MARVEL comic artist John Cassaday, famous for his work on Astonishing X-Men, died on Monday at 52.
Heartbreaking tributes have poured out for the artist as fans remember him as a visionary talent.
John Cassaday, known for his work with X-Men, seen at a comic conventionCredit: Facebook
A cover of Astonishing X-Men comic illustrated by John CassadayCredit: Marvel Comics
John Cassaday signing a Captain America shieldCredit: Facebook
Cassaday’s sister Robin first shared the news of her brother’s death.
“My little bro John passed away at 6:51pm Texas time. Please keep me and my mom in your prayers,” his sister announced.
While the cause of death has not been released, Robin said Cassaday was admitted to the ICU six days before he died.
At the time, Robin revealed he was stable but concerned about his brain.
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“His organs and heart are functioning normally. His brain is the main concern,” Robin wrote as she asked for prayers.
Cassaday broke into the comics industry in 1997 when he began working for Dark Horse and Homage Comics before joining Marvel and DC.
While working with two of the biggest brands in comic books, Cassaday worked on storylines for the likes of X-Men, Superman/Batman, and Captain America.
However, the Texas native was most famous for co-creating the DC comic Planetary alongside Warren Ellis.
The comic ran a successful 27 issues before the series concluded in 2009.
That same year, Cassaday made his directorial debut on both the TV mini-series Astonishing X-Men and the TV series Dollhouse.
Marvel’s Star Wars Issue 1 published in January 2015 with front cover artwork by John CassadayCredit: Marvel
He also created designs for brands such as Levi’s, and Ringling Bros. & Barnum Bailey Circus.
Before his death, Cassaday worked on the revival of Marvel’s Star Wars comics and was the Chief Creative Officer for Humanoids.
Since learning of the news, friends and fans have paid tribute to the artist.
Comic writer Mark Waid shared a touching tribute on Facebook, calling Cassaday “one of the most gifted, most sought-after comic illustrators of his generation.”
John Cassaday’s Popular Comics
“I refuse to take any real credit for ‘discovering’ John Cassaday,” Waid wrote, adding, “I can’t take credit for having functioning eyeballs.
“But we were friends forevermore after that, and watching his quick ascension to becoming one of the most gifted, most sought-after comics illustrators of his generation was a blast.
“John Cassaday, I will say without hesitation and with very little fear of disagreement, was one of the very best illustrators and storytellers to ever work in the comics medium.”
“Just processing the death of our friend John Cassaday, one of the greatest comic-artists of all time and genuinely one of the nicest people you could ever meet. His body of work is almost unsurpassed, but he lives on in our memories and on our shelves,” wrote comic artist Mark Millar.
“The impact of John Cassaday’s work on myself and the whole industry is indelible. This is a tremendous loss to the comics community,” wrote comic writer Scott Snyder.
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Another called Cassaday an “artist of limitless talent.”
“John Cassaday, your Planetary was one of the most impactful comics to witness in real time on my life. And your Captain America. And your incredible X-Men. And… damn, such a huge loss,” wrote a fan.
John Cassaday posing with a drink in his hand at a barCredit: Facebook LEGENDARY Marvel comic artist John Cassaday, famous for his work on Astonishing X-Men, died on Monday at 52. Heartbreaking tributes have poured out for the artist as fans remember him for as a R… Read More