Legendary Marvel comics writer, artist, and co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, Steve Ditko passed away at age 90. According to The HollyWood Reporter, the creator was found dead in his apartment June 29th. His death is under investigation.
Ditko worked with Stan Lee to create Marvel’s web-slinger, Spider-Man in 1961. Spider-Man and his alter ego Peter Parker first appeared in Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy No. 15. Ditko served as the comics cover artist, writer, penciler, and inker. His amazing work can be seen in the comic below.
Then two years later in 1963, Ditko helped breath life into Doctor Strange. The sorcerer supreme and Stephen Strange appeared in Strange Tales No. 110, published on July 10th, 1963.
Marvel Entertainment tweeted their response to the news a few hours after his passing. Saying,
Others, like Kevin Smith, have taken to Twitter as well, thanking the writer for sharing his stories with them.
Spider-Man. Dr. Strange. The Question. The Creeper. Shade the Changing Man. Hawk & Dove. He worked with @Marvel AND @DCComics. Such an astounding imagination and the awesome ability to back it up. Thank you #SteveDitko, for sharing your genius and enriching American Pop Culture. pic.twitter.com/fZsUcgqHwA
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) July 7, 2018
Author Neil Gaiman tweeted as well.
Steve Ditko was true to his own ideals. He saw things his own way, and he gave us ways of seeing that were unique. Often copied. Never equalled. I know I'm a different person because he was in the world. pic.twitter.com/2GFSA86Btj
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) July 7, 2018
Stan Lee has yet to respond to the news.
In a statement from Joe Quesada, Marvel Chief Creative Officer said,
Only a small group of individuals can claim that they have effected and redefined, not just an industry, but popular culture worldwide. Steve Ditko was one of those few who dared to break molds every time his pencil and pen hit a blank sheet of paper. In his lifetime he blessed us with gorgeous art, fantastical stories, heroic characters and a mystical persona worthy of some of his greatest creations. And much like his greatest co-creation, Steve Ditko’s legend and influence will outlive us all.”
Marvel’s Entertainment President Dan Buckley said,
Today, the Marvel family mourns the loss of Steve Ditko. Steve transformed the industry and the Marvel Universe, and his legacy will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and fans during this sad time.”
Steve Ditko was born November 2, 1927, he was 90 years old.