In Loving Memory of Richard Duron

It’s with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we share the loss of someone truly irreplaceable—our friend, colleague, and creative brother, Richard Duron.

Richard was part of our Forbidden Panel family long before Forbidden Panel even existed. He and our founder, AJ Herrera, had been friends since childhood and had an unbreakable bond. He wasn’t just an occasional contributor—he was a force: a writer, artist, collaborator, cosplayer, and constant source of light. Whether as a frequent guest of the PanelCast, our Draw Till It Bleeds and every live event we participated in, he showed up with heart, with humor, with his whole self—and he gave that same energy to every project, every person, every moment.

Richard had a rare gift: he made everyone feel seen. Whether you were a longtime friend or someone he’d just met, whether you were a child or an adult, he treated you, like you mattered. He was kind, generous, fiercely loyal, and unshakably human.

He loved wrestling, Hallmark Christmas movies, Star Wars, toys and action figures, comics, video games, all things pop culture and could talk to anyone about all of those topics for HOURS, sharing his knowledge and having a blast geeking out.

Richard wore many hats in his lifetime—father, grandfather, friend, brother, business owner at Krooked Smile Collectibles, foodie vlogger, and so much more. And he wore each one in true Richard fashion: backwards, with a smirk, a spark of sass, and a heart always present and ready to give his all to anyone who needed him.

His loss leaves an ache in our community, but none feel it more deeply than the family and close circle of friends he loved and fought for so fiercely.

As they navigate this sudden and heartbreaking loss, we want to rally around them the way Richard always rallied around us. The emotional toll is already immense, and the financial burden only adds to the weight they’re carrying.

If you’re able, please consider supporting Richard’s family by donating to their GoFundMe page.

His son’s beautiful tribute is shared there as well, and we encourage you to read it—it’s a powerful glimpse into the love that shaped and surrounded Richard’s life.

And if you can’t give financially, sharing this post is just as meaningful. Every share helps the light Richard sparked in the world reach a little farther.

Thank you for holding space for his memory.