By Steve Borock

On February 10, 2018, Kevin Michael McFadden passed away peacefully at the age of 64.

Michael, as he liked to be called, was a long-time hobbyist in comic fandom. He was a long-time participant of Archon Science Fiction and Fantasy convention and was the host or “Toastmaster” in 2001; a member of SAGA (Silver Age and Golden Age) collectors group of St. Louis and he published the fanzine called Son of Grafan.

Michael loved collecting comic books and memorabilia. His favorite comic characters were Adam Strange, Martian Manhunter, and Spider-Man. He also loved EC Comics, the St. Louis Cardinals and music by The Kinks.

Michael would say that one of his greatest accomplishments was his sobriety. At the time of his passing, he had been sober for 5,273 days.

Michael had a wonderful impact on all who knew him. He was a kind man and one of the unsung heroes of fandom. It was my honor, privilege and a pleasure to have worked with him, learn from him and laugh with him. I am saddened to say we lost one of the best men our hobby has ever seen. Michael, you were loved by many and some of the magic of our hobby has now been lost.

“The first Golden Age comic I ever saw was a Detective Comics #120,” said Jerry Stephan (Heritage Consignment Director and Grader). “The year was 1968 and I was in the bedroom of Michael McFadden and his older brother Len. Every wall lined with four shelves each and stacks of comics on every shelf. On the floor, they were pouring through a pile of 40 or 50 ECs they had just acquired. I thought I was in heaven. I had no idea this was the beginning of a 50-year friendship.

“Two years older than me, Michael mentored me on comic history, how to grade comics, and the benefits of using backing boards made from cotton rather than wood pulp. As a local comic dealer, fans in St. Louis would gather at his table and listen with rapt attention as he would pontificate about our hobby. 

“Imagine my joy when CGC needed help in 2003 that I was able to recommend Michael to Steve Borock for the job. The comic world has silently enjoyed his work as he imparted his knowledge of the obscure to many of the labels you see.

“My mentor, my friend, my fellow St. Louis Cardinals fan, you will be sorely missed,” Stephan concluded.

Donations to the family to help cover medical, travel, and memorial expenses are being taken through www.gofundme.com.