Steve Dillon, comic book artist and Preacher co-creator, died at the age of 54. The Hollywood Reporter said news of the artist’s death was announced on Saturday morning in a tweet by his brother Glyn. Dillon died in New York City, but no other details have emerged regarding the circumstances of his death.
https://twitter.com/glyn_dillon/status/789834909376479232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
With Preacher being a smash hit on AMC, many may know Dillon as the co-creator of the comic alongside Garth Ennis, but the English-born artist’s work has spanned across five decades. Dillon got his first big break at 16 drawing for the debut issue of Hulk Weekly for Marvel UK. His resume only grew from there as he lent his art to stories for Doctor Who Weekly, 2000 AD, Warriors and the Alan Moore series Miracleman.
But he may be remembered best for his work with Ennis. The two co-created the immensely popular Preacher series and worked on Hellblazer and had a fantastic run on The Punisher. The comics community and beyond have reached out with their condolences:
Very sorry to hear about Steve Dillon. Master storyteller – brilliantly immersive, true original. Contributions to the form immeasurable RIP
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) October 22, 2016
Devastated by the loss of Steve Dillon. My favorite comic artist who drew my favorite comics. RIP.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) October 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/brubaker/status/789831114605023232
I just found out Steve Dillon has died. I am crying. Please take care of yourselves, friends. Love you all.
— Jill Thompson (@thejillthompson) October 22, 2016
Steve Dillon drew my first Marvel script:Thunderbolts 12. Couldn't believe it; Dillon out of the gate? Felt so incredibly LUCKY – and I was. pic.twitter.com/htN3C0luwD
— Charles Soule (@CharlesSoule) October 22, 2016
Rest in power Steve Dillon. Legend. pic.twitter.com/MshGUwbmVI
— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 22, 2016
RIP Steve Dillon. The definitive Punisher artist of my lifetime. pic.twitter.com/YosjjBPAmJ
— Matt Singer / mattsinger.bsky.social (@mattsinger) October 22, 2016
Along with his artistic talents, Dillon also was the co-creator and co-editor of the British anthology series Deadline with Brett Ewins in 1988. The series saw work published from Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewitt and was the first home to Tank Girl.
(Via The Hollywood Reporter)