As most longtime comic collectors would know, Mark Gruenwald was a writer and editor at Marvel Comics for nearly 20 years, beginning his entry in 1978. He achieved profusely in his career, and his memory lives on for many fans.

Throughout his work for Marvel, Gruenwald was responsible for classic tenures on characters such as Thor, Captain America, and limited series such as Hawkeye and Squadron Supreme. But that’s barely the start of his accomplishments.

On August 12, 1996; Gruenwald’s life came to an end due to an unsuspected heart defect, age 43. A man eternally dedicated and passionate about comics, made it known upon his friends and families that his last wish was to be cremated and have his ashes as part of a comic.

His burnt remains were mixed with the ink used to produce the first TPB run of Squadron Supreme. After a two hour long drive, I visited him at the Ripley’s Museum.