Michael A. Buonauro (May 27, 1979 – May 28, 2004), born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was an American webcomic artist, and author. Best known for his webcomic ''Marvelous Bob'', Buonauro had co-created various other webcomics in collaboration with Jeff Lofvers. Buonauro committed

suicide Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Mental disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders), physical disorders (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), and s ...

in 2004. His parents established the Michael Buonauro Foundation in response, a charity organization which seeks to fund a suicide awareness program.

Works

Buonauro's best known work was ''Marvelous Bob'', a web-published story based on the conventions of comic book

superhero A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...

es, but in a distinctively realist,

postmodern Postmodernism is an intellectual stance or mode of discourseNuyen, A.T., 1992. The Role of Rhetorical Devices in Postmodernist Discourse. Philosophy & Rhetoric, pp.183–194. characterized by skepticism toward the " grand narratives" of moderni ...

style. The title character is an individual with the powers of a superhero, but is an antihero in many ways: for instance, unlike most "heroes", he has no scruples about killing when necessary. Buonauro was also co-creator of the webcomics ''Dr. Lobster'', ''Gamer Hotties'', and ''Wrench Farm'', all of which were joint projects with his friend Jeff Lofvers.

Death and legacy

He committed

the day after his 25th birthday. His parents have established the Michael Buonauro Foundation which has funded the Signs Of Suicide program (SOS). The SOS program was presented to more than 55,000 students in all the high schools in Orange County, Florida. The SOS program seeks to promote suicide awareness and prevention through education. ''Marvelous Bob'' is in production now, and Buonauro's father and mother are very hopeful that this project will be completed as Buonauro would have wanted. All of its profits go to the Michael Buonauro Foundation.

References

External links

Marvelous Bob website
taken down until further notice.
Dr. Lobster website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Buonauro, Michael American webcomic creators Writers from Fort Lauderdale, Florida Artists who committed suicide 1979 births 2004 deaths 2004 suicides