Today, I learned that the genius that was Monty Oum had died, at 33 years of age, from an allergic reaction. I cannot claim to have know the man, nor had I ever really interacted with him at all, yet, why am I this sad? Perhaps it is because I will never meet him. Perhaps it is because I will never get to share ideas with him. But more likely the reason is is that this man had so much, so much, to offer the world, and yet, fate chose to take him away before he could share even a half of his mind with us. However, even the brightest flames must flicker and die, and the passing is always morned, but I do think it would do a disservice to Mr. Oum if we were to dwell on the shortness of his life, but rather on what he accomplished in that short time. He gave us so much art, so many characters, created the first Anime made in america, helped RVB become a true original series with his animations, and created the world of RWBY for all who watched to come an enjoy. Let us not dwell on hidden potential, as that is now forever hidden, but let us look at the potential realized, and allow it to be a beacon to guide us to our own creative ends wherever they may be. My condolences to his wife and family on this tragic occasion, (for if I am this sad, how melancholic must they be?) and my thanks to Monty for giving us so much, in so little time.