I was talking to Ricky about a month or two ago because we were both going through depression. Although his was more severe than mine I felt like we had bonded in our despondency about life and things. I was texting him daily to see how he was doing and he would check in on me as well. He seemed like he was trying really hard to make a positive change in his life and get out of the rut. Telling me about how he was going out to meet new people, doing new things and trying to enjoy life outside of the industry, outside of the internet. We were supposed to hang out and get some dinner but plans had fell through because we were mutually busy. After that I didn’t hear from him as much and assumed he was busy with his new friends and on his path towards happiness and a new life. My own life has flown by fast in the past couple of months, with deadlines and personal projects looming, it felt as though there was never enough time. Before I knew it December rolled around. It had been a while since I had talked to Ricky and then I heard the news. I think a lot of us that knew him blamed ourselves for not doing what we could have or should have done. I felt guilty because I should have made plans to hang out with him. To make sure he knew he wasn’t alone when it came to being a misanthrope, or a strongly opinionated person who didn’t want to compromise himself or his beliefs for the rest of the world. To let him know that having that kind of attitude is admirable and takes courage especially when it sometimes means being ostracized from the bigger group. I might not have been as extreme as him but I always respected and identified with his cause and the repercussions of taking the road less traveled. I know that he was hurting a lot. I was in the same place. I hope he is in a better place now. He was a great artist and talent and an inspiration for many. Not to mention super prolific. Thanks sharing your unfiltered honest self with the rest of the world, Ricky. We’ll miss you.
This was a beautiful tribute, David.
The part about being strongly opinionated really hits home.
This is such an honest, unfiltered, personal tribute. Thanks for sharing it with us David.
I’m sorry that you lost a friend.
Keep drawing your comics. I for one think they’re brilliant.
I am in disbelief that this is actually happening…You know, I almost want to believe this is a really distasteful exaggeration of the “1930 Nightmare Theater is over” hoaxes -_-. I had a discussion or two with him on facebook about random things but no matter how heated it got it always ended in mutual respect whether we ended up agreeing or not, so I always saw him as a grounded guy and a strong person. Ricky I wish I could’ve known even such a strong person could need some comfort. I dont pretend I was close to Ricky, but what little comfort some random guy you argue with on the internet can provide….still seems like a lot in the face of news like this.
what in the whatthefuck?! What’s happened here? Are we not-talking talking about suicide? I haven’t heard anything about this, what is going on?
I’ve been in severe disbelief ever since reading Gabe’s announcement/tribute last week. Doesn’t make it any better to see all the nice tributes that have been done for Ricky either.
Beautiful tribute, David. I’m no stranger to depression and can only wish you the strength and positivity you need to deal with yours.
Thanks for sharing, Dave. Anything I’d say about Ricky here has already been said dozens of times over, but I will say I was really shook to my core learning of his passing. I know it sounds cheezy anytime it’s brought up but there always seems to be an uncannily strong connection in the artist/animator circles and someone’s hard times can really affect another – even if you barely know them personally. We all seem to share very similar emotional experiences in our life and work. I was always silently rooting for Ricky because I could see that struggle – you could tell, even just through his comics and a few comments here and there, that he was going through a lot, and thought he could pull through using his work as a good escape.
That being said, I hope that others who are reading about this and going through similar experiences in your life to please: reach out. You don’t have to be at a certifiable level of crazy or at absolute rock bottom to patch any holes (we are our own worse judges about that sort of thing, anyway, and I can promise you if something’s been dragging you down for longer than a few weeks it’s high time to get it off your chest). Especially with the current and upcoming holidays, where many of us are going home to possibly bat-shit-insane families and their politics/religions/various conflicts or not going to see any family at all, or getting in tons of last-minute work before the end of the year, or spending the holidays without a job even, remember there are all of us a mouse-click away to chat with, or specialists who will hear you vent to your hearts content.
Don’t let others trivialize any sort of suffering, or tell you to grow up or “get over it”. Those individuals have either never had the misfortune of experiencing crippling emotional distress themselves, or are in terrible denial.
Ok, PSA rant over. =)
That’s VERY sad :(
I wish I could have met Ricky. His artwork was witty, deliciously dark and comical and as I came to read more into his work he came across as an extremely bright man. It’s sad to think he was so haunted near the end though I respect the fact to not speculate into how he passed. I had been away from viewing Dumm Comics in a while so to find this news a few days ago was like a punch through the gut. It’s amazing how someone I never met still left an impact. I wish I could say more but what else more can be said? Your’s as well as many artists here says it all. Beautifully written David.
Everything that needed saying was just said by Jessica. As one of the earliest members of the Publick Society, a doff of the hat to you and your wise words, ma’am.
Anyone else notice the glitch on the Sorry Guys archive page? I want to see the new comic, since it’s there in thumbnail form, but I can’t reach it.
Ok, Rick is dead, But not for her hand , only for disease, the people with this thing just CANT go, cant see the “happy life”, is responsability of the friends , family and etc to force (yes, force) with all love to see a medic, for correct medication, because if do nothing the person eventually die he scream for yours help guys, but only text daily or “spend time” he drawn a big cartoon to ask for help but your friends only let her die
You can write all words and drawn all 1930 condolences, in the end only they are nothing hes dead (and maybe wandering for take his own lfe)
a big lost
In Soviet Russia, television watches you!
Okay so what I gathered from your hackneyed english grammar is that you’re saying we were apparently blind to Ricky’s suffering? I disagree sir, or madam. Also to suggest that his friends and family should have been responsible for him living is taking the piss. Have a bit more respect yeah?
Pd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TflMP3DjN1k
What?
So… huh??
Please don’t tell me I read what I just read.
God fucking dammit!!
Descansa en paz, Ricardo. Muchas gracias por todo, y perdón por nor haberte expresado más veces mi admiración por tu talento.
:’(
yeah my English is hackneyed …Must learn more i really talk like a retarded Ugh
But IS RESPONSABILITY OF THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR TAKE CARE OF A PERSON if this person cant see a better way..the old people have assylum why the S people cant have the same help?? ricky made a hole in my hearth i see his comic and i loved it i cant see why a person what CAN create this wonderfull art make this act of egoism
i love the art of ricky and this world lost a wonderfull person, but i hate the fact the act…..
http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html
October 10, 2011
Ricky: I am available for anything you need 24/7. Anytime, I am here for you and I always will be. Call me night or day. I love you Ricky… MOM
@Splorgh… You cannot imagine how much (for his entire life) I tried to help my son, but he did not let me.
You don’t have to explain yourself to them, Alma. You did everything you could.
We all love and miss Ricky.
ricky was a awesome cartoonist and now his cartoons live on while he is gone but he is not gone he aint dead he just died he is living up in heaven with our father and saviour jesus christ