This year will be a moment to be remembered in the comic history. The legendary Steve Ditko, known throughout the industry for co-creating Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and many other comic characters has passed away at the age of 90.
The news was brought to people’s attention on Friday, July 6. But the comic book creator had died on June 29 in his Manhattan studio and is believed to have passed away two days before being discovered, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Though the news of his death was uncovered to the world a week later, it hasn’t stopped people from remembering the legend and paying tribute to his life and for the wonderful characters he created during his career.
From actors in Hollywood to comic artists and writers who have had the opportunity to know him or his works have reacted to his unfortunate demise on Twitter. Clearly, the legendary comic book artist has left a strong mark of his presence to the world though he lived a private life for decades and has no known survivors.
The official social media account of Marvel Studios has also paid tribute by posting a picture of Tom Holland’s version of Spider-Man. “Thank you Steve. Rest in Peace,” reads the tweet.
Neil Gaiman, the author of American Gods was one of the many who followed Ditko’s works. He had the opportunity to meet Ditko thanks to BBC’s Jonathan Ross. The two had met Ditko in his studio for a documentary about the legendary comic book artist.
Many other comic book artists have also shared their kind words and their heartfelt moments shared with Steve Ditko/characters he created.
Though many believe that Ditko wasn’t aware of comic book’s impact on the world and Hollywood, Ralph Moore, the Editor-in-Chief of the company under the same name had written to Ditko about the impact of “his characters were having in the world”. Clearly, the legendary artist was well aware of it and which he stated in the letter he replied back to Moore. Fans can check it out below.
Steve Ditko has inspired many artists, writers and even journalists such as myself to step into the comic industry. We at Pursue News, also pay our tribute to this legend and hope Hollywood respects and remembers him for the characters he created.
Thank you Steve. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/zuhxXDOl79
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 7, 2018
We all want to leave our mark on the world – this guy crushed it.
He made so many people so happy and changed lives – most of all, mine!
Thank you Steve – your life lives on man, thank you— Tom Holland (@TomHolland1996) July 8, 2018
I had heard rumours, hoped they were not true. Thank you Steve Ditko, for making my childhood weirder, and thank you @wossy for taking me with you when we went in search of Steve Ditko, and found him. A kind man, who gave me comics. https://t.co/SnBGneZgLx
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) July 6, 2018
Last December, I decided to write a letter to #SteveDitko, the reclusive co-creator of Spider-Man and one of the most legendary American artists in @marvel comics history. I wondered if he knew the impact his characters were having in the world. This was his hand-written reply. pic.twitter.com/e3IUknkTiK
— Ralph Moore (@RalphusMoorus) July 7, 2018
Doctor Strange #saturdaynight #steveditko pic.twitter.com/L6Glljis5g
— Alex Ross (@thealexrossart) July 8, 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
Without Steve Ditko there'd be no Ted Kord, which means no Beetle and Booster anchoring JLI. Without Steve Ditko there'd be no Kraven the Hunter, which means no Kraven's Last Hunt.
We build our careers on the backs of giants.
— J.M. DeMatteis (@JMDeMatteis) July 7, 2018
Goodbye Steve Ditko pic.twitter.com/DXAkw8BQIk
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) July 6, 2018
Source: Various links (check above)
