Studio Proteus founder Toren Smith passed away this week, longtime friend James Hudnall announced on his blog. Smith was a pioneer in bringing manga to America, translating manga for Eclipse, Viz, and Dark Horse.  He formed Studio Proteus in 1986 and started a long-term relationship with Dark Horse in 1988 that continued until 2004, when Dark Horse acquired Studio Proteus (see "Dark Horse Acquires Studio Proteus").

Smith co-created the Dirty Pair OEL (based on a series of light novels) with Adam Warren.