Iconic comic artistJohn Cassaday- whose work includesPlanetary,Astonishing X-MenandStar Wars- has died at the age of 52. The creator’s passing was confirmed on Facebook by his sisterRobin Cassaday, who writes, “My little bro John passed away at 5:51pm Texas time. Please keep me and my mom in your prayers.”
Cassaday’s unique art is identifiable to comic fans at a glance, and the creator contributed to iconic series includingCaptain America,Lone RangerandHellboy: Weird Tales. Cassaday was a multi-time Eisner Award winner who worked with Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse and more.
Comic creators were quick to pay tribute to Cassaday, acknowledging his talent as an artist, impact on comics as an art form, and close personal ties.BatmanwriterScott Snyderwrote that"the impact of John Cassaday’s work on myself and the whole industry is indelible. This is a tremendous loss to the comics community,“whileearly collaborator Mark Waidwrites:
John Cassaday, I will say without hesitation and with very little fear of disagreement, was one of the very best illustrators and storytellers to ever work in the comics medium. Like Neal Adams, Jim Steranko, or Michael Golden, he is a touchstone, a reference point to the dozens and dozens of artists whose work was influenced by his. Most people are lucky if more than a dozen people are still talking about them a month after they pass. My friend John will be talked about and remembered by an entire industry for ages.
Comic Creators Hail Immense Influence of John Cassaday
Friends, Co-Workers and Admirers Credit Cassaday With Influencing Their Lives & Careers
Friends, colleagues and fans shared their love for Cassaday and his work on social media. Fellow comic luminaries Declan Shalvey, Bruno Redondo and Tom King credited Cassaday with changing their careers, with Shalvey (Alien,Moon Knight) naming Cassaday as a major influence on his art style, while King (Batman,Wonder Woman) credits Cassaday’s art for getting him back into the medium. Others shared personal stories of Cassaday,with artist Colleen Doran(The Sandman,Amazing Spider-Man) describing Cassaday as"my sweet buddy"and Charles Soule (Eight Billions Genies,Darth Vader) calling Cassaday"a once-in-ever talent.”
John Cassaday’s work is held in incredibly high regard by comic fans, with hisStar Wars #1(with Jason Aaron)becoming2015’s top-selling comic and ultimatelythe best-selling single issue in twenty years(perForbes.) Cassaday was also recognized with multiple awards, including multiple Eisner Awards for Best Pencilier/Inker, the Eagle Award for Favorite Comics Artist: Pencils, and the Wizard World Fan Award for Favorite Penciler. As well as an artist, Cassaday was also an actor and director, involved in projects including the 2012 horror filmHouse on the Hilland sci-fi seriesDollhouse.
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It’s likely that tributes to Cassaday will appear in upcoming Marvel and DC comics, as has been the case for other creators who have passed away in recent years. WithPlanetary,Astonishing X-MenandCaptain America,John Cassadayworked on some of the most beloved comic series in existence, with an incredible body of work that will continue to inspire other creators and thrill fans for decades to come.
