Comic book and fiction writer Peter David died Saturday night at age 68 after battling multiple health issues. David’s work spanned various media and influenced readers across different formats.
His wife, Kathleen O’Shea, announced his death on Facebook, where friends first learned of his passing.
Who Was Peter David?
Among his many, many works, David is best known as the creator of the DC Comics teen superhero team Young Justice, which became the focus of a four-season cartoon series of the same name; and the creator of Spider-Man 2099, who featured as the main antagonist of the 2023 animated juggernaut Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
David worked on a several tv shows, including Babylon 5, Young Justice, and Ben 10: Alien Force. For his work, he earned the Eisner Award – the top prize in comic books – and a GLAAD Media Award in 2011.
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David began his career as a reporter for the Philadelphia Bulletin before transitioning to fiction writing, where he discovered his true passion.
In comics, he wrote successful runs on major titles including Aquaman, The Avengers, Captain Marvel, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, Supergirl, and X-Men’s Wolverine.
David also authored novelizations of science fiction and superhero films such as Batman Forever, Transformers, Iron Man, and Sam Raimi’s original Spider-Man trilogy. Additionally, he wrote novels based on video game franchises like Halo and Fable, as well as a book in the popular 1990s Dinotopia series.
How Did Peter David Die?
Family friend Graham Murphy started a GoFundMe page to raise money to help David with his health issues – and had raise over $120,000 towards a $150,000 goal – stating that David had suffered with a kidney disease that required minor surgeries and had led to some small strokes.
He had been in remission for three years, but had been dropped from Medicaid, leading to mounting medical and living expenses.
His wife last posted on the page on May 20 to say that due to David’s inability to clear his throat, he was temporarily going on a ventilator, after which his color had improved, and he was starting to move his limbs – “a good sign” – despite being under light sedation to keep him comfortable on the machine.
But by May 24, news started to break that David had passed away.
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What People Are Saying
Kathleen O’Shea David, his wife, wrote on Facebook: “Since it is out there. Peter David passed away last night. We are devastated. More when I can write about it.”
Todd Nauck, comic book artist and co-creator of Young Justice, wrote on his Facebook page: “I just learned that legendary writer and my friend, Peter David, passed away last night. The world of comics (and TV, novels, and more) has lost a great and talented writer.”
“My wife, Dawn, and I are heartbroken to hear he has passed. But knowing the battles he had with his health these several years, it is a bit of a comfort to know he is now at peace from the pain,” Nauck wrote.
“Thank you to everyone who helped him and his family during these challenging years via the GoFundMe that was set up for them. Our sympathies and prayers go out to his wife, Kathleen, and their daughters. Kathleen has been a loyal and faithful support to Peter during the ups and downs of his health issues and hospital stays.”
Kurt Busiek, a popular comic book writer, wrote on his Facebook page: “Sad news today of the passing of both Peter David and Tod Smith, both talented longtime comics pros. Peter I met when he was at the Marvel Direct Sales Department, and then I worked with him when he was writing HULK and I was in the Direct Sales Department — we cooked up the “Countdown” event together (well, I suggested it as a promo thing, he did the hard work) and I gave him the kernel of a Rhino story a bit later. He was always a pleasure to hang out with and talk, which I didn’t get to do anywhere near enough of, and of course his career is chock full of storied and memorable runs. My condolences to his family and friends.”
“A double loss to comics, and to friends and family. They’ll both be missed, and both remembered fondly,” Busiek added.
Rob Liefield, comic book artist and co-creator of the character Deadpool, wrote on X: “R.I.P. Peter David. You had a run for the ages. Condolences to his family, sorry for your loss.”
DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee wrote on Facebook: “Saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Peter David. A brilliant writer whose work brought humor, heart, and a wholly original perspective to some of comics’ most iconic characters. Whether it was his groundbreaking Hulk, sharp X-Factor, wildly fun Spider-Man 2099, or his compelling runs on Supergirl, Aquaman, and Young Justice at DC Comics-Peter always found that extra dimension in a character’s psyche, twisting expectations and deepening what was possible on the page.”
“We never directly collaborated, but I had the privilege of sitting with him at Marvel creative summits, where his wit, his insights, and yes, his dramatic entrances (he once kicked open the double doors to the meeting room like a boss) left a lasting impression,” he added. “He was one of a kind. Rest in peace, Peter-and thank you for all the stories.”
His wife and family have not yet announced funeral arrangements.