One of the most influential figures in the comic book industry, Steve Ditko, was reported dead at the age of 90.
Steve Ditko created iconic characters like Spider-Man and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee for Marvel Comics. He worked for a number of other comic book publishers before disappearing from public view for decades until his death.
The artist was found dead in his New York apartment on June 29, and is believed to have died two days prior, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
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. https://t.co/uKKR9oClqg pic.twitter.com/1ovYnE8Y2V
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) July 7, 2018
Steve Ditko began his career drawing for a military newspaper during World War 2. He followed in the footsteps of Captain America co-creators Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and started working for Atlas Comics – which later went on to become Marvel Comics.
In 1961, Steve Ditko and Stan Lee created Spider-Man. Stan assigned Steve the assignment after he was dissatisfied with Jack Kirby's take on the idea of a teenage superhero with spider powers. The look of Spider-Man — the costume, the web-shooters, the red and blue design — all came from Steve Ditko. Spider-Man first appeared in Amazing Fantasy No 15. The comic was an unexpected hit, and the character was spun off into The Amazing Spider-Man. Ditko helped create such classic Spider-Man characters as Doctor Octopus, Sandman, the Lizard and Green Goblin.
R.I.P. Artist Steve Ditko. pic.twitter.com/87eJ3AbOoJ
— Steve Chung (@SteveChung1968) July 7, 2018
In 1963, Steve Ditko created the surreal and psychedelic hero, Doctor Strange.
Later in 1966, Steve Ditko left Marvel Comics over a fight with Stan Lee. The reasons are claimed to have been regarding Stan’s oversight, self-promotion, and failure to share credits.
RIP to comic book legend Steve Ditko, beyond influential on countless planes of existence. He never truly profited from his comic creations that have lasted for decades, but his work will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/UBZQWpF79i
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) July 7, 2018
Steve Ditko later worked for Marvel’s rival DC Comics and many other independent publishers. He later worked with Marvel Comics, creating fan-favourite Squirrel Girl in 1992.
The reclusive Ditko is not survived by any known relatives. His death has sent off shockwaves of sorrow and remembrance throughout the comic book industry and those he influenced – including film directors Guillermo Del Toro and Edgar Wright.
