Sal Buscema (1936 - 2026) RIP

Sal was the mainstay even through the 90's when many silver age guys were being phased out.  His stuff inked by Sienkiewicz during the 90's combined the storytelling and edginess of the times.  The industry has changed and legends from the bullpen are no more.  But Legends never die.  

A true legend in the field

His storytelling was superb, as was his mastery of theatrical expressions and body language to grip the reader and convey so much without word balloons. His comic style was immediately accessible and engaging, and he adapted his visual style to current trends - and he did so across several decades. His breakdowns were always in demand, and he was equally in demand as an inker - just think of his work on Barry Windsor Smith. And yes, as you note, his Defenders work was superb, both as a penciller and working layouts for Klaus Janson, managing to turn Gerber's weird visions into something that felt (at least on the surface) as though they really did belong entirely in the dynamic and colourful Marvel universe. RIP Sal.

Sal actually had no intention of becoming a penciller (can you imagine?).  He wanted to be a professional inker, that's it.  So it was John who specifically requested that his brother ink him on his iconic Silver Surfer series.  And Marvel also had the good sense to use him over much of BWS's short but seminal Conan run.  But it's hard for me to imagine my comic reading youth without Sal's incredible pencils on Cap, Defenders, and Hulk.  As you so eloquently put it, "immediately accessible and engaging."

Sal left an indelible mark on comics both as a penciler and inker. What a career he had! RIP Sal

My favorite Hulk artist of all time, but he was great on everything he worked on. I got a chance to meet him many many years ago and he signed my Hulk issue 254 with the first appearance of the U-Foes. This lost is really painful. RIP

Sal is a great loss. He's one of those artists who did not get all the love he deserved for producing so much memorable work over so many decades. RIP. His work will live on.

This was incredibly tough news to hear and while it saddended me deeply, I cannot escape all of the wonder and amazment that Sal's pencils paved the way for me in my formative, nostalgia filled years. As great of an artist as he was, he was an even greater human being - one of those times that meeting your "hero" didn't only not dissapoint, it elevated my appreciation even more. Rest in Peace as you will certainly in our memories. 

Another Legend Passing Away. RIP and THANKS.

Another beautiful write up, Eric, which I absolutely hated reading.  An incredible loss: R.I.P., Sal.

Great tribute to a person whose impact will be felt for a long time to come on individual fans of his work past, present, and future...and whose impact on the greater comics and entertainment industry as a whole will be felt for generations. I discovered much of his work later than I wished but appreciate and enjoy so much of it (especially Defenders, Spectacular, Spider-Girl). RIP. 

Our Pal Sal approaches the Pearly Gates to join his brother John. God bless you sir may you rest in peace. Always enjoyed your work especially The Incredible Hulk. 

May Sal rest in peace.