Biukovic was best known in the world of comics for his work on Grendel Tales: Devils and Deaths, The Human Target (DC), Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron--The Phantom Affair, and Star Wars: The Last Command. In 1995, his talent and contribution to the art form was recognized with the coveted Russ Manning Best Newcomer award, presented during the Eisner award ceremony at San Diego International ComiCon.
"Eddy's work was characterized by a strong degree of humanity," said Biukovic's friend and frequent editor, Peet Janes. "Whether he was illustrating a mutant, retarded monster in a nuclear wasteland in Grendel Tales, or human and alien characters suffering under an Imperial despot in Star Wars, all of his characters exuded strength and weakness; cynicism and optimism; fear, joy, and resignation. The story burdens rested squarely on the shoulders of Eddy's characters, and the dynamic of their strides, their eloquent body language, and the lines written in their faces made Eddy's work a blueprint for any aspiring artist to follow. As an artist and a friend, he will be sorely missed."
Darko Macan, Biukovic's creative counterpart on Grendel Tales and Star Wars, offered these words on the passing of his friend:
"I often berated Eddy because of the time he spent on each and every page--his perfectionism frequently made him miss the deadlines by weeks, if not months. But he would take no shortcuts and he would grumble about how I didn't understand him, how he had to teach himself to draw better and how he didn't want his art to be just a job. `If I allow this to happen, I might as well work in a factory,' he used to say.
"And he was, I can see it now, absolutely right. With so much talent and so little time allotted to him, he had to burn clearly and brightly--never take the easy way out, drive himself mercilessly, put his life second to his art. He had no other choice, for only the complete sacrifice was an appropriate one. A perfectionist to the end, our Eddy."
The staff of Dark Horse Comics, our associates at Lucasfilm and Eddy's many friends and admirers mourn the death of a great young man.