Anthony and John

We lost two people this week who played a pivotal role in my teens and early 20s

First, Anthony Stewart Head, renowned British Actor. He was Buffy's Giles. A mentor and protector, but mostly a father figure. Head's portrayal was layered and emotional and funny, and way more than a show about high school and vampires deserved.

As the show's most prominent Brit, he gave a generation of British nerds permission to embrace their strengths and approach badassery from a place of education and thought, rather than brawn. He was a hell of an actor in many other things, but he'll always be the Watcher.

Second, and much less widely reported, was John Blanche. Blanche was an artist and sculpter who helped to create the whole look and mood of Warhammer back in the 90s. His art was dark and raw and chaotic. Back when I was in the hobby, he was the reason I picked up a pencil. Many of his drawings and paintings from back then live rent free in my head to this day. These were the images that got me into the hobby as a teen

(026)