Rory Root, consummate comics retailer, has passed away at the age of 50. I knew him from theWEF, met him twice in person at APE, and though I didn’t know him well enough to eulogize him the way many others have, I was very taken by his shy, gentle, self-effacing nature, and how he countered that with his pleasant conversation and willingness to share his boundless knowledge with anyone, be it on line or at a convention. He was also one of the very first to give Vögelein a chance.

We’ll miss you, Rory. For your kind self, your beautiful store, and your positive comics evangelism.