This could not be sadder news. Cartoonists/animator Ian McGinty has died at age 38, it was confirmed by his family. No cause of death has been reported but word spread rapidly on social media last night, bringing a flood of reminiscences of a man who was kind, funny, talented, and much loved by the community.
McGinty was a graduate of SCAD where he made many friends, and a frequent fixture at conventions. His comics included his creation Welcome to Showside from Z2, and a host of comics work on Adventure Time, Bee and PuppyCat, Bravest Warrior, and Invader Zim. His other work included a multitude of covers and pin-ups, teams-up and more, all in an energetic cartoony style that hit straight at the zeitgeist of what you might call “The Adventure Time Era.”
A pilot for an animated Welcome to Showside, with McGinty doing some of the voices, was produced, which you can watch below.
McGinty’s final tweet would serve as a fitting epitaph for someone who loved comics, loved the community, and was so positive in helping others.
I JUST WANNA MAKE COMICS WITH EVERYONE
— Ian McGinty (@ianmcginty) June 5, 2023
It would be impossible to find all the social media tributes to McGinty…just a taste of the outpourings of sadness from classmates, collaborators, publishers and friends…al mourning someone who died far too young.
God. I can’t believe this. Rest in Peace, Cartoonist Ian McGinty. You were always such a kind dude. This isn’t fair. Fuck. pic.twitter.com/aR0zG1xr27
— ? Dave Scheidt ? (@DaveScheidt) June 9, 2023
I am reeling right now. I can’t even comprehend the loss fully. Ian McGinty was such a delight to work with. So devastating it’s hard to even move.
— Adrian F. Wassel (@afwassel) June 9, 2023
Shocked to hear a schoolmate and classmate Ian Mcginty (@ianmcginty) has died. Loved the guy, loved his work, admired his career and work ethic and loved that everyone who knew him loved him. Still in shock but hope his family is doing okay. RIP
— Jeremy Nguyen (@jeremywins) June 10, 2023
We’re very sorry to hear about the passing of @ianmcginty. He was not just a fantastic artist, but a great guy. He’ll be sorely missed. His take on Munchkin has become a mainstay for many gamers around the world. -HS pic.twitter.com/M2Qqp4uJE5
— Steve Jackson Games (@SJGames) June 10, 2023
Ian McGinty was the first friend I made at SCAD, and in a lot of ways we got to celebrate our career milestones together. My heart is broken with this news and my love goes out to everyone who knows what an amazing person was. He truly was one of the best. https://t.co/rZWZCMD2FJ
— Whitney Leopard (@WhitLeopard) June 10, 2023
Rest in peace Ian McGinty pic.twitter.com/DnE9ZRYXcx
— Z2 Comics (@Z2comics) June 10, 2023
I dearly loved Ian McGinty. We got to table together a couple of times and they were some of the best, funnest days of my life. He was so incredibly talented and passionate and kind and overworked. rest in peace, king.
— Casey Nowak (@IgnatzHaderach) June 10, 2023
Saddened to hear about the passing of @ianmcginty. Was lucky enough to spend time with Ian working together on FLORPUS. Tell everyone you care for you love them as often as possible, people (even the annoying ones.)
— Jhonen Vasquez (@JhonenV) June 10, 2023
I’m shocked and heartbroken to learn about Ian McGinty’s death. He was an incredible, unique talent. Also, he was a bolt of positivity. Seeing him at cons was always a joy, especially if it was karaoke night. Getting to know him was a gift I’ll always treasure.
— Ian Brill (@ibrill) June 10, 2023
In my office, just one piece of original art hangs. It’s from SUCKERS, a comic I made with Ian McGinty. One of my first. And favorites. I love that it has been close to me all these years but I’m so sad to look at it today as I hear that Ian is gone. pic.twitter.com/5wNfbtSRif
— Pat Shand is on Kickstarter with AZZA THE BARBED (@PatShand) June 9, 2023
Just a positive force of nature who was ready to help out other cartoonists. Check out the pilot for Ian McGinty’s Welcome to Showside, he put 1000% of himself into this comic and pilot.https://t.co/yUIO0Vb8uU
— Jen Vaughn ? (@TheJenya) June 10, 2023
I know this pilot meant the world to @ianmcginty and he worked really hard on it. https://t.co/Bi1oATGhg6
— ? Dave Scheidt ? (@DaveScheidt) June 9, 2023
Here’s an interview with McGinty covering his work on on a Paul Oakenfold graphic novel, that was published by Z2.
In his final FB post, McGinty complained about feeling ill, but it’s not know if this was related to the cause of death. That said, we’ve lost a lot of cartoonists (Steve Dillon) who didn’t get medical help when it was needed. If you are feeling sick and not improving….get it checked out.
