I didn't know Al Rio personally but I have inked 6 commissions over this very talented and impressive artist over the years for different clients.  His work was inspiring and I was honored to take part in the process. As my friend and prolific client Michael Rankins stated on his Facebook page:"Sad, sad, sad. Our first commission together, Bob, was an Al Rio. Our most-recent--our 46th--also an Al Rio. I'm so sad to think that we've exhausted our supply of Al's work, there won't ever be any more new ones.  He was such a brilliant artist"

Here's the first press release where I read about it and here's an article by David Campiti on Al.

My condolences to Al's family and loved ones during this difficult time.  Also to Terry Maltos, his longtime friend and art rep.  You can find examples of our collaboration in my gallery starting with his most-recent job I did of Isis (but you'll need to go back into the gallery archives to see the others).

I just missed the end of the day, January 4th, to post about it but I don't want to diminish the significance of the occasion. Besides being my 45th birthday, today (yesterday) marks my 20th year as a professional ink artist in the comic book field. I was hired by editor Craig Anderson at Marvel Comics in October 1991 thanks to the efforts of Bernie Wrightson and especially Jim Starlin and my first pages of original pencil art by Angel Medina of 'Warlock and the Infinity Watch' #5 arrived on January 4th, 1992. I was so nervous to touch Angel's meticulous and powerful work. This was always my dream career goal and at the age of 25 it'd come true, and how many people can say that? I hoped to be able to reach five years and then I exceeded that and made ten and now two decades. The life of a freelance artist has been hard over the years and fraught with perils (like no work nor income to pay the bills) but I truly feel blessed and lucky to 'walk among the gods', my idols from childhood, and call them my friends. To play in the same sandbox as the legends of comicdom and play with their 'toys'. I wouldn't recommend the role of a starving artist to most folks, only those that love it and can't live without it. Like me. Call me a fool but how many people are known for their name and work around the globe? Money is important but some things are more essential, like spiritual peace and creative satisfaction. It's my reward, no matter how agonizing things get. Thankfully I have a wife who understands and supports me. And fans who enjoy my efforts. Thanks for listening to me rant and for your support, and I look forward to another twenty years.

For those interested in original art or that special gift to someone (or yourself) for the holidays, my pages are on sale at 30% off at my art rep's site at Comic Art House.  The only art remaining from my inventory is the Marvel Heroes for Hire ink work over Kyle Hotz for those three issues as well as the Spider-Island one-shot. So check it out here!

For those who have asked about my status or how I'm doing, thanks for your thoughtful consideration.  My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer two months ago and there are lesions on his liver and throughout his brain.  To say the least, the last two months have been unrelenting and overwhelming for me and my brother as caregivers. Thankfully my Avengers original art, as seen in the previous article here, sold and assisted my family since the caregiving for both of my parents (my mom's disabled) has been all-consuming time-wise, making getting to my commissions, and income, difficult. However, things have been slowly progressing since his chemo treatments and I am gradually returning to a normal schedule (whatever THAT means to a freelancer;-)) and I am accepting commissions but please understand that turnaround will be slower than usual and it's best to email me to see what my status is at that time.