Fan Fave Illustrator Tim Sale Admitted To Hospital, has ‘Severe Health Issues’

Fan favorite comic book illustrator Tim Sale, Batman: the Long Halloween and Daredevil: Yellow, has been admitted to the hospital with what DC publisher Jim Lee characterizes as “severe health issues.”

Lee’s phrasing — “I regret to share the very sad news” — has fans worried about Sale’s prognosis. The artist, best known for his numerous collaborations with writer Jeph Loeb, has been working in comics since 1983, and became a household name for comic book fans following the release of Batman: The Long Halloween #1 in 1996.

“I regret to share the very sad news that the legendary artist Tim Sale has been admitted to the hospital with severe health issues,” Lee said on Twitter. “Tim, I am praying for you, buddy. Stay strong & know that your legions of fans around the world loves & cherishes you & your amazing talent.”

Sale was born on May 1, 1956 in Ithaca, New York, but spent most of his early life in Seattle, Washington,. He attended the University of Washington for two years, before moving to New York City to attend the School of Visual Arts, and to enroll in the comics workshop run by legendary Marvel artist John Buscema. Beginning in 1983, he would become an illustrator for fantasy novels and comic books.