Iconic comic artist John Cassaday – whose work includes Planetary, Astonishing X-Men And Star Wars – died at the age of 52. The creator’s death was confirmed on Facebook by his sister Robin CassadayWho writes, “My little brother John died at 5:51 pm Texas time. Please keep me and my mom in your prayers.”
Cassaday’s unique art is recognizable to comic fans at a glance, and the creator contributed to iconic series including Captain America, Lone Ranger And Hellboy: 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 CassadayRecognizes his talent as an artist, impact on comics as an art form, and close personal ties. Batman Writer Scott Snyder wrote that “The impact of John Cassaday’s work on himself and the entire industry is indelible. This is a huge loss for the comics community,” While early collaborator Mark Waid writes:
John Cassaday, I will say without hesitation and with very little fear of disagreement, was one of the 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 is 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 generations.
Comic creators welcome the impressive influence of John Cassaday
Friends, co-workers and admirers credit Cassaday with influencing their lives and 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 night) naming Cassaday as a major influence on his art style, while King (Batman, Wonder Woman) credits Cassaday’s art for getting him back in the middle. Others shared personal stories from Cassaday, with artist Colleen Doran (The Sandman, Amazing Spider-Man) described Cassaday as “my sweet friend” and Charles Sole (Eight billion geniuses, Darth Vader) Call Cassaday “A once in a lifetime gift.”
John Cassaday’s work is held in incredibly high regard by comic fans, with his Star Wars #1 (with Jason Aaron) Become 2015’s best selling comic and finally The best-selling single item in twenty years (Per Forbes.) Cassaday has also been recognized with multiple awards, including multiple Eisner Awards for Best Penciller/Inker, the Eagle Award for Favorite Comics Artist: Pencils, and the Wizarding World Fan Award for Favorite Penciller. As an artist, Cassaday was also an actor and director, involved in projects including the 2012 horror film House on the Hill and sci-fi series doll house.
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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 died in recent years. with Planetary, Astonishing X-Men And Captain America, John Cassaday Worked on some of the most beloved comic series in existence, with an incredible body of work that will continue to inspire other creators and thriller fans for decades to come.
Source: Robin Cassaday, Scott SnyderDavid Gonzales for Forbes