Ira Friedman, Vice President of The Topps Company, shared his thoughts on the passing of Earl Norem (see "RIP Earl Norem").

Among his many cover paintings for book, magazine and comic publishers, Earl also provided many memorable trading-card creations for us at Topps. Most notably, his powerful images for our Mars Attacks and Dinosaurs Attack! properties (among other, licensed ones) placed him in rarified air around the Topps offices and throughout the world of comic art fandom.

I had the privilege of working closely with Earl during the last two years of his life and while his artistic contributions to Topps were immeasurable, it was Earl, the person, who left an indelible impression on me. 

Here was a modest man who, into his 90’s, was just happy to paint. He was incredibly humble about his talent and, only in his later years while attending a handful of conventions, did he truly understand that there were legions of inspired fans out there who could not get enough of his work. He took on his assignments with great care and discipline, and put hours of research and rough sketching behind every finished masterpiece.

When it came to deadlines, Earl was strictly ‘old school.’ He took tremendous pride in meeting his schedules and would do everything within his power to satisfy his clients within the time frame promised. Perhaps it was his distinguished service in the military – as a proud member of the prestigious 10th Mountain Division (Google it) – where Earl learned the importance of accomplishing his tasks in a responsible, precise and timely manner. I really can’t say where his extraordinary work ethic came from, but I know with certainty that Earl took his deadlines very seriously.

Some time ago, we began formulating plans to create a new series of Mars Attacks cards -- Mars Attacks: Occupation. I phoned Earl to see if he would be up to contributing a painting. I knew his health was a challenge, but he was optimistic about his prognosis and keen to get back to his drawing table. Over the months that passed, as I followed his travails from home to the hospital to extended rehab and serious surgery, Earl kept apologizing about not being able to focus on his assignment. I assured him that he needn’t be concerned about this; that the first priority was his health and getting better. I told him on numerous occasions that the painting would wait as long as necessary. 

When I received the call from Earl’s grandson, Michael, maybe I should not have been too surprised; but I was. At the age of 91, Earl’s time had come. He fought bravely until the very end and in the arms and presence of his extended family, whom he cherished more than anything, Earl passed peacefully and comfortably.

Grandson Michael told me that, as the end was drawing nearer, his “Pop” Earl had told him that he had prepared a sketch for the Mars Attacks painting that he regrettably would not be able to finish. Earl wanted to us to have it as a token of his appreciation of the relationship we enjoyed together.

The world will never know a man with more grace, class and kindness. He’ll always be a soft-spoken friend and hero to me, his other fans at Topps and admirers throughout the community. Thankfully, Earl has left behind a remarkable body of art that will stir the souls and spark the imagination of many, while providing us all with an everlasting memorial of a life well lived.

Final note: The Mars Attacks: Occupation card set, scheduled for publication before the end of this year, will be dedicated to the memory of Earl Norem. It is the company’s plan to have his final sketch appear on a card within the series, alongside a finished painting based on Earl’s sketch, rendered by a to-be-determined artist.    

The opinions expressed in this Talk Back are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.