While the story has only now hit the news, the New York Police Department has reportedly confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that Steve Ditko was discovered dead in his apartment in New York in June. The genius Marvel comic book artist had passed away at 90 years of age. Among his creations with co-creator Stan Lee, former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, were the iconic and well-loved characters of Doctor Strange and, of course, Spider-Man.
Reportedly no cause of death has been given, but Ditko was found in his apartment on 29 June and was believed to have died around two days before.
Marvel mourns the loss of a family member
Marvel today posted a statement on its website to say that the Marvel family is mourning Ditko’s loss. They stated that the comic book artist had transformed the industry, as well as the Marvel Universe itself and that his legacy would never be forgotten. They passed on their condolences to Ditko’s family and fans at this sad time.
Rest In Peace, the great Steve Ditko.
— Mike Mignola SDCC 4901 (@artofmmignola) July 7, 2018
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
Stan Lee was editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics, but together with Ditko, they created the now well-known character, Spider-Man.
As reported by Digital Spy, Spider-Man was first featured in 1962 in the comic Amazing Fantasy No. 15. Everything about the comic character, from his costume to his web-shooters, have been attributed to Ditko.
Other classic characters from the pen of Steve Ditko
It wasn’t only Spider-Man who came from the pen of Ditko, as characters like Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin and the Lizard are also his work.
The Doctor Strange character was created by him in 1963, who has famously been played by English actor Benedict Cumberbatch in later years.
Steve Ditko, Spider-Man co-creator, dies at age 90 https://t.co/tqt3oE3DIa
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 7, 2018
In other recent Marvel news, it has just been announced that Nicolas Cage will be the voice of a Spider-Man “Noir” character in the upcoming animated Film, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” The film will feature a whole range of different “Spidey” characters, going right back in time to some of the less-known versions of the super-hero.
Steve Ditko, Comics Legend, Dead at 90https://t.co/4Bpo0MzGUU pic.twitter.com/V3d0d003iC
— Comic Book Resources (@CBR) July 6, 2018
Tributes to an amazing artist
The modern-day Marvel Editor-in-Chief, CB Cebulski, made a statement saying it was not possible to put into words Ditko’s impact not only on comics but also on pop culture. His imagination and ink thrilled his readers and took them on awe-inspiring and amazing adventures. Cebulski said Ditko did not just create comic characters, he built worlds.
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
Filmmakers, authors and directors also paid tribute to Ditko after hearing the news of his passing, with many moving messages on Twitter, including Scott Derrickson, the director of “Doctor Strange.”
Goodbye Steve Ditko pic.twitter.com/DXAkw8BQIk
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) July 6, 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
I am beyond sad. For me, the single greatest comic book artist and creator who ever lived, Steve Ditko, is gone. Thank you for your tireless brilliance and boundless imagination, Steve, you uncompromising genius.https://t.co/aEPolXTIAy
— Jonathan Ross (@wossy) July 6, 2018