A comic-book artist named Tom Artis has died far too young at the age of 51, following a year-long battle with severe illness. As a result his family is in dire straits. You can help.

The State Journal-Register recently ran an article about Artis’ death, and if you scroll down to the final reader comment posted at the end of the article you’ll find information about how to donate to a fund that will help support his family. I intend to make a contribution and hope you will do the same.

You can also help by bidding on this beautiful piece of artwork put up for auction on e-Bay by the insanely talented Colleen Doran. It is the original artwork from the cover to “Book of Lost Souls” #4, written by J. Michael Straczyinski and illustrated by the gifted Doran. The proceeds will go to assist Artis’ family. The auction’s already gotten out of my price range, but maybe not yours. If you can’t afford to bid, consider helping to spread the word about the auction. The more people who bid, the more money can be raised for this worthy cause.