Joseph Melchior
Member Since December 2005
256 Artworks | Watched by 218

RIP SAM KIETH Sandman 1 pg 9 by Sam Kieth & Mike Dringenberg

Location: Sandman/Death Art
Artists: Sam Kieth (Penciller) ,  Mike  Dringenberg (Inker)

295  Views  -  20  Comments  -  31  Likes

Artwork Details
Location: Sandman/Death Art
Title: RIP SAM KIETH Sandman 1 pg 9 by Sam Kieth & Mike Dringenberg
Artist:  Sam Kieth (Penciller) ,  Mike  Dringenberg (Inker)
Media Type: Pen and Ink
Art Type: Interior Page
For Sale Status: NFS
Views: 295
Likes on CAF: 31
Comments: 20
Added to Site: 3/22/2026

Share This Artwork
Description
I was greatly saddened to learn of Sam Kieth's untimely passing at just 63 years. I knew he was gravely ill but it still came as quite a shock.


I first contacted Sam in 1988 when Sandman 1 came out. He couldn't have been politer to some strange kid from overseas ringing him out of the blue (and blowing up his parent's phone bill as Sam liked to talk too.)


We had had some very pleasant chats and he was so very self effacing; he just couldn't understand why I liked his art (especially when I was also a fan of Brian Bolland & Steve Rude's work). He shared how difficult he found the experience of working on Sandman which would ultimately lead to his leaving the title. He also confided that he was thinking of destroying his Sandman originals which I persuaded him not to do. A couple of months later I walked into my local comic shop and ran into Neil Gaiman who was asking the comic shop owner Paul how he might locate "Joseph". Sam had sent something for me but it seemed no one knew/remembered my name. The item in question was the splash to Sandman 1. (also in this gallery) Sam would later tell me that the splash was the thing about his Sandman that he liked best. Years later he reached out to me with the aim of buying back the splash from me. When I said he could just have it back he said he'd changed his mind and that he liked that I still owned and valued it.


Sam also asked me to promise that when I wrote my first comic I’d give him first shot at illustrating it. Which confounded me since I explained to him that I had no pretensions to writing. Guess it was the English accent!


I later lost touch with Sam but finally in 2013 got to meet (and surprise him) at the Sandman 25th anniversary reunion at San Diego. He wrote a bit about it in his blog:
http://samkieth.blogspot.com/2013/08/sdcc-25th-years-sandman-panel-tons-of.html


In 2016 Albert asked if I could act as line wrangler and keep Sam company when he was a guest at the Boston Con. I was happy to assist and it was great to spend time and chat with him. He sent me a very gracious note afterwards thanking me for my help and my company.


My early experiences with creators like Sam are what solidified my enthusiasm for the hobby and the industry. He couldn't have been more friendly and open and at a time when I was a complete stranger to him. And I'll cherish those memories. RIP Sam.


Thanks to Migs for this page which *finally* allows me to reunite the 2 pages and have them framed together.

About The Owner

Contact Joseph Melchior

Login or register for an account to email the owner of this artwork.

Comments on this Artwork

You must be logged in to make comments.
Simon M. Member Since 2003
Posted On 3/22/2026

By itself this is a great page. Next to the splash, it becomes exceptional. We've lost a great talent, but he leaves behind a great body of work to enjoy and remember him well for.

Simon Ma Member Since 2013
1    
Posted On 3/22/2026

Very sorry to hear that Sam Kieth has passed away. My introduction to him was via his association with Bill Messner-Loebs who might have published some of his earliest work in the back of Journey, and then scripted The Maxx. That is a truly wonderful write-up and it is always gratifying when an artist whose work you admire and enjoy also turns up to be a great human being also. I was never into Sandman but I would follow Sam’s work – the MCP Wolverine serial is a classic – and it is sad I will not see his name on any new comics, but I am more sorry for all the friends and family he has left behind. Thank you for the upload, and your appreciation and reminiscence. I was quite moved by your description. My condolences to you for the loss of your friend. 

Jason K Member Since 2018
Posted On 3/22/2026

Beautiful history, Joe. 

Ron B Member Since 2024
Posted On 3/22/2026

Shocked and saddened to hear of Sam Kieth's passing. My condolences to Sam's family and friends. Thank you for sharing a timeless page and some of your interactions with Sam over the years. 

To Sam - if you're out there in the cosmos reading this someday, somehow - thank you for all the passion and creativity you shared with us. One of one. RIP

Rick W Member Since 2017
Posted On 3/22/2026

Beautiful page and tribute. RIP Sam

Brent S Member Since 2016
Posted On 3/22/2026

Beautiful page but an even more beautiful tribute. Rest in peace Sam

Robert Altamura Member Since 2006
Posted On 3/22/2026

Beautiful story. His style was so unique and wonderful at the same time. Especially Sandman. Now to read the Max. 

Amir E Member Since 2020
Posted On 3/22/2026

Thanks for sharing Joe. Congrats on acquiring this additional page.

Aidan (Re-Legion ) Lacy Member Since 2005
Posted On 3/22/2026

An incredible backstory for a beautiful & powerful page. Those encounters are so deeply cherished. It was great chatting with you at OAX 

Posted On 3/23/2026

Incredible and beautiful!

West Stephan Member Since 2007
Posted On 3/23/2026

RIP Sam!

Will Tervay Member Since 2005
Posted On 3/23/2026

Stories like this are what it's all about.  Great memories and tribute to Sam.  The art isn't half bad either.  ;)  R.I.P. Sam.

Tyler T Member Since 2020
Posted On 3/23/2026

Just fantastic to hear your interactions with him. This page is a great example of how he could incorporate panels into the entire design of the page. His style was truly unique but his approach and layout to an interior was as well. 

Kavi H Member Since 2018
Posted On 3/23/2026

Thanks for sharing that personal history and story alongside this Sandman 1 page, great tribute. RIP.

John Espinoza Member Since 2014
Posted On 3/23/2026

What a wonderful page to own, Joseph, but best of all is your rememberance of Sam. Thank you for sharing.

Mark Levy Member Since 2004
Posted On 3/24/2026

I am envious of your memories - congrats on such an amazing pair of art pieces!

Joshua Matthews-Sims Member Since 2022
Posted On 3/24/2026

I have no idea why he didnt find his work on Sandman strong. I find it highly unique, well drawn and excellently executed.

M L Member Since 2015
Posted On 3/26/2026

Really lovely memories - thanks for sharing. 

If it wasn't such a sombre occasion, I'd say something about not believing that the Italians are going to let someone terrible like you into the country again. 

Toni S Member Since 2019
Posted On 3/29/2026

Amazing and lovely tribute! Rest in Peace!!!

Miki Annamanthadoo Member Since 2003
Posted On 3/29/2026

A seminal piece of comics history, so beautifully illustrated!

You must be logged in to make comments.