This is a letter from Jim Hardiman's mom after his death, to his fans, as was posted to Jason Canty's Kickstarter page:

I am Jim Hardiman’s mom, Pauline Hardiman. Some of you may have met me at one of the earlier Confurences in 1995 – 1997. It has now been 9 months since Jim’s death. Before Jim died he had told me about the plans for a Skunkworks Graphic Novel that he was working on with Jason Canty of Angry Viking Press. He asked me to contact Jason after his death and work with him to make this happen. I promised Jim I would do this for him.

My youngest son, Jonathan (Jim’s brother) and I had a face to face meeting

with Jason Canty in November 2014. I have had a difficult time since losing my son but I made him a promise so I will keep that promise. Together with Jonathan, we are working to make “Shunkworks The Graphic Novel” become a reality. I have already scanned and sent over 100 images to Jason.

I am Jim Hardiman’s mom, Pauline Hardiman. Some of you may have met me at one of the earlier Confurences in 1995 – 1997. It has now been 9 months since Jim’s death. Before Jim died he had told me about the plans for a Skunkworks Graphic Novel that he was working on with Jason Canty of Angry Viking Press. He asked me to contact Jason after his death and work with him to make this happen. I promised Jim I would do this for him.

My youngest son, Jonathan (Jim’s brother) and I had a face to face meeting

I want Jim’s fans to know we hope to have everything scanned and sent to Jason within the next month if not sooner. Jim’s art was a part of who he was and his art will live on forever.

I thank you for your patience. I know Jim always had his own time frame and that was just who he was. Jonathan and I will get everything to Jason so he can get this production started and completed so you can all enjoy my Jim’s art and his fabulous sense of humor that I miss so very much.

Sincerely, Pauline E. Hardiman


You can see the original post on his Kickstarter, here. For those of you who don't know, Jim passed away last August. I first found this out from my friend Jim Labella after MFM was over, and I was stunned to hear the news. Jim Hardiman was one of the first few artists I've known about since I first got into the fandom in '98. He was an awesome artist and, from what I've heard, an awesome guy as well. The world is dimmed by his absence.

Jason Canty and Jim's mom are going forward with publishing the Skunkworks graphic novel, as that's what Jim wanted. I don't know when it's due out, you'll have to ask Jason Canty about that, but he's said they're moving forward with it.


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Chakat 'Kit' Stripedfur