Warren Ellis recently noted that the only comics news & commentary site he continues to read today is Tom Spurgeon's The Comics Reporter.

While it's true that the more mainstream sites give us detailed coverage of mainstream comics, most of these offer little in way of the broader expanse that TCR covers. But Tom Spurgeon's reportage is not only exemplified by the broad range of items he brings, and not merely by the news value he presents. What makes TCR unique, in addition to all this, is the consideration, depth and insight with which it makes its commentary. For a soul such as Warren Ellis, this is apparently a must have element within the expected, repetitive and somewhat mundane dose of media coverage dished out by the more mainstream outlets today.

It is clearly a noteworthy task to maintain TCR as Tom does. Much research is needed to keep the watchful eye on the comicscape, locally and internationally. Much organization and planning is needed to maintain an infrastructure which leaves the journalist enough time to prepare and write the material. All this alone is no small task for the finest of reporters handling these chores single-handedly, but add to all this the style and depth which exemplify Tom's writing, and the result becomes this marvelous vehicle, straddling the uppermost ranks of the comics web communities.

There exists no news item, review, exhibit or convention announcement, or not even a traditional birthday greeting, which doesn't receive the attention and treatment, as if it is the primary item at The Comics Reporter. Every single entry is handled with special regard and concern. Every word becomes a refreshing delight to read, and the devotion that Tom Spurgeon pours into his content, sinks into the heart and soul in a manner unmatched by any others. It is a very special gift, which he bestows unto the medium. A gift that the comics will be hard pressed to ever repay.

At best, we can send a word of gratitude from time to time, contribute to the financial burden of maintaining the site, or even offer a token drawing, of the type Tom's work inspires. But in the end, the comics community, everyone within it who reads TCR with any regularity, will ultimately always remain in Tom Spurgeon's favor.