To Infinity and Beyond

I’m still in shock over the news of Joe Ranft’s death.Steve Segal introduced me to Joe sometime around 1986 or 87. I recall walking around Melrose Avenue with them talking about cartoons. Steve was working with Joe on THE BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER at the time (photo at right is from that production). I’ve met up with Joe numerous times since then. He was a fan of Jim Tyer’s animation and I supplied him with numerous Terrytoons for inspirational purposes. Several years ago, when I was working on an ill-fated revival of Heckle & Jeckle for MTV (the project ultimately died in development hell), Joe recommended a great writer whom I ended up collaborating with.What a great guy. I saw him last on July 15th, in Hall H, at the San Diego Comic Con. I joked with him backstage and interviewed him in front of a crowd of 6000. He really was one of the greats of our generation. Rest in peace, my friend.