"Toren was a fascinating guy, the founder of Studio Proteus and arguably one of the most important figures in the entire history of the English-language manga industry. Please take a few minutes to read this personal tribute
from his friend Jonathen Clements - it paints a picture of a unique and
exciting life, and fills in details about the earliest days of manga
and anime fandom in America. The instrumental role Toren had in American
comics history (alongside folks like Same Hat heroes Fred Schodt, Fred
Patton, and others) can't be overstated.
If you were a manga/anime nerd in the '90s like me, and enjoyed any of
the following Studio Proteus-powered titles, please remember Toren Smith
today and keep his family and friends in your thoughts:
- Images / Text from SAME HAT
