Artist and Preacher Co-Creator Steve Dillon Dies

On October 22, numerous media outlets reported the death of renowned comic artist and Preacher co-creator Steve Dillon. He was 54.

The cause of death was not immediately known, but later revealed to be a ruptured appendix. Longtime collaborator Garth Ennis stated that Dillon initially believed his ailment to be food poisoning.

Dillon’s storied career included many of comics’ most popular and influential titles, from his early work in 2000AD to his memorable runs on many other titles as The Punisher, Hellblazer and Preacher. When that title became a hit AMC series, Dillon served as an executive producer.

Reaction to Dillon’s death swept across and beyond the comic industry, including tweets from Vertigo and Marvel Comics.

We lost a giant among creators and artists today. Steve Dillon will be missed by us all here at DC and Vertigo. pic.twitter.com/ZpYVQBgwwf

— Vertigo Comics (@vertigo_comics) October 22, 2016

Marvel is saddened by the passing of Steve Dillon, a great storyteller. We offer condolences to his family and remember his incredible work.

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) October 22, 2016