Oh no! I watched that Mario vs Sonic video last week after not having seen it for nearly ten years. I'm actually pretty sad now.

RIP

:(

Rest in Peace randy :(

i remember watching his work when he was still making videos, i think his passing a way is one of the saddest days in history
R.I.P Randy

Rest in peace Randy, youll be soely missed by all aspiring flash animators, lets all going to watch the rise of the mushroom kingdom series in his remebereance

After I heard this, I exploded with sadness.

R.I.P

I will never forget the Rise Of The MK series!!!
Rest in peace Randt Solem.

Even though people die, it's best to think the greatest of them and of their achievements.
That's a way how people can live with pain.

Oh man, RIP Randy , he was the greatest sprite animator ive ever seen when i was 13 years.

What?! I can hardly even believe this...

R.I.P. Randy

My god... his works were what introduced me to NG. I'll miss him dearly.

This is shocking news. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers. :(

I remember Randy Solem. He was a pretty funny guy, and an awesome animator. He used to be a step uncle with a good friend of mine, and I remember him showing me the VGDC on the computer, and I was shocked I met the guy who made this site. It was pretty awesome to meet him, and I wish his family luck in the future. R.I.P Randy.

Rise of the MK was the first flash movie series I've ever seen. Even before knowing NG.
I would always check his page www.videogamedc.com to see if he uploaded anything new. The Rise of the MK series are a part of my inspiration to make my career something movie/animation/videogame oriented, I don't/didn't care if it was animating, programming, acting, writing or anything, just something that allowed me to be a part of a great story. I learned from him that the story would always be the most important part, and that if it is good enough, it will stay with you as a base for anything you create.
I'm damn sad about this.
Rest in peace Mr. Solem. You will be missed much

At 9 hours ago, Razoric wrote: I worked with Randy on many Flash cartoons back in the day. I remember lots of late nights chatting with him as we were working on our random Mario toons. He was a great friend and he'll be missed. Hard to believe he's gone.

Your post just reminded me of the Altered Beast collab you guys did lol

Well, fuck. That's one of the most unfortunate news shared with us on this website.
Rest in peace, Randy. Be sure to teach God about how to make awesome sprite movies.

Rise of the Mushroom Kingdom was the first sprite animation I ever saw and I loved it. Sad to lose someone at only 36. RIP man, you made some amazing work. My condolences to his family as well.

I can't say I still have respect for the style, or that I still enjoy his work specifically, but it's really sad to read this. Back in '05, and '06, when I originally uncovered VGDC, It blew my mind, and really got me into the idea of flash animation.

Rest In Peace.

Not sure who else is doing this with me, but in honor of his name I've been watching his videos to remember the great memories of the work he has done. I am happy for him though that there are many here who're very supportive toward him. I wish the best for his family too.

Just wanted to let you guys know that Randy's girlfriend and mother are extremely great full for the support and donations, regardless of size. The supportive comments and seeing the impact he had on people all across the internet is such a great thing for us to see and remember him by.

This makes me really sad. I remember watching his movies a lot back when I first joined Ng. I used to watch Rise of the MK 1 and 2 all the time.

Rest in Peace man.

I hope this guy has a good after life, his movies where great. He died at a younger age to...

Mack Daddy Mario 3 was the first flash movie I ever watched. It eventually led me to Newgrounds a couple months later. Randy Solem was one of my favorite animators for years.

R.I.P.

At 1 day ago, unconsidered wrote: How did he die? 36 sounds really early.

Maybe a disease

I find some of the private messages I'm getting, such as those from Kisame, are flat out hateful and insulting toward Randy. I have an entire portfolio of his graphic work and hand drawn art, it's all amazing. He worked for local major news papers in the Tri-sate area as a leading artist, for some up to 10 years straight. So because he chose to style his movies about meaningful characters and games of his childhood, that reflects his over all talent?

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but to go out of your way to contact family members to say, "talentless hack" or "hope he's burning in hell", sounds like your a little butt hurt. Maybe riding motorcycles, having beautiful girls in your past and present and being big in the gym made some of the 120 pound rival animators, pale behind their screens working on films that never caught on, felt intimidated? Or because he used to dish it out stronger than those who dished the insults first back in the VGDC forums days? From everything I know, there's not a reason for such deep resentment and hate for someone they never met, besides self esteem issues and jealousy.

At 13 minutes ago, nyancat23 wrote:

At 1 day ago, unconsidered wrote: How did he die? 36 sounds really early.

Maybe a disease

He passed away from heart failure late this past Friday night.

Rest in peace, Randy.

Your cartoons brought me a bunch of joy from a really young age.

They will continue to do so.

~Al

Wow...this is just unbelievable! His work was the gateway to Newgrounds for me! I loved Mack Daddy Mario and Rise of the Mushroom Kingdom and all his other stuff!

Rest in peace, man!

Aw, damn. That's a shame. Randy was an amazing artist. He created some really awesome flashes. He'll be missed.

RIP, Randy.

Gah... that is just awful.

RIP Mr. VGDC, you're movies weren't just gems, they were pioneers.

Taken so soon, you will be missed.