According to the New York Police Department, Spider-Man and Doctor Strange co-creator Steve Ditko has died. He was 90.
He was found dead in his apartment on June 29 and it is believed that he died about two days prior.
The very private Ditko is believed to have not married and has no known survivors. He turned down most interview requests and avoided all publicity. There are no known recent images of the iconic creator.
What They are Saying:
- Marvel Entertainment President Dan Buckley:“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.”
- Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada: “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 Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski: “It’s impossible to put into words the impact that Steve Ditko had not just on comics, but on modern pop culture. With ink and imagination, he thrilled readers with amazing and awe-inspiring adventures. Ditko didn’t just create characters – he built worlds. But today it is our world that is saddened by his loss. While he may no longer walk this mortal plane, Steve’s legacy will continue to endlessly inspire us all.”
- Marvel Executive Editor, Spider-Man Office and VP of Content, Digital Publishing Nick Lowe: “Steve Ditko’s hands and soul are all over the best character in all of fiction. He was a pillar of the House of Ideas who not only co-created Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, but many of the best villains in comic book history. Steve was the first to make Marvel truly weird, and for that we are forever grateful.”
Twitter Reaction:
Official Marvel Bio:
Steve Ditko co-created Spider-Man and Dr. Strange for Marvel Comics and has continued to write and draw comics for over 50 years.