Marvel Comics and others are mourning the loss of legendary talent Steve Ditko, who died Friday aged 90.
“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,” said Marvel Entertainment President Dan Buckley in a statement released Friday night.
Legendary comic book creator Steve Ditko, who co-created Spider-Man and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee, has died aged 90, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed via the New York Police Department. A cause of death has not yet been announced.
Ditko continued on Amazing Spider-Man until issue #38 after a tenure that saw the creation of such classic characters as Aunt May and Uncle Ben, J. Jonah Jameson, Gwen Stacy, Norman and Harry Osborn, Betty Brant, Mysterio, Electro, and Kraven the Hunter.
On his time with Strange Tales, until issue #146 in 1966, Ditko brought to life such seminal Doctor Strange players as Dormammu, Clea, Nightmare, Wong, the Ancient One, and Karl Mordo, some of whom have made the jump into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Ditko also co-created the Question for Charlton Comics and DC Comics superheroes Captain Atom, crime-fighting team Hawk and Dove, and the Creeper.