peach strip as well as Momma.
jbk864 over 8 years ago
Neither amusing, nor in good taste.You should have thought more along the lines of my framed Mel Blanc Tribute, by all his voices.
Helen Ferrieux over 8 years ago
To his family: I wish you long life.
sevenfeet0 over 8 years ago
I began reading “Miss Peach” in the early 70s as a kid and “Momma” soon after.
Although “Momma” had been firmly in reruns for months, I didn’t know if Mell was sick or retired and I’d missed the obits six weeks ago. Sad to see this day but it’s great to see him “surrounded” by the friends who loved and admired him.
Thomas Scott Roberts creator over 8 years ago
In Maria’s Day, we did a tribute a few weeks ago. This is for Mel:http://www.gocomics.com/marias-day/2016/05/29
xrilander over 8 years ago
Actually, he was still drawing strips just a few weeks before his death with help from his wife. These latter strips were noticeably drawn with a shaky hand.
micsal Premium Member over 8 years ago
Glad to see Farley and Mutts and Snoopy there ! RIP Mel
Tawanda over 8 years ago
I had no idea. RIP
gammaguy over 8 years ago
I don’t see any of Mell’s own characters, yet it has his signature. Did he prepare this in advance. Did the other artists personally contribute? Not really important, though I am curious..And though it eventually happens to us all, it’s still sad that he is gone.
Peter Gordon over 8 years ago
Are those Sergio Aragones margin comics in the lower left?
James Noury Premium Member over 8 years ago
I’m so sad! What a beautiful final strip.
Futabakun Premium Member over 8 years ago
I never met Mell, of course. But I learned a lot about him over the years, notably from Tom Gammill’s Learn to Draw videos on YouTube. I absolutely believe that Mell would have been delighted to see his (or Sonya’s) funeral played with a dark laugh or two along the way. I consider this strip a warm and loving tribute to Mell from those who knew him.
Skylark over 8 years ago
Oh! I am saddened. I did not know. I LOVED Momma! Whatever will become of Frances now??
brine Premium Member over 8 years ago
I think it’s a great tribute to his genius!!
noreenklose over 8 years ago
Rest in Peace, Mell.Thanks for all the years of enjoyment you gave to me.I have fond memories of the Miss Peach strip as well as Momma.My sincere condolences to your family.You ARE missed.Goodbye, and thanks for all the smiles!
nailer Premium Member over 8 years ago
Had no idea, R.I.P. Mr. Lazarus. Thanks for all the laughs.
Happy, happy, happy!!! Premium Member over 8 years ago
Nice job! Thank you.
bookworm0812 over 8 years ago
I didn’t know this, either. So who’s been drawing this, then? Dang it! Why is that whenever I add something new to my favorites, it goes away? I haven’t been reading this one all that long. I hope they go and put in a Momma Classics so I can start at the beginning.
Darryl Heine over 8 years ago
The final Momma first run strip?
lindz.coop Premium Member over 8 years ago
So sorry to hear Mell has left us….May he rest in peace….and we are so grateful for all the years of fun and laughs he has given us. Such a sweet final strip!!
arthurseery over 8 years ago
Oh Wow! Bye Momma, Bye Mell.
Glen.A.Zerbi almost 7 years ago
Luann is wearing Momma’s hat. Nice tribute by Greg Evans there. R.I.P. Mell :(
WILLIAM "THE STINGER" HOLLIFIELD over 4 years ago
RIP MOMMA SONYA
klesmiley_ Premium Member 4 months ago
I come back to this every so often. Very touching.