July 16, 2026

Comic Book Creators Who Died

2026

  1. [13 Jul 2026] Sam Neill, 78, Northern Irish-born New Zealand actor for Jurassic Park
    Sam Neill, the versatile New Zealand actor whose career spanned Oscar winners and blockbusters such as The Piano and Jurassic Park, has died aged 78. The actor’s death was announced on Monday in a statement shared on his Instagram account. No cause of death was given, but Neill had only recently revealed he was cancer-free after being diagnosed with stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2022. (source)
  2. [07 Jul 2026] Tadeusz Baranowski, 81, Polish painter and comic book artist
    He was one of the most outstanding creators of Polish comics—an illustrator and graphic artist whose stories, filled with absurd humor, have entertained successive generations of readers for decades. Tadeusz Baranowski created cult series such as *Podróż smokiem Diplodokiem*, *Profesor Nerwosolek*, *Orient Men*, and *Kudłaczek i Bąbelek*, and his work garnered acclaim beyond Poland’s borders as well. The International Festival of Comics and Games in Łódź, among others, announced the artist’s death on its Facebook page: “It is hard to find words to convey this terribly sad news. Yesterday, a great artist passed away—a master of the art of comics, a virtuoso of humor and playful form, and the creator of legendary characters who will remain with us forever.” (source)
  3. [07 Jul 2026] Eduard Maidenberg, Moldovan graphic artist painter
    In Moldova, the artist Eduard Maidenberg, a renowned master of book graphics, passed away. The news of his death was announced by the Jewish community of Moldova, which expressed its condolences to the family, loved ones, friends and all those affected by this loss. GEduard Maidenberg was one of the artists in whose work the Bessarabian Jewish theme occupied a special place. In his works, he addressed the history, traditions and life of the Jewish community, preserving its memory through art. The Jewish community recalled that, in 2024, Maidenberg participated in the KEDEM Jacobs JCC project “Cultural Dialogue – Jewish Moldova”, carried out with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova. As part of the project, the artist presented his works at an exhibition dedicated to the Jewish cultural heritage of Moldova. “We are grateful for the opportunity to meet him and come into contact with his work. His works will remain a testimony of great talent, sincerity and love for his own culture,” the statement said…. (source)
  4. [01 July 2026] Akiko Hayashi, 81, Japanese illustrator
    Akiko Hayashi, picture book author and illustrator of long-selling children’s books including “Miki’s First Errand” and “Good Evening Mr. Moon,” has died, the publisher of many of her books said Wednesday. She was 81. Hayashi, who made her debut as a picture book illustrator in 1973 with the book “Kamihikoki” (paper plane) died of pneumonia on July 1 at a hospital in central Japan’s Nagano Prefecture. She is also known for illustrating the first volume of Eiko Kadono’s children’s novel “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” which was later adapted into the animated film of the same name by director Hayao Miyazaki. (source)
  5. Martin Mystere by Franco Devescovi[29 June 2026] Franco Devescovi, 83, Italian cartoonist
    With the passing of Franco Devescovi on June 29, 2026, at the age of 83, Trieste has lost one of its most iconic figures in the Italian comic book world. Born in the city on May 7, 1943, Devescovi spanned over half a century of Italian publishing history, contributing his unmistakable artistic style to the growth of some of the series most beloved by fans. Before becoming one of the industry’s most highly regarded artists, Devescovi was simply a young man from Trieste with a deep passion for drawing. After completing his scientific studies and initially pursuing a university degree in Law, he realized that his true path lay elsewhere… triestecafe
  6. Eriamel Moi Svein[25 June 2026] Eriamel, 73, French comic book writer
    A great enthusiast of Viking tales and medieval Norman sagas, writer and publisher Eriamel passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the age of 73. When he published the graphic novel *Moi, Svein, compagnon d’Hasting* in 1992, Thierry Lemaire—his real name—produced a debut album that defined his style and ambitions. He went on to found his own publishing house, Assor, to support not only his own projects but also those of other authors in whom he believed… paris-normandie
  7. Sor Angustias de la by Ja[24 May 2026] JA (aka Jordi Amorós), 82, Spanish cartoonist and animator
    The cartoonist and animated film director Jordi Amorós i Ballester (Barcelona, 1945), known by the initials JA as one of the masters of the most caustic humor published in satirical magazines like Barrabás, El Papus, and El Jueves, has died today at the age of 82. With a deliberately rough style but at the same time very detailed, heir to the French school of authors like Reiser, Amorós created characters and sections like Sor Angustias de la Cruz, Encuesta Papus, and Obispo Morales, unabashedly anti-clerical and almost against anything that smelled of established powers and social conventions… elpuntavui
  8. Justice Society of America The Demise of Justice by Len Strazewski[27 Apr 2026] Len Strazewski, 71, American comic book writer for Starman
    Longstanding comic book writer Len Strazewski died late last night at the age of 71. Len Strazewski had been in an ICU for a few days with an infection, but had been discharged three days ago to the Westminster Place nursing home in Evanston, Cook County. However, this came after being very ill for the past six months and having been in another nursing home, Birchwood Plaza in Chicago, where he recently wrote about having to learn to walk all over again. Len Strazewski was best known for co-creating both Prime and Prototype as a founder of Malibu’s Ultraverse, writing Starman, Flash, JSA, Phantom Lady, The Fly, and Action Comics Weekly for DC Comics, Speed Racer and Dai Kamikaze for Now Comics, Trollords for Tru Studios, Super-Teens for Archie, Street Fighters and Elven for Malibu, as well as creating Terror Tots with Paul Fricke about warrior monks reincarnated as suburban toddlers, published at Caliber, and Totally Horse, a graphic novel about horse riding for girls…. bleedingcool
  9. DC Finest: Justice League of America - the Return by Gerry Conway[26 Apr 2026] Gerry Conway, 73, American comic book writer for The Amazing Spider-Man, pancreatic cancer
    Remembering Gerry Conway, 1952-2026 Marvel pays tribute to the legendary comic book writer who redefined comics storytelling throughout his prolific career. On behalf of his family, we are sad to share that writer and former editor-in-chief Gerry Conway has passed away. Gerry was a tremendous icon in comics who shaped pop culture itself. He was a dear friend, partner, and mentor, and our hearts are with his family and the millions he touched through his work. Marvel extends its sincerest condolences to all who knew and loved him. “Gerry Conway was a gifted writer. He was thoughtful, deeply attuned to the emotional and moral core of storytelling, and a wonderful and articulate advocate for comics and creators. His writing has inspired all of us at Marvel, and will continue to inspire generations of writers, readers and fans to come,” remembers Dan Buckley, President of Marvel Comics and Franchise… marvel
  10. Storm by Don Lawrence and Dick Matena[26 Apr 2026] Dick Matena, 83, Dutch comics writer for Storm and cartoonist for Tom Puss
    It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Dutch comic creator Dick Matena, a towering figure in the history of Dutch comics. His name is associated with series such as *Storm*, *De Argonautjes*, *Grote Pyr*, and *Kleine Pier*, as well as—in collaboration with Marten Toonder—*Tom Poes* and *Panda*. He also gained renown in literary circles for his comic adaptations of novels such as *De Avonden*, *Kort Amerikaans*, *Kaas*, and *Turks Fruit*. He turned 83 on April 24th; according to our sources, his health was already failing at that time, and he was near death. He passed away today. Publisher L is planning to release a collected edition of his internationally recognized sci-fi series *Virl* in the coming months… stripspeciaalzaak
  11. The Sylvia Chronicles by Nicole Hollander[23 Apr 2026] Nicole Hollander, 86, American cartoonist for Sylvia
    Feminist cartoonist and Sylvia creator Nicole Hollander has passed away. Nicole Marilyn Hollander (née Garrison) April 25, 1939 – April 23, 2026. It is being credibly reported on social media that cartoonist Nicole Hollander has passed away. Nicole began her cartooning career by creating Feminist Funnies for The Spokeswoman in 1978. That is where her character Sylvia first appeared. In 1979 or 1980 Sylvia became a syndicated comic strip from the Toronto Star syndicate. Nicole retired the comic strip in 2012… dailycartoonist
  12. Roy of the Rovers 65th Anniversary Special by Barrie Tomlinson and Joe Colquhoun[21 Apr 2026] Barrie Tomlinson, 88, British comic book editor and writer for Roy of the Rovers
    Everyone at Rebellion is deeply saddened to learn of the death of editor and writer Barrie Tomlinson, who passed away on 21 April 2026. Probably one of the most successful editors of his time, Barrie combined a deep knowledge of and passion for comics with a salesman’s eye for publicity. Thanks to him, Roy of the Rovers remains a household name while generations of readers have been thrilled, educated, and scared in equal measure by titles he launched and championed… 2000ad
  13. Cosmobacchus by Jean Benoît Meybeck[21 Apr 2026] Jean-Benoît Meybeck, 53, French comic book author and illustrator
    Death of Jean-Benoît Meybeck. Farewell, comrade! The Tears of *Le Rasoir* Jean-Benoît Meybeck—a friend and founding member of *Le Rasoir d’Oc*—passed away this Wednesday, April 21, at the age of 53, following a long battle with illness. We wanted to express in a few words what he meant to us. “The big difference is that we had what I call the bad-temper gene, and the people who do humor nowadays don’t have it, even though they get annoyed when I say that. I’ve experienced it with my own health: I only work well and get ideas when I’m in a hurry or feel pressure, which is why I was always the last to submit my pages to the editorial office. I’d get up at six in the morning on the day something was due, and that pressure is what made me work and woke up the bad-temper gene, which then showed up in the topics I tackled,” Jordi Amorós explained in an interview… rasoirdoc
  14. Foolbert Funnies by Frank Stack[12 Apr 2026] Frank Stack, 88, American cartoonist for Our Cancer Year
    Frank Stack, the cartoonist, painter and educator whose 1964 The Adventures of Jesus is considered by some historians to be the very first “underground comic book,” died on April 12 at the University of Missouri’s University Hospital. He was 88. For decades Stack straddled the fences of academia, fine art and comics; he produced countless oil and watercolor paintings, etchings and prints, and taught generations of students at the University of Missouri, where he taught art and printmaking from 1963 until 2001 when he became professor emeritus. During those years, he also contributed many beautiful comic book pages to a number of publications, often going under the pseudonym “Foolbert Sturgeon.”.. tcj
  15. Kaarib Jean Paul Krassinsky[31 Mar 2026] Jean-Paul Krassinsky, 53, French comics artist
    Jean-Paul Krassinsky passed away on Tuesday, March 31. The announcement was made the following day by his publisher, Dupuis, in a statement released from Paris. He was 53 years old. “There are authors we love through their books, and others we love through their way of being in the world. Jean-Paul Krassinsky was both,” the publisher wrote. The statement highlights the unique nature of his perspective—one keenly attentive to human relationships, capturing both their heartfelt impulses and their missteps. Romantic relationships played a central role in his graphic novels. He explored themes such as desire, awkwardness, violence, and even the unintentional comedy that runs through the connections between people. Works like *Les Cœurs boudinés* and *Toutoute première fois* exemplify this approach, focusing on everyday situations without idealizing them… actualitte
  16. The Complete Jack Survives by Jerry Moriarty[25 Mar 2026] Jerry Moriarty, 88, American artist, cartoonist and writer
    Jerry Moriarty, Painter Whose Brushstrokes Elevated Comics, Is Dead at 88. A self-described “paintoonist,” Mr. Moriarty created cartoons with spare dialogue that reminded his admirers of poetry or Samuel Beckett’s plays. In the late 1970s, the comic artist Art Spiegelman and his wife, the editor Françoise Mouly, began dreaming up a new magazine, one they hoped would elevate cartooning into the realm of high art… nytimes
  17. Jeremiah by Hermann Huppen and Olga Marín Sierra[22 Mar 2026] Hermann Huppen, 87, Belgian comic book creator for Jeremiah
    The world of comics has just lost one of its true greats. Hermann—born Hermann Huppen—died on March 22, 2026, at the age of 88. Le Lombard, his longtime publisher, announced with emotion the passing of a man who was a pillar of *Tintin* magazine, a titan of European comics, and one of the most respected masters of realistic illustration. With him fades a certain vision of Franco-Belgian comics: a style that was mature, gritty, at times violent, but above all, deeply human. Hermann was not merely a virtuoso artist; he was a creator of atmospheres and a builder of worlds—a man defined by silence and the gaze, by dust, mud, wood, blood, and wind… breizh-info
  18. [15 Mar 2026] Sam Kieth, 63, American comic book artist for The Maxx, Lewy Body dementia
    Sam Kieth, creator of The Maxx and co-creator of The Sandman, comic book writer, artist, painter and publisher, has died at the age of 63 …. bleedingcool
  19. [10 Mar 2026] Ticoune, 69, Canadian cartoonist and artist.
    RIP. Quebec’s satirical scene mourns the passing of Luc Giard—also known by his pseudonym, Ticoune—who died of a heart attack on March 10 at the age of 69. His death was announced on the artist’s official Facebook page and has been lamented by many figures within Quebec’s underground comics community. …. actuabd
  20. [01 Mar 2026] Jacopo Camagni, 48, Italian illustrator and comics artist, heart surgery
    Jacopo Camagni, the Italian comic book artist best known in the USA for his work for both Marvel Comics and Image Comics, passed away this morning, after complications during heart surgery. He was only 48 years old. …. bleedingcool
  21. [01 Mar 2026] Clément Oubrerie, 59, French comics artist for Aya de Yopougon
    French comic book artist Clément Oubrerie passed away on Sunday at the age of 59, publisher Dargaud announced on Monday. …. nouvelobs
  22. [27 Feb 2026] Tatjana Wood, 99, German-born American comic book artist
    When I heard that Tatjana Wood — one of the greatest of all comics colorists — died at the age of 99, I was hard pressed to come up with images that exemplified her work. As the regular cover colorist for DC for most of the Bronze Age, let alone all her other storied work …. 13thdimension

  23. [23 Jan 2026] Sal Buscema, 89, American comic book artist for Hulk, Spider-Man, ROM
    Comic book creator Sal Buscema, famed for his work on Hulk, Rom, Defenders, Spectacular Spider-Man, New Mutants and more, died last Friday at the age of 89, noting that today would have been his 90th birthday. …. bleedingcool

  24. [13 Jan 2026] Scott Adams, 68, American cartoonist for Dilbert, prostate cancer
    Scott Adams, who kept cubicle denizens laughing for more than three decades with Dilbert, the bitingly funny comic strip that poked fun at the absurdity of corporate life, before racist remarks got him pink-slipped, died Tuesday. He was 68…. hollywoodreporter

  25. [09 Jan 2026] Ulf Granberg, 80, Swedish comics creator and editor for The Phantom
    Ulf Granberg became the 12th editor of Fantomen in 1973, succeeding Per-Anders Jonsson, and continued until 1987 and then returned again in 2003. He did, however, remain in charge of the Team Fantomen production between his two periods as an editor, serving as editor-in-chief. In addition, Ulf was the editor for numerous issues of Fantomen Krönika…. chroniclechamber

 

2025

  1. [16 Dec 2025] Édika, 84, Egyptian-born French comics artist
    Pillar of the magazine “Fluide glacial” alongside Gotlib and Goossens, the cartoonist who died this Tuesday, December 16 was one of the great representatives of Franco-Belgian humor trash… liberation

  2. [29 Nov 2025] Frank Pé, 69, Belgian comic book artist
    Editions Dupuis announces Saturday the death of comic book author Frank Pé, at the age of 69.The Brussels native is best known for his series Broussaille, whose hero originally appeared in the newspaper Spirou, and Zoo, a series in three volumes. … lalibre

  3. [04 Nov 2025] Giorgio Forattini,94, Italian political cartoonist for La Repubblica
    Cartoonist Giorgio Forattini has died at the age of 94, his family said Tuesday. Born in 1931 in Rome, he worked for Panorama and left-leaning daily la Repubblica, edited satirical magazine Il Male, and later created illustrations for liberal daily La Stampa, conservative daily Il Giornale, the first to report the news of his death, and centrist daily QN. … ansa

  4. [13 Oct 2025] Drew Struzan, 78, American film poster illustrator, Alzheimer’s disease
    Drew Struzan, the iconic movie poster artist who created the marketing art for an enormous number of popular films, has died at 78. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago and retreated from public life…. hollywoodreporter

  5. [01 Oct 2025] Eric De Rop, 71, Belgian comic book artist
    In 2021, Eric De Rop created ‘Bas en de Belhamels’, a humorous comic book about a father who works from home, while managing his two sons and an equally demanding dog. The comic was written by the Dutchman Paul Reichenbach, who also published the book through his Pear Productions imprint. These were De Rop’s final new projects. In ill health for some time, he passed away in the morning of 1 October 2025. He was 71 years old…. lambiek

  6. [21 Sep 2025] Serdu, 85, Belgian cartoonist for Spirou and illustrator
    Serdu had turned to drawing rather late but with talent: he made hundreds of thousands of drawings published in various media (including the Courrier de l’Scaut) and live during demonstrations. The Hollinese artist died at the age of 85…. lavenir

  7. [23 Aug 2025] Dave Taylor, 61, British comic book artist for Force Works, prostate cancer
    On August 23, we sadly lost Dave Taylor to prostate cancer. A British artist, among North American comics readers, he’s probably best known for his Batman work, pairing with Alan Grant for a run on Shadow of the Bat and with Chip Kidd for the Death by Design graphic novel. His early career was populated with Marvel UK work like Gene Dogs with John Freeman and his later work for Rebellion on 2000AD and Judge Dredd Megazine, contributing notable serials like the Judge Anderson “Big Robots” again with Grant, the Judge Dredd story “High Spirits” and some Fiends of the Eastern Front, both with Ian Edginton. … comicsbeat

  8. [11 Aug 2025] Marie-Mad, 102, French comic books author and illustrator for Titounet and Titounette
    Marie-Madeleine Bourdin, creator of Titounet and Titounette and renowned cartoonist, died Monday, August 11, at the age of 102. She had been living in Vernon since the 60’s. … actu

  9. [05 Aug 2025] Angelo Maria Ricci, 79, Italian comics artist for Diabolik
    Mourning in Grottammare for the death of Angelo Maria Ricci well-known illustrator and national cartoonist. He died at the age of 79 in the hospital of San Benedetto where he was hospitalized for a disease discovered a few years ago. … ilrestodelcarlino

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