And of course, there's Alan Moore's "retirement." Of course, considering that the man has been a one-man comics factory, what with everything from Promethea, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Tom Strong and all its spin-offs, Top Ten, etc. etc. I can follow his withdrawal from the field. And lately, it's been like he's been dropping too much acid, in some of his titles, anyway.
I'm also suffering from Rumiko Takahashi withdrawal. I've tried searching the web, but haven't been able to find out what's up with her. No new manga, sigh. I heard a rumor that she's got carpal tunnel, and is on hiatus from drawing manga because of it. No word on the web, that I can find, though.
Not a good time for those of us who read unconventional (non-superhero) comics. Oh well, my budget will benefit...