Peter David, the prolific Marvel and DC comic writer who’s created some of the most memorable superhero storylines from the 1980’s onward, has passed away. The writer has suffered several health issues over the last few years, beginning with a stroke in 2012, followed by complications from diabetes and kidney failure in recent years.
Science Fiction writer Keith DeCandido, a long-time friend of David, posted on Facebook yesterday: “Just got the news that Peter David finally lost his rather lengthy battle with his failing physical form last night. Over the last three-and-a-half decades, he has been a respected creator, a good friend, a valued colleague, and a generally wonderful person.”
David gained prominence in superhero comics starting with his legendary 12 year run on “Incredible Hulk” (1987 to 1998), which notably explored Bruce Banner being a victim of child abuse in his youth (and the influence that had on the Hulk persona). He also created created memorable storylines like the “Pantheon” story arc and the “Future Imperfect” mini-series (featuring the Hulk meeting The Maestro, an evil future version of himself). “Joe Fixit” (aka the Grey Hulk) and “Professor Hulk” (the merged version of Hulk and Banner) are also products of his run.
Peter David also had a legendary run on “Aquaman” over at DC (from 1993 to 1998), which successfully cast off the “Guy who just talks to fish” Superfriends persona that had overshadowed the character for decades. David’s version of Aquaman downplayed the superhero and instead focused on making Aquaman an angry “King of Atlantis”, giving the character a beard (and a harpoon for a hand for several years). This is the version that would influenced Jason Mamoa’s film adapation of the character.
David also had notable runs on Spider-Man (most notably the “Death of Jean DeWolff” story of the 80’s, aka the “Sin-Eater” storyline that would play a part in the creation of Venom), “X-Factor” (showing you could have a memorable X-Men comic that doesn’t revolve around Cyclops or Wolverine), Supergirl, Captain Marvel, and the creation of the Spider-Man of 2099 (Miguel O’Hara, who recently appeared for the first time in film in the “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”).
David wasn’t limited to comics though, as he also wrote episodes of “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien” and “Young Justice”, and wrote for the “Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions” and “Spider-Man: Edge of Time” vidoes games. He also wrote the novelization of “Spider-Man 2” in 2004, and graphic novel adaptations of the “Epic Mickey” video games.
He was only 68 years old. His passing marks the biggest loss of “influential comic creators of the 80’s” since the passing of George Perez, who died of cancer in 2022. David is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and his 4 daughters: Ariel, Shana, Gwen, and Caroline. Rest in Peace, Peter David.
Discuss this article on the Toonzone Forums!
The post Acclaimed Comic Book Writer Peter David Has Passed Away appeared first on Anime Superhero News.
