Only days after it was confirmed that legendary Batman artist Marshall Rogers passed away of a heart attack at age 57, it has been confirmed that indie icon and creator of Poison Elves, Drew Hayes, also passed away last week at age 37, also of a heart attack.

Current reports state that Hayes's heart attack was brought on by a severe case of pneumonia, for which he was hospitalized at the time of his passing.

Although the death of comic book icons is nothing new, the fact that Hayes was so young, and his death was so unexpected, it has left many fans rattled and shocked.

I've personally been a fan and collector of Hayes's Poison Elves series for over ten years and his work has had a profound impact on my life.

Hayes has been often described as a maverick, launching his career by self-publishing his ultra-violent fantasy series, and often following nobody's rules but his own. Even when Hayes moved his series to Sirius Entertainment he continued to take a "no holds barred" approach to his work and the comic book industry.

Never shy or afraid to voice an opinion, even if it was unpopular, Hayes earned the grudging respect of his peers for being a man who stuck to his guns and his beliefs.

Hayes was an example of what any small press creator can achieve with hard work and dedication.

Fans have begun to share condolences over at The Engine.

Drew Hayes was a modern small press comics trailblazer, and his presence will be missed by both his fans and colleagues.

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