Steve Rude is an icon. An artist’s artist. He’s admired by professionals, amateurs and fans alike. What’s more he has gained this respect without self-promotion as it is based on his artistic ability alone.
Unfortunately, few have had the personal troubles that Rude has been dealing with most of his adult life. Steve Rude has long battled with severe depression and has admitted to being suicidal on occasion. His condition has been cited as the main reason his work has never solidly broken into the mainstream publications and why he has always remained on the fringe.
As of Wednesday morning Rude has been released on bail for an altercation with his neighbors which resulted in an assault charge for the Nexus illustrator. As insult to injury, bail was made by an online appeal to friends and fans and by slashing the prices on Rude’s artwork online. This is one of a few instances when Rude has had to make appeals through his artwork sales. A number of years ago he made the same plea in order to keep his home out of foreclosure.
On a personal note, I have my doubts if Rude did anything so terrible. Even if he walked up and clocked his neighbor I’m sure it wasn’t out of the blue as there have been reports of trouble between the two in the past. What’s more, if Rude even got remotely physical, he’s going to jail for the simple fact that his physical stature places him just below giant. There’s not much chance for him not to be seen as the aggressor.
There is a bright side to this and one that keeps this from being an article to promote sadness among fans. Currently in post- production is a documentary on Steve Rude’s life and work titled: Rude Dude. This sort of thing seems to be a boost to the careers of many writers and artists. Keep an eye out for release dates.
ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.