One of the founding fathers of the comic book industry has passed away: Steve Ditko has died at 90 years old. The legendary Marvel artist was a pivotal force in the industry, co-creating Spider-Man, Dr. Strange, and many more beloved characters during his tenure at Marvel Comics. Steve Ditko was born on November 2nd, 1927 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After a stint in the army, Ditko enrolled in the Cartoonists and Illustrators School in New York City, where he studied under his idol, Batman artist Jerry Robinson.
In 1955 he began drawing for Atlas Comics, the pre-cursor Marvel Comics. Working with Stan Lee, the two created Spider-Man, on of the most iconic characters ever to exist in the medium. Ditko was responsible for many signature spidey traits, such as his costume design, red and blue color scheme, and his web shooters. The character first appeared in the anthology comic book Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962. He went on to help create famous Spider-Man villains like Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Sandman and the Lizard.
In 1963 Ditko created Dr. Strange, where his surrealistic landscapes and psychedelic artwork made the character extremely popular in the growing counter-culture of the 1960s. In the mid 1960s, Ditko left Marvel Comics after a fight with Stan Lee. A notoriously private person, Ditko almost never gave interviews or spoke to the public, preferring his work to speak for itself. Ditko continued to work well into his 70s, creating cult character Squirrel Girl in 1992.
When news of his passing broke, many took to social media to express their condolences and to share the influence that Steve Ditko had on their life:
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
Peak Ditko- pic.twitter.com/jaDAUXgyQd
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) July 7, 2018
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
Rest In Peace, the great Steve Ditko.
Actually stood behind him at Marvel years ago–Had no idea who he was and came pretty close to commenting that the pages he was turning in… https://t.co/FUeYCUJN9y— Mike Mignola SDCC 4901 (@artofmmignola) July 7, 2018
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
(via The Hollywood Reporter, image: screengrab)
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