It was recently revealed that Steve Ditko, a legendary comic book artist who worked for both Marvel and DC during his career, had passed away at 90 in his New York City apartment. Ditko was the co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, two characters who went go on to be mainstays and Marvel and pop culture icons thanks to appearances in several blockbuster movies. Over the years, Ditko's work has inspired countless artists and creators, many of whom took to Twitter to share their condolences over Ditko's passing.
Among those sharing condolences includes James Gunn, a Marvel movie director whose Guardians of the Galaxy films feature trippy and colorful images that do have a Steve Ditko-esque quality to them. Gunn posted a picture of one of Ditko's Doctor Strange drawings, which were really out of this world.
Kevin Smith, a known lover of comic books and movies, took a moment to point out some of the characters that Ditko had a hand in creating for Marvel and DC. In addition to Spider-Man and Dr. Strange, Ditko's other characters included lesser known heroes like The Question, Shade the Changing Man, and Hawk & Dove.
Marvel Entertainment also contributed a post to the man who contributed so much to its flagship character. Ditko and Marvel had a falling out several years ago, the details of which have always remained murky but that doesn't mean the company can't raise a toast to Ditko on Twitter. The comics giant posted a picture of the cover for the first issue of Amazing Spider-Man.
Scott Derrickson directed the Doctor Strange movie, so he understandably has a close connection to the character. The director shared a brief message for the comics legend with a picture of one of Ditko's wildest Doctor Strange adventures.
Edgar Wright, director of films such as Baby Driver, Shaun of the Dead, and Hot Fuzz, posted an image of Doctor Strange in remembrance of Ditko. Wright wrote that Ditko never really received the proper compensation for his work (something that is shared by other influential artists from that period), but his work will live on. Ditko was something of the J.D. Salinger of comic books. He didn't really want the fame that was associated with his characters and preferred to stay out of the limelight.
Steve Ditko's passing is certainly sad news for all of his fans, but it's clear that his work has gone on to inspire some of the biggest creators of our generation. His characters also continue to tell new stories. Both Spider-Man and Doctor Strange appeared in Avengers: Infinity War earlier this year, and they will return for Avengers 4 next year, with Spidey soon back for more in Spider-Man: Far From Home.
