Davy Jones, R.I.P.

Some very sad news to report.  Davy Jones, of the Monkees, has passed away at the age of 66.  Apparently, he was complaining of chest pains last night, and was taken to the hospital this morning, where he passed away. 

Band mate Michael Nesmith posted this on his Facebook page:

"While it is jarring, and sometimes seems unjust, or strange, this transition we call dying and death is a constant in the mortal experience that we know almost nothing about. I am of the mind that it is a transition and I carry with me a certainty of the continuity of existence. While I don’t exactly know what happens in these times, there is an ongoing sense of life that reaches in my mind out far beyond the near horizons of mortality and into the reaches of infinity.  That David has stepped beyond my view causes me the sadness that it does many of you.  I will miss him, but I won’t abandon him to mortality.  I will think of him as existing within the animating life that insures existence. I will think of him and his family with that gentle regard in spite of all the contrary appearances on the mortal plane. David’s spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us. I have fond memories. I wish him safe travels."

Micky Dolenz issued a statement,

"I am in a state of shock; Davy and I grew up together and shared in the unique success of what became The Monkees phenomena. The time we worked together and had together is something I'll never forget. He was the brother I never had and this leaves a gigantic hole in my heart. The memories have and will last a lifetime. My condolences go out to his family."

And Peter Tork posted on his Facebook page,

"It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones. His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to Jessica and the rest of his family. Adios to the Manchester Cowboy."

As a lifelong fan of The Monkees, I can only offer up my prayers for Davy and his family.  You will be missed greatly, Davy.

Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord,
Let perpetual light shine upon him,
May he rest in peace.

The new Popeye creative team

IDW Publishing has announced the new creative team for the new Popeye monthly comic book series, set to debut in April 2012.  Roger Langridge will be the writer and Bruce Ozella will be the artist.  The first issue will also have a variant cover by cartoonist Jules Feiffer, who also wrote the script for the 1980 live action Popeye movie.  The series will favor the original E.C. Segar comic strips, although I hope they also work in some aspects of the Max Fleischer cartoons.