This is a video about my relationship with Benny, a man who I have had the pleasure of knowing for not just his entire RUclips career, but also my entire adult life. This is not a general eulogy or an overview of his passion and contribution to the comic book industry. It's not about me. It's about us. This is about being intentional with your friendships and that if there are any you have been wanting to repair, don't let the opportunity slip you by. It's to be open and honest about the complexity of adult friendships, but most importantly, it's about making sure that you're intentional with the time that you have. Multiple people such as Comics Explained have made similar videos talking about their lives with Benny and without trying to speak for others, as a content creator, putting my thought to video is a part of how we process things. I debated about even uploading this, but after running it by some colleagues, they thought that some folks might relate to having a slurry of emotions with the passing of a friend you had multiple regrets with. I also have no idea why I have to clarify this, but this video is not monetized. Accusations that I'm trying to profit off of my friend's death are not just untrue, but utterly fucking disgusting. On an uplifting note, Benny was a veteran and his military service was one of the things he was proudest of. If you are willing and able, please considering donating to a VA charity in his name. k9sforwarriors.org/
@acrophobe3526 wow so you just get out of bed in the morning and ask yourself "What's the best way to be a dick today?" Huh? My general rule of thumb is "If I wouldn't say it to someone's face, I won't say it online" now read what you just wrote and ask yourself truly, not in some online bravado fashion but truthfully. "Would I have said that to this person's face?" If your answer is yes, congrats you're an asshole but in all honesty so long as you own up to that I can respect it. If the answer is no, then you're just another coward hiding behind a keyboard.
Great comment. I did just think that I should film a video stating that if I die all my friends can monetize my death in any insane way they want so they at least get some cash
Man, his passing got mainstream outlets like Entertainment Tonight acknowledging it. To say that his videos inspired people would be an understatement. Whether it’s Benny encouraging people to get into comics and having other RUclipsrs try out comic book related videos. If you’ve seen other comic book RUclipsrs especially those who do character histories, storyline recaps or synopsis for the past decade, what it looks like, what it sounds like, how it’s presented, it’s all done similarly to Bennys style or some variation of it. It still doesn’t feel real. He truly is a legend in the Comic Book RUclipsr community.
He got me back into comics when I was just entering high school and post middle school. He got me into the injustice story line. His legacy and impact will never be forgotten about from tellling the stories of both of the big 2 and inspiring others to talk about comics.
I was at work when I heard. Randomly found out in a video I was watching. Had to sit there and let it soak. I wasn’t really ever a huge follower, but whenever I needed some comic knowledge, comicstorian was always one of the go tos. Hits harder than it should’ve, and I feel that’s a testament to his legacy.
As one of Benny's more introverted friends, I feel that part entirely. He was larger than life and always going a mile a minute... but yeah, one of the most genuine people who also had a huge heart. There's just a Benny-shaped void that I don't think will ever be filled again.
Hey Drake, I'm not sure if you will see this but i thought I'd share it with you. I had the immense honor of being friends with Benny these past four years. One time when he and I first started talking ( I believe this would of been before your pandemic stream together) I asked him about you since you guys used to podcast together. I remember the first thing he said was "Oh yeah I like Drake. He's a good guy. We just don't get the opportunity to do much together." I think, and this is just my opinion from a half remembered conversation, he still considered you both friends. I had to take a step back from internet things for a year when my son was born and in that time he and i didn't speak much, but once i came back it was same as usual. I think to Benny once you are a friend, you are always a friend. To him all that mattered was who you are and how you treated others. That's what I think anyway and I hope i was able to share that in a good way.
When I look back on why I stopped watching comicstorian it was because… it worked. I read comics now. His channel was instrumental in getting me to pick up an actual comic for the first time and I’ll never forget that.
Same. It is thanks to him I started buying, collecting and reading comics. And while I haven't watched his recaps in years, I saw every single "Problem With" rant. I loved to hear his thoughts on stuff.
Everybody has been saying that Benny’s loss is the biggest loss for comic RUclips, but I honestly think that it is a major loss for the comic book industry period. People like Tom Taylor and fucking James Gunn are putting out statements in support of Comicstorian. That reaches far beyond just RUclips. I’m glad that his peers and family are continuing the channel, because Benny single-handedly got more people into the comic book industry than any movie, any TV show, any video game could’ve ever done, and it’s their responsibility to continue that. With great power and what not. RIP Benny.
I’m sorry for the loss and it’s a major loss for the industry. Same with ed piscor This past April. Those were two men that help me fall in love with the industry and the void that is now gone with both of them is huge. 😢
My sincere condolences to his wife Nathalie and the rest of his friends and family. I've listened to Benny on RUclips and on many podcasts for many years and he felt like a constant in my life. The world will not be the same without him.
So sorry for your loss, Drake. Adult friendships are tricky and hard to maintain. What is important is the mutual respect, when they are here and when they aren't. RIP.
Benny had a big voice and a bigger heart. I know whatever he had planned would've been amazing. I only met him twice, and I regret never telling him how cool he was or how nice he was. I only hope he knew just how loved he was.
Speaking on that maturity is huge. Recognizing the pretentiousness of your twenties is a bitter pill, but sharing it is strength. I try to remind myself (and my kids) that I was dumb as hell until I hit like 25, felt a year of personal choice beneath my feet, and really just then began to "grow up". Sorry for your loss man. Thanks for doing this.
My dad died last month. A lot of the ways we bonded was going to Marvel movies and being excited for that, and talking about them for hours on end. And Benny was so instrumental in getting me so invested and knowledgeable on this medium that my dad and I both loved. I keep thinking of all of the things I could've and should've been doing while he was alive, and it really doesn't matter. It sounds really cliche and stupid, but seriously. Make sure you let your loved ones know how you feel.
Sorry for your loss, I totally get what you're saying. I lost my blood Dad when I was 21..and my step-dad almost four years ago. The world takes on a whole other dimension when you try to do a thing, and realise that you and they will never do it together again. Hang in there. My family kinda copes by doing things they would have loved, eating foods they never could again, making sure they aren't ever forgotten. Big hugs from across the internet.
Comcistorian is what got me back into comics and it hits hard for not just me but everyone He will be missed and Benny’s contribution to the comic community will not be forgotten
I never got to know Benny personally. I think we had a handful of interactions, all online, and in all of them they were cordial or at the very least non hostile. I learned recently he'd recommended my channel to others and it put me on the floor. I figured he didn't really know who I was. He was the type of dude that even if you didn't know him, he'd still touch your life in some way. That said, I always felt Benny got a bad rap from other Comic RUclipsrs. He didn't deserve it. I wish I actually got to know him like so many others did. We were similar in age, similar in energy, and loudness, and it would have been awesome to have a friend like him. Rest easy, Benny.
I hadn't been watching Benny long, but hearing the news about someone who's laugh I can hear so perfectly in my head, gutted me. Thank you for sharing your feelings and helping those of us also struggling feel less alone in our pain. ❤
The whole community is grieving, Ben was the star of the comic community, his personality was amazing, losing him is like losing a friend, i lost a hero, we all did
Benny Potter was not just a simple nerd, he was THE comic nerd on RUclips. The Comicstorian channel made me feel like I could be myself in regards to comics. His personality showcased that he was comfortable in what he was doing, and that he didn't care how others saw him. I have so much respect for what he believed in and who he was. His death shocked many, including myself. He was really young, and it wasn't fair that we had to lose him so early. He clearly loved doing what he was doing and he loved us for watching his content (and we loved him for what he did). It sucks that I won't get to see his opinion on something new ever again. That said, however, he left behind a legacy that can never be forgotten. He inspired many to get into comics, and he inspired me to be myself more often, and that led to me actually writing several narratives for several comic book characters. It's him, Arris Quinones from Variant Comics, Mitch Letcher from Super Frame, and even you, Drake that kept me going. I proudly watched your videos just to know I could still be a nerd. I won't cry because Benny's time with us is over. I will smile because Benny's time with us happened. His body may be gone, but his spirit is with all of us who loved his content, with Nathalie, with Arris, with the other comic book content creators, and you, Drake. The videos from the past ten years will all remind us that it is ok to be who we are, because that's something Benny lived by. Thanks for the amazing ten years, Benny. We're gonna miss you so much, and we'll see you again sometime soon. As for you, Drake, knowing that Benny was a good soul, I know that he cared deeply about you, and liked working with you. I have no doubt in my mind. Thanks for sharing your story, and I'm sorry for your loss. Benny Potter (May 18th, 1984 - June 8th, 2024)
When i read on twitter he passed i literally had tears fall and was so mad because it’s always the people who don’t deserve it or happens when the time doesn’t feel right and it was to early.
Every time I saw a Comicstorian video and thought, “Geeze, I wonder if this actually hurts the industry since I can just get the story here” I would remind myself “Dude, you started buying comics after you got into these videos.”
I met both Henny and Rob (of Comics Explained) at Denver Pop Culture con a few years back. It was my birthday weekend and i was getting pulled in every direction by my friends and Benny and Rob were doing a meet and greet but i missed it by a few minutes. I told the volunteer working their booth about my feelings and low and behold, i hear Benny behind me saying "you didn't miss us, we're right here!" They were both so kind. They sat and talked with me for a half hour, gifted me a couple of shirts and took selfies with me. I was destroyed seeing that Benny had passed. I will miss all of his kind and hype energy and his passion for comics. RIP Benny😢
Thank you for sharing your complicated feelings. I hope you're able to find peace with this relationship, and turn it into the positive he'd like to see in the world.
First off, rest in peace to Benny. I’ve been watching him for 10 years and now he’s gone and I couldn’t believe when I heard the news just literally yesterday. But I also want to commend you for putting your heart on full display even though you didn’t have to Drake. I don’t usually comment often, but this I had to. I’m having personal issues with my mother at the moment and I’m having difficulty trying to mend the bridge that I made unstable and how you built the courage to stand in front of your camera and hold yourself accountable for your actions towards Ben and actively made it a goal to want to mend that relationship and make it better; I respect that. I respect you. Nobody is perfect and sometimes we can’t see past our own egos and it could make or break everything around us and we fail to look past that wall to greater experiences we’re missing out on. I don’t know if you’ll see this comment, but if you do, don’t hold onto that pain of I could’ve or I should’ve. The fact that you want to is enough. Even with Ben passed on, I’m sure we both know he’d forgive you. Now all you can do is forgive yourself. I look forward to seeing you better yourself and your content. I wish you nothing, but the best.❤️
I didnt know him personally, but his content was such a huge part of my teenage life. As i got older i stopped watching him as much, and when i heard about his passing, i didnt know how to feel. Ik this video was mostly, if not entirely for you, but it did genuinely help me as well. So thanks for sharing man :)
I hope that even though it was an accident that ended his life, that he didn’t suffer during it, he deserves to have been able to move on peacefully, and I hope he did, and I hope if he’s out there somewhere in the afterlife, that he’s doing well We will all miss him
I thought I was gonna hate this video but after going through with it, I believe this is kind of what I needed to hear. I cannot relate to Nathalie or Rob or Sal, but your words and feels hit me as a fan who watch from afar. I don't think there's nothing any of us can do to make things "better" but you made me feel a bit more hopeful, thank you Drake.
May I ask why you thought you were going to hate this video? I remember Drake's super pretentious era, I actually completely quit watching this channel during that time, only picked it back up about a year ago. Just wondering if that's why you thought this video would go bad or if it was something else.
@@jacobcrowder2600 I thought this was going to be a repeat of his multiple Deadpool movie reviews. An out of touch take that nobody asked for and then he will be forced to apologize. Thankfully I was wrong. Just another prove of how much Drake has grown since then. And now I kinda feel like a dumbass myself.
Benny was literally the reason my love for Miles Morales, Peter Parker, and all the spider people grew so much, at the height of the superhero genre he was the main one I was watching he really helped me in 2016-2018
I totally get that feeling of incompleteness in the face of loss. You make all these plans, then they stop meaning anything. It was a horrible loss, even if I didn't pay too much attention to Benny's work, I know it was a huge impact.
I remember being in Middle School/High School when I started watching the Weekly pull and I found you through Game Theory. There’s so much history and so much love, I hope Benny knows how much he meant to everyone. May he rest in peace ♥️
It sucks having your last interaction with someone be unclear on where you stand with them especially with death. It eats away until it nestles into your brain, a subconscious consistent reminder that the last interaction you had soured everything. It's something I, getting close to almost 10 years later after the passing still find myself returning to. It's awful but, at the end of the day you have to live wearing your mistakes on your sleeve to make sure the mistake you made before is never one you make again.
Benny was loved in the comics space on RUclips. Last time I watched him live was for Suicide Squad kills the Justice League. He gave it a shot regardless of the hate. That's what I admired about Benny. Comicstorian will not be forgotten. Thank you Drake for sharing your times with Benny.
he was more than just a youtuber he was the reason i fell in love with comics i loved his videos since i was 7-8 he was always putting so much love in his videos i wished to one day meet him but since i never could ill say it here thank you comicstorian for teaching me and many others how to love comics thank you for being a hero.
To be frank, I haven't even thought of Comicstorian in years, but he was part of what got me into comics. I started with deep wiki dives on characters and stories as a teenager, and his dramatic readings helped me engage with the stories and gave me points of entry. I don't think I'd have the same appreciation for comics without him helping take that next step, and I never realized that til today.
Y’know, as soon as I heard about this I thought back to you and Linkara playing Comics for the Cure, commenting on how Benny hadn’t responded to your emails. I was hoping he would respond whenever you all got together to do that again. Sad to see he won’t now. How weird, this is the first time a RUclipsr I liked passed away. Not retired or left, he’s just not here anymore. It was already a heavy blow before I watched this video. Drake, I’m sorry you never got to patch things up. Maybe he still thought of you as a friend right until the end, but I’m a bystander who can’t say for sure. All I can say is; RIP Benny. Here’s to future generations stumbling across your videos and learning about how cool comics are.
This was a very honest reflection on frendship and its ups and downs. And the true regret that comes with not knowing if you were there enough. I meet Benny at the Denver Comic Con where I’m from and he had the loudest laugh I’ve ever heard. A true ally to the comic book community. His enthusiasm was infectious and I thank you as a fan of both you and Benny for sharing this personal heartfelt video.
I'm sorry for your loss, Drake. I'd like to believe that he did love you as a friend as well, and I do believe that you two were meant to become great friends. I'm sorry that a complicated friendship never quite worked out in the end. But knowing Benny's energy from his videos, and judging by how you described him as well. He seemed to be the guy who would've been open for it, and who would've accepted you. May he rest in peace. And I hope you'll feel better soon, too.
Benny inspired me to pick up so many books. I appreciate you telling your story I think it’s important. And I hope negative comments on this video don’t affect you too much. Nothing but the best for you drake, I’m sure Benny is immensely proud of you
R.I.P. to Benny, and my condolences and prayers to his wife, family, and loved ones 🙏🏿. It's nice to know that people who knew him have nothing but positive things to say about him. He will be missed and not forgotten 🙏🏿.
Take care of yourself Drake. Condolences for your loss and your families and friends. Loss is one of the hardest things. We’ll all make it through on the other side. And though it is hard to find happiness after it will come. Those memories of your times together are key. Great vid.
Damn, I'm sorry man. I was shocked when I saw the news, and also thought about how he had a video just a couple months back about his views and trying new stuff, and now he'll never get to see that through. I didn't always agree with his takes, but he always seemed earnest and good faith in his opinions. So really sucks to lose that voice in the community. And you're 100% spot on that the "dramatic reading" style videos offer their own kind of utility. Like, it's just a fact that there are SO MANY COMICS coming out, and so much history going back, having something like his channel to fill in blank spots was incredibly useful. But all that still pales in comparison to losing this cool dude who was by all my understanding a good friend and family man.
I first noticed Benny when he talked about the Agent Venom run and why that meant so much to him, so much so that I could hear him choking up. I was a fan from that moment onwards. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
Benny was one of my favorite RUclipsrs of all time. I quite litterally watched his content and channel from the time I was 8 years old to now. I even got the chance to meet him and that was one of my all time favorite memories. No one will ever be able to replace the influence and the energy Benny had on the platform when it comes to comics. He was like the cool uncle who watched movies and talked comics with you. Rest in Peace 🕊️
Damm... I don't actively follow the comic scene. But i did watch comicstorians content from time to time and he did a damm good job at what he did and kept me engaged. A dark day for the comic book scene indeed.
You and I literally just talked about it in the comments, so I knew it was gonna be very complicated for you to even know how to feel about his passing. praying for you too brother it’s not easy losing somebody you cared for that you didn’t end off on the best terms with
Glad I decided to watch this video. It is interesting to know that you and Benny had a wonderful but complicated friendship. At least he would be happy to know you are a wonderful and great friend. RIP Benny.
Drake, you can only act in real time, never in retrospect. The best we can do for Benny is to 1) respect his family's wishes for whatever support they want and 2) incorporating the best things about Benny into ourselves so his goodness never dies. Peace and love, everyone.
I've been a long time subscriber to Benny for years, and it was hard finding out about his unfortunate passing when I did. Both he and Drake both got me into reading comics, and I think Benny's dramatic readings formed my hopes to get into voice acting. He worked incredibly hard and provided incredible videos that got me through a lot of pain. Watching this video, especially what you had to say at the end really opened my eyes to just how prescious life can be. I have been having difficulty in achieving my goals recently, but hearing about both you and Benny's growth and passion for what you do has really touched me emotionally. I wanted to say thank you for making this video. I am still young, and this has caused me to realise that life is short, so trying to make yourself and the people you care about happy is by far the best thing you can do with it. Rest in Peace, Benny. You will be sorely missed by many, thank you for everything you've done for me and countless others.
Benny’s death shocked even me I loved his channel. I started watching your channel, Drake right around the same time too. Benny will be missed. You have my deepest sympathies.
I'm sending you my condolences. Even if you weren't in regular contact that impact that loss of friendship will still need to be processed. I lost my best friend at 27 it was so fast and it was medical issues. But I grew up spending weekends at her house watching X-men animated series with her mother which was my intro to the comics world. So even though in the end we were on different life paths that loss and no longer having that friend there, I have moments of 'she would have loved this' or how she would react to certain things now. So take the time to grieve your loss because if you're feeling it and missing it, it was important to you.
Benny was my introduction to comic youtube he was the one who got me into elseworlds like deceased, which is now my favorite comic story ever now. I always wanted to thank him in person. What I'm saying is thank you, benny for shaping me as a person and making my life better.
We need to do AHCC again. It brought all the creators together in a way we haven't seen since. I haven't been in the scene in a while, I've been pretty sick (and working a traditional job) if I'm being honest. I missed the last couple of web-conventions, but I still remember the way the first one brought us all together.
I only found out about Benny's death because of your video. Thanks for sharing your story with him. I used to watch him a lot back in the MCU golden age, moved on to other content since then but it sucks to loose a great guy like him. He showed a lot of energy in his reviews and made each video a lot of fun to watch or just listen to. RIP Benny/Comicstorian
I still can't comprehend it.. I watch all his videos as soon as they are uploaded and have followed his channel for nearly a decade now.. such a shame to lose a man who did nothing but brighten our lives. Even if he was ranting about something he hated, he still found time to have fun and make jokes.. we will all miss you Benny.. RIP legend. Hope you get to talk with stan up there.
He was one of the people who got me back into comics and i seriously would just tune into his videos daily just to relax and listen to. I also got the pleasure to meet him at Denver Comic Con prior to its name change and seriously couldve talked to him for hours if he wouldve let me, same for Rob, and its become a core memory and a guiding light on how ive changed my own content for the better. he will always be part of those who he influenced, and i feel like its been for the better all around
I've seen a lot of people come out and say that his videos are what got them into comics. I wasn't an active viewer of his, but I had watched some of his content in the past, but I hadn't viewed anything from him in years. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
I feel you mate. He was a great man and helped so many. His channel started something, that me as a blind man really enjoy, people reading comic stories to me. He started that when I did not have enough vision to read comics anymore when I found him. He helped me out during a dark time in my life. Him & Rob's videos were a godsend. -big hugs-
I don't know you personally, Drake, but I watch your content and it's easy to tell that you're a great friend. I'm sure he'd have nothing but lovely things to say about you. I'm sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Always loved Comicstorian …. Could always just throw a video on & get on with whatever task you were doing or watch the video .. I’d binge the videos then I’d stop for a while but I always came back .. RIP…
I’m sorry for your loss, man. I’m turning 33 this year and just so you know, I’ve found these kinds of things can happen with friends as time goes on. I really think you gave things a good go with him. While it may feel like you missed out on patching things up this year, there’s no guarantee that would have worked either. Unfortunately that’s how friendships can become as we get older. I mean this in the nicest way possible, of course. All I mean to say is try not to beat yourself up over it. The fact that it was even on your radar is something you should find solace in unto itself. Not everyone purposefully tries to mend these kinds of things or right wrongs. You’re a good fella. Please take it easy on yourself during this time. 👊💚
At the end of the day, I'm sure that even with the distance between you two, there was this inherent respect, you should always keep that in mind for the future. As you said, life is short, we should always strive to nurture those friendships.
This is a video about my relationship with Benny, a man who I have had the pleasure of knowing for not just his entire RUclips career, but also my entire adult life. This is not a general eulogy or an overview of his passion and contribution to the comic book industry. It's not about me. It's about us. This is about being intentional with your friendships and that if there are any you have been wanting to repair, don't let the opportunity slip you by. It's to be open and honest about the complexity of adult friendships, but most importantly, it's about making sure that you're intentional with the time that you have.
Multiple people such as Comics Explained have made similar videos talking about their lives with Benny and without trying to speak for others, as a content creator, putting my thought to video is a part of how we process things. I debated about even uploading this, but after running it by some colleagues, they thought that some folks might relate to having a slurry of emotions with the passing of a friend you had multiple regrets with.
I also have no idea why I have to clarify this, but this video is not monetized. Accusations that I'm trying to profit off of my friend's death are not just untrue, but utterly fucking disgusting.
On an uplifting note, Benny was a veteran and his military service was one of the things he was proudest of. If you are willing and able, please considering donating to a VA charity in his name. k9sforwarriors.org/
I will. Just for Banny
@acrophobe3526 wow so you just get out of bed in the morning and ask yourself "What's the best way to be a dick today?" Huh? My general rule of thumb is "If I wouldn't say it to someone's face, I won't say it online" now read what you just wrote and ask yourself truly, not in some online bravado fashion but truthfully. "Would I have said that to this person's face?" If your answer is yes, congrats you're an asshole but in all honesty so long as you own up to that I can respect it. If the answer is no, then you're just another coward hiding behind a keyboard.
Oh gosh, this video and comment are so well shared and written. RIP To the super hero of the comics community.
Great comment. I did just think that I should film a video stating that if I die all my friends can monetize my death in any insane way they want so they at least get some cash
I’m sorry to hear that you might never get closure on what Benny thought of you. Benny will truly be missed.
Man, his passing got mainstream outlets like Entertainment Tonight acknowledging it. To say that his videos inspired people would be an understatement. Whether it’s Benny encouraging people to get into comics and having other RUclipsrs try out comic book related videos. If you’ve seen other comic book RUclipsrs especially those who do character histories, storyline recaps or synopsis for the past decade, what it looks like, what it sounds like, how it’s presented, it’s all done similarly to Bennys style or some variation of it. It still doesn’t feel real. He truly is a legend in the Comic Book RUclipsr community.
He got me back into comics when I was just entering high school and post middle school. He got me into the injustice story line.
His legacy and impact will never be forgotten about from tellling the stories of both of the big 2 and inspiring others to talk about comics.
I was at work when I heard. Randomly found out in a video I was watching. Had to sit there and let it soak. I wasn’t really ever a huge follower, but whenever I needed some comic knowledge, comicstorian was always one of the go tos. Hits harder than it should’ve, and I feel that’s a testament to his legacy.
It was even covered in the news here in Norway. Tells a lot about the impact Benny had on the Comic book youtube community. RIP
James Gunn and Ice Cube Jr. paid respects to him on social media too.
It covered news in Denmark as well, which is pretty nuts.
I met Benny several times and I agree - he was kind. Very important. You knew him better and you have my sincere condolences.
Benny's death was a big shock, he's been the oldest channel I've been subbed to and made me love comics. May he fly high in Valhalla
@NewJerseyNationalistfuck u. I got enought with this shitty bot. F U RUclips AND DO UR DAMN JOB
I hope to see him when I get up there
Beautiful and chrome
@@Akkbar21 this isn't about "valhalla" from mad max this is about "VALHALLA" afterlife of warriors and the dinning hall of my gods
He was the first channel I subscribed to after creating an account too I’m gonna miss that guy
As one of Benny's more introverted friends, I feel that part entirely. He was larger than life and always going a mile a minute... but yeah, one of the most genuine people who also had a huge heart. There's just a Benny-shaped void that I don't think will ever be filled again.
You knew him? Condolences
I hope you and his family get enough time to grieve. He inspired us all and I hope that will still be the case even if he’s not with us anyone.
I'm sorry for your loss. He was awesome.
Fill the void with his joy, his enthusiasm, his kindness. Keep his power alive :,)
Hey Drake, I'm not sure if you will see this but i thought I'd share it with you.
I had the immense honor of being friends with Benny these past four years. One time when he and I first started talking ( I believe this would of been before your pandemic stream together) I asked him about you since you guys used to podcast together. I remember the first thing he said was "Oh yeah I like Drake. He's a good guy. We just don't get the opportunity to do much together." I think, and this is just my opinion from a half remembered conversation, he still considered you both friends. I had to take a step back from internet things for a year when my son was born and in that time he and i didn't speak much, but once i came back it was same as usual. I think to Benny once you are a friend, you are always a friend. To him all that mattered was who you are and how you treated others. That's what I think anyway and I hope i was able to share that in a good way.
I hope he sees this
@njngoestoheckseek help
BOOOST
Gosh this comment broke me
Comic Drake, please read this persons comment.
Rest in peace Comicstorian. I'm sorry for your loss Drake.
@njngoestoheckwhy are you on both of your accounts to spread this comment, clearly nobody loves you enough and I am sorry that you are this miserable.
When I look back on why I stopped watching comicstorian it was because… it worked. I read comics now. His channel was instrumental in getting me to pick up an actual comic for the first time and I’ll never forget that.
Same. It is thanks to him I started buying, collecting and reading comics. And while I haven't watched his recaps in years, I saw every single "Problem With" rant. I loved to hear his thoughts on stuff.
This true for me too!
Everybody has been saying that Benny’s loss is the biggest loss for comic RUclips, but I honestly think that it is a major loss for the comic book industry period. People like Tom Taylor and fucking James Gunn are putting out statements in support of Comicstorian. That reaches far beyond just RUclips. I’m glad that his peers and family are continuing the channel, because Benny single-handedly got more people into the comic book industry than any movie, any TV show, any video game could’ve ever done, and it’s their responsibility to continue that. With great power and what not. RIP Benny.
I’m sorry for the loss and it’s a major loss for the industry. Same with ed piscor This past April. Those were two men that help me fall in love with the industry and the void that is now gone with both of them is huge. 😢
Where are the statements?
@@samueltorres690 I think his wife posted it on his Twitter page.
Some random dudes give condolences to a dude's death and all of a sudden it's a major deal? Scumbags should know how to prioritise their values
My sincere condolences to his wife Nathalie and the rest of his friends and family. I've listened to Benny on RUclips and on many podcasts for many years and he felt like a constant in my life. The world will not be the same without him.
@@levrithinyou know man. It wasn’t funny when punks like you did this with Jacksepticeye’s dad and it isn’t funny now. You really should quit this.
So sorry for your loss, Drake. Adult friendships are tricky and hard to maintain. What is important is the mutual respect, when they are here and when they aren't. RIP.
Benny had a big voice and a bigger heart. I know whatever he had planned would've been amazing. I only met him twice, and I regret never telling him how cool he was or how nice he was. I only hope he knew just how loved he was.
Speaking on that maturity is huge. Recognizing the pretentiousness of your twenties is a bitter pill, but sharing it is strength. I try to remind myself (and my kids) that I was dumb as hell until I hit like 25, felt a year of personal choice beneath my feet, and really just then began to "grow up". Sorry for your loss man. Thanks for doing this.
My dad died last month. A lot of the ways we bonded was going to Marvel movies and being excited for that, and talking about them for hours on end. And Benny was so instrumental in getting me so invested and knowledgeable on this medium that my dad and I both loved.
I keep thinking of all of the things I could've and should've been doing while he was alive, and it really doesn't matter. It sounds really cliche and stupid, but seriously. Make sure you let your loved ones know how you feel.
Sorry for the loss, brother.
Sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss, I totally get what you're saying. I lost my blood Dad when I was 21..and my step-dad almost four years ago. The world takes on a whole other dimension when you try to do a thing, and realise that you and they will never do it together again. Hang in there. My family kinda copes by doing things they would have loved, eating foods they never could again, making sure they aren't ever forgotten. Big hugs from across the internet.
My condolences
@@Tardisntimbits Thats important, keep their memory alive.
Comcistorian is what got me back into comics and it hits hard for not just me but everyone
He will be missed and Benny’s contribution to the comic community will not be forgotten
I'm sorry for your loss, Drake.
I never got to know Benny personally. I think we had a handful of interactions, all online, and in all of them they were cordial or at the very least non hostile. I learned recently he'd recommended my channel to others and it put me on the floor. I figured he didn't really know who I was. He was the type of dude that even if you didn't know him, he'd still touch your life in some way. That said, I always felt Benny got a bad rap from other Comic RUclipsrs. He didn't deserve it. I wish I actually got to know him like so many others did. We were similar in age, similar in energy, and loudness, and it would have been awesome to have a friend like him. Rest easy, Benny.
I hadn't been watching Benny long, but hearing the news about someone who's laugh I can hear so perfectly in my head, gutted me.
Thank you for sharing your feelings and helping those of us also struggling feel less alone in our pain. ❤
I know, his joker was so good, every time I heard it in a video I would say out loud "god he's good"
The whole community is grieving, Ben was the star of the comic community, his personality was amazing, losing him is like losing a friend, i lost a hero, we all did
Benny Potter was not just a simple nerd, he was THE comic nerd on RUclips. The Comicstorian channel made me feel like I could be myself in regards to comics. His personality showcased that he was comfortable in what he was doing, and that he didn't care how others saw him. I have so much respect for what he believed in and who he was.
His death shocked many, including myself. He was really young, and it wasn't fair that we had to lose him so early. He clearly loved doing what he was doing and he loved us for watching his content (and we loved him for what he did). It sucks that I won't get to see his opinion on something new ever again.
That said, however, he left behind a legacy that can never be forgotten. He inspired many to get into comics, and he inspired me to be myself more often, and that led to me actually writing several narratives for several comic book characters. It's him, Arris Quinones from Variant Comics, Mitch Letcher from Super Frame, and even you, Drake that kept me going. I proudly watched your videos just to know I could still be a nerd.
I won't cry because Benny's time with us is over. I will smile because Benny's time with us happened. His body may be gone, but his spirit is with all of us who loved his content, with Nathalie, with Arris, with the other comic book content creators, and you, Drake. The videos from the past ten years will all remind us that it is ok to be who we are, because that's something Benny lived by.
Thanks for the amazing ten years, Benny. We're gonna miss you so much, and we'll see you again sometime soon.
As for you, Drake, knowing that Benny was a good soul, I know that he cared deeply about you, and liked working with you. I have no doubt in my mind. Thanks for sharing your story, and I'm sorry for your loss.
Benny Potter
(May 18th, 1984 - June 8th, 2024)
He IS the biggest channel, that legacy isn't gone
When i read on twitter he passed i literally had tears fall and was so mad because it’s always the people who don’t deserve it or happens when the time doesn’t feel right and it was to early.
Ben Potter was one of the best independent Narrators in content creation and he will be sorely missed. Rip to one of the goats.
Hi
He up there reading heaven comics to the angels 👼😭😭😭😭
Every time I saw a Comicstorian video and thought, “Geeze, I wonder if this actually hurts the industry since I can just get the story here” I would remind myself “Dude, you started buying comics after you got into these videos.”
It is kind of a thing where in theory it's bad but in practise it's good
I met both Henny and Rob (of Comics Explained) at Denver Pop Culture con a few years back. It was my birthday weekend and i was getting pulled in every direction by my friends and Benny and Rob were doing a meet and greet but i missed it by a few minutes. I told the volunteer working their booth about my feelings and low and behold, i hear Benny behind me saying "you didn't miss us, we're right here!"
They were both so kind. They sat and talked with me for a half hour, gifted me a couple of shirts and took selfies with me.
I was destroyed seeing that Benny had passed. I will miss all of his kind and hype energy and his passion for comics.
RIP Benny😢
My deepest condolence goes to you and Benny's family and friends. Rest in peace, Comicstorian. 😔
Great advice, Drake. Don't wait boys, do it now. RIP Benny
Rest in Peace
Thank you for sharing your complicated feelings. I hope you're able to find peace with this relationship, and turn it into the positive he'd like to see in the world.
I wish his family nothing but the best, and hope they feel so supported by the community of friends and fans he has built up over the years
Love your content man. His loss will forever be felt
First off, rest in peace to Benny. I’ve been watching him for 10 years and now he’s gone and I couldn’t believe when I heard the news just literally yesterday. But I also want to commend you for putting your heart on full display even though you didn’t have to Drake. I don’t usually comment often, but this I had to. I’m having personal issues with my mother at the moment and I’m having difficulty trying to mend the bridge that I made unstable and how you built the courage to stand in front of your camera and hold yourself accountable for your actions towards Ben and actively made it a goal to want to mend that relationship and make it better; I respect that. I respect you. Nobody is perfect and sometimes we can’t see past our own egos and it could make or break everything around us and we fail to look past that wall to greater experiences we’re missing out on. I don’t know if you’ll see this comment, but if you do, don’t hold onto that pain of I could’ve or I should’ve. The fact that you want to is enough. Even with Ben passed on, I’m sure we both know he’d forgive you. Now all you can do is forgive yourself. I look forward to seeing you better yourself and your content. I wish you nothing, but the best.❤️
You, benny and rob were so important to me learning and loving the world of comic books growing up. Rest in peace Comicstorian. Sending love.
He up there reading heaven comics to the angels 👼😭😭😭😭
I didnt know him personally, but his content was such a huge part of my teenage life. As i got older i stopped watching him as much, and when i heard about his passing, i didnt know how to feel. Ik this video was mostly, if not entirely for you, but it did genuinely help me as well. So thanks for sharing man :)
I’m so sorry for your loss my friend sending love and condolences to you
I hope that even though it was an accident that ended his life, that he didn’t suffer during it, he deserves to have been able to move on peacefully, and I hope he did, and I hope if he’s out there somewhere in the afterlife, that he’s doing well
We will all miss him
I thought I was gonna hate this video but after going through with it, I believe this is kind of what I needed to hear. I cannot relate to Nathalie or Rob or Sal, but your words and feels hit me as a fan who watch from afar. I don't think there's nothing any of us can do to make things "better" but you made me feel a bit more hopeful, thank you Drake.
May I ask why you thought you were going to hate this video? I remember Drake's super pretentious era, I actually completely quit watching this channel during that time, only picked it back up about a year ago. Just wondering if that's why you thought this video would go bad or if it was something else.
Same
@@jacobcrowder2600 I thought this was going to be a repeat of his multiple Deadpool movie reviews. An out of touch take that nobody asked for and then he will be forced to apologize. Thankfully I was wrong. Just another prove of how much Drake has grown since then. And now I kinda feel like a dumbass myself.
His presence brought to the comic book RUclips world won't be forgotten
If it wasnt for Benny i would have never read a single comic, my entire comicbook love is thanks to him. Fly high you will be missed ♥
He up reading heaven comics to the angels 👼😭😭😭😭
Thanks for making this video. It's hard to believe he is gone. RIP Benny
Benny was literally the reason my love for Miles Morales, Peter Parker, and all the spider people grew so much, at the height of the superhero genre he was the main one I was watching he really helped me in 2016-2018
I totally get that feeling of incompleteness in the face of loss. You make all these plans, then they stop meaning anything. It was a horrible loss, even if I didn't pay too much attention to Benny's work, I know it was a huge impact.
I remember being in Middle School/High School when I started watching the Weekly pull and I found you through Game Theory. There’s so much history and so much love, I hope Benny knows how much he meant to everyone. May he rest in peace ♥️
It sucks having your last interaction with someone be unclear on where you stand with them especially with death.
It eats away until it nestles into your brain, a subconscious consistent reminder that the last interaction you had soured everything.
It's something I, getting close to almost 10 years later after the passing still find myself returning to.
It's awful but, at the end of the day you have to live wearing your mistakes on your sleeve to make sure the mistake you made before is never one you make again.
Rip Comicstorian
Benny was loved in the comics space on RUclips. Last time I watched him live was for Suicide Squad kills the Justice League. He gave it a shot regardless of the hate. That's what I admired about Benny. Comicstorian will not be forgotten. Thank you Drake for sharing your times with Benny.
he was more than just a youtuber he was the reason i fell in love with comics i loved his videos since i was 7-8 he was always putting so much love in his videos i wished to one day meet him but since i never could ill say it here thank you comicstorian for teaching me and many others how to love comics thank you for being a hero.
Thank you for being so vulnerable. We all miss him and what he brought to us
To be frank, I haven't even thought of Comicstorian in years, but he was part of what got me into comics. I started with deep wiki dives on characters and stories as a teenager, and his dramatic readings helped me engage with the stories and gave me points of entry. I don't think I'd have the same appreciation for comics without him helping take that next step, and I never realized that til today.
Y’know, as soon as I heard about this I thought back to you and Linkara playing Comics for the Cure, commenting on how Benny hadn’t responded to your emails. I was hoping he would respond whenever you all got together to do that again. Sad to see he won’t now. How weird, this is the first time a RUclipsr I liked passed away. Not retired or left, he’s just not here anymore. It was already a heavy blow before I watched this video. Drake, I’m sorry you never got to patch things up. Maybe he still thought of you as a friend right until the end, but I’m a bystander who can’t say for sure. All I can say is; RIP Benny. Here’s to future generations stumbling across your videos and learning about how cool comics are.
This was a very honest reflection on frendship and its ups and downs. And the true regret that comes with not knowing if you were there enough. I meet Benny at the Denver Comic Con where I’m from and he had the loudest laugh I’ve ever heard. A true ally to the comic book community. His enthusiasm was infectious and I thank you as a fan of both you and Benny for sharing this personal heartfelt video.
I'm sorry for your loss, Drake.
I'd like to believe that he did love you as a friend as well, and I do believe that you two were meant to become great friends. I'm sorry that a complicated friendship never quite worked out in the end. But knowing Benny's energy from his videos, and judging by how you described him as well. He seemed to be the guy who would've been open for it, and who would've accepted you.
May he rest in peace.
And I hope you'll feel better soon, too.
I'm glad to see what came from the bond and relationship you both developed.
We never know how much time we have. RIP Benny 🕯️🕊️
Rest in peace, the legend. Ben will be missed.
Rip Comicstorian. You will be missed. Thanks for sharing this Drake. I hope it helps you find peace with everything
Benny inspired me to pick up so many books. I appreciate you telling your story I think it’s important. And I hope negative comments on this video don’t affect you too much. Nothing but the best for you drake, I’m sure Benny is immensely proud of you
Never have I’ve seen someone’s passing unite a community
Love Benny as a creator. I appreciate you highlighting the complexity of friendship.
R.I.P. to Benny, and my condolences and prayers to his wife, family, and loved ones 🙏🏿.
It's nice to know that people who knew him have nothing but positive things to say about him. He will be missed and not forgotten 🙏🏿.
Take care of yourself Drake. Condolences for your loss and your families and friends. Loss is one of the hardest things. We’ll all make it through on the other side. And though it is hard to find happiness after it will come. Those memories of your times together are key. Great vid.
Damn, I'm sorry man.
I was shocked when I saw the news, and also thought about how he had a video just a couple months back about his views and trying new stuff, and now he'll never get to see that through.
I didn't always agree with his takes, but he always seemed earnest and good faith in his opinions. So really sucks to lose that voice in the community.
And you're 100% spot on that the "dramatic reading" style videos offer their own kind of utility. Like, it's just a fact that there are SO MANY COMICS coming out, and so much history going back, having something like his channel to fill in blank spots was incredibly useful.
But all that still pales in comparison to losing this cool dude who was by all my understanding a good friend and family man.
I first noticed Benny when he talked about the Agent Venom run and why that meant so much to him, so much so that I could hear him choking up. I was a fan from that moment onwards. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
Benny was one of my favorite RUclipsrs of all time. I quite litterally watched his content and channel from the time I was 8 years old to now. I even got the chance to meet him and that was one of my all time favorite memories. No one will ever be able to replace the influence and the energy Benny had on the platform when it comes to comics. He was like the cool uncle who watched movies and talked comics with you. Rest in Peace 🕊️
I was never into comics until you and Comicstorian. RIP
This is hitting the comic book community hard! sending my best to you Drake!
Damm... I don't actively follow the comic scene. But i did watch comicstorians content from time to time and he did a damm good job at what he did and kept me engaged.
A dark day for the comic book scene indeed.
You and I literally just talked about it in the comments, so I knew it was gonna be very complicated for you to even know how to feel about his passing. praying for you too brother it’s not easy losing somebody you cared for that you didn’t end off on the best terms with
Truly a sad loss I will miss him he helped me learn to love comics
it's touching you made this video and vocalizing thoughts helps those who need healing
Glad I decided to watch this video. It is interesting to know that you and Benny had a wonderful but complicated friendship. At least he would be happy to know you are a wonderful and great friend. RIP Benny.
It break my heart to hear that Benny is gone 😢
This is the first I've heard of Benny's passing, I'm sorry for your loss and we'll miss that boy ❤
He truly helped me in further getting more into comics
Drake, you can only act in real time, never in retrospect. The best we can do for Benny is to 1) respect his family's wishes for whatever support they want and 2) incorporating the best things about Benny into ourselves so his goodness never dies. Peace and love, everyone.
Rip Benny man he loves you he had a huge heart ❤ we keep his memory alive and we honor him 👑
I can't speak for him, but I'm sure he was proud of how far you've come and all you've done.
@@cdogthehedgehog6923 WOW, you're an asshole! How quaint!
I've been a long time subscriber to Benny for years, and it was hard finding out about his unfortunate passing when I did. Both he and Drake both got me into reading comics, and I think Benny's dramatic readings formed my hopes to get into voice acting. He worked incredibly hard and provided incredible videos that got me through a lot of pain.
Watching this video, especially what you had to say at the end really opened my eyes to just how prescious life can be. I have been having difficulty in achieving my goals recently, but hearing about both you and Benny's growth and passion for what you do has really touched me emotionally. I wanted to say thank you for making this video. I am still young, and this has caused me to realise that life is short, so trying to make yourself and the people you care about happy is by far the best thing you can do with it.
Rest in Peace, Benny. You will be sorely missed by many, thank you for everything you've done for me and countless others.
I can't believe he is gone, he will be missed
Benny’s death shocked even me I loved his channel. I started watching your channel, Drake right around the same time too. Benny will be missed. You have my deepest sympathies.
I'm very sorry for your loss, Drake. It takes a lot of courage to open up the way you did here. I hope both you and Benny's family are able to heal.
Love you Drake . Been watching for 10+ years and im glad you’re still around still growing. I’m sorry for your loss
I did not know that the Comicstorian passed away...Good gracious. I hope his friends and family recover soon.
Comic narrations won’t be the same without him 😢
I'm sending you my condolences. Even if you weren't in regular contact that impact that loss of friendship will still need to be processed. I lost my best friend at 27 it was so fast and it was medical issues. But I grew up spending weekends at her house watching X-men animated series with her mother which was my intro to the comics world. So even though in the end we were on different life paths that loss and no longer having that friend there, I have moments of 'she would have loved this' or how she would react to certain things now. So take the time to grieve your loss because if you're feeling it and missing it, it was important to you.
Benny was my introduction to comic youtube he was the one who got me into elseworlds like deceased, which is now my favorite comic story ever now. I always wanted to thank him in person. What I'm saying is thank you, benny for shaping me as a person and making my life better.
We need to do AHCC again. It brought all the creators together in a way we haven't seen since. I haven't been in the scene in a while, I've been pretty sick (and working a traditional job) if I'm being honest. I missed the last couple of web-conventions, but I still remember the way the first one brought us all together.
I only found out about Benny's death because of your video. Thanks for sharing your story with him. I used to watch him a lot back in the MCU golden age, moved on to other content since then but it sucks to loose a great guy like him. He showed a lot of energy in his reviews and made each video a lot of fun to watch or just listen to.
RIP Benny/Comicstorian
I still can't comprehend it.. I watch all his videos as soon as they are uploaded and have followed his channel for nearly a decade now.. such a shame to lose a man who did nothing but brighten our lives. Even if he was ranting about something he hated, he still found time to have fun and make jokes.. we will all miss you Benny.. RIP legend. Hope you get to talk with stan up there.
still will be...... I will be sharing & watching His videos..
I listened through his DCeased and injustice read throughs and so many other things. He will be missed.
He was one of the people who got me back into comics and i seriously would just tune into his videos daily just to relax and listen to. I also got the pleasure to meet him at Denver Comic Con prior to its name change and seriously couldve talked to him for hours if he wouldve let me, same for Rob, and its become a core memory and a guiding light on how ive changed my own content for the better. he will always be part of those who he influenced, and i feel like its been for the better all around
I hadn’t heard that. I’m stunned. He was such a major presence here.
I've seen a lot of people come out and say that his videos are what got them into comics. I wasn't an active viewer of his, but I had watched some of his content in the past, but I hadn't viewed anything from him in years. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
I feel you mate. He was a great man and helped so many. His channel started something, that me as a blind man really enjoy, people reading comic stories to me. He started that when I did not have enough vision to read comics anymore when I found him. He helped me out during a dark time in my life. Him & Rob's videos were a godsend. -big hugs-
I don't know you personally, Drake, but I watch your content and it's easy to tell that you're a great friend. I'm sure he'd have nothing but lovely things to say about you. I'm sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Always loved Comicstorian ….
Could always just throw a video on & get on with whatever task you were doing or watch the video ..
I’d binge the videos then I’d stop for a while but I always came back ..
RIP…
I have lost friends and family quick. I feel your pain and loss. Our memories (and his videos) keep him alive
I’m sorry for your loss, man.
I’m turning 33 this year and just so you know, I’ve found these kinds of things can happen with friends as time goes on. I really think you gave things a good go with him. While it may feel like you missed out on patching things up this year, there’s no guarantee that would have worked either. Unfortunately that’s how friendships can become as we get older.
I mean this in the nicest way possible, of course. All I mean to say is try not to beat yourself up over it. The fact that it was even on your radar is something you should find solace in unto itself. Not everyone purposefully tries to mend these kinds of things or right wrongs.
You’re a good fella. Please take it easy on yourself during this time. 👊💚
Someone should make a comic book of him in his honor. A hero who explain the hero universe
At the end of the day, I'm sure that even with the distance between you two, there was this inherent respect, you should always keep that in mind for the future.
As you said, life is short, we should always strive to nurture those friendships.