October 12th 2023.
Legendary comic book artist and writer Keith Giffen has passed away at the age of 70. His death was announced on his Facebook page, where he had written a post that appeared to have been pre-written, with the words "I told them I was sick… Anything not to go to New York Comic Con. Thanx," followed by "Keith Giffen 1952-2023. Bwah ha ha ha ha."
Giffen was well known for his work on Marvel's Rocket Raccoon, and co-wrote the DC Comics Blue Beetle series when a new iteration of the character was introduced in 2006. He was also co-creator of the DC Comics character Lobo, which has recently been rumored to be played by Aquaman's Jason Momoa on the big screen.
Writing on X, comic book writer J. M. DeMatteis wrote in tribute, "Keith was one of the most brilliantly creative humans I've ever known. A curmudgeon with a heart of gold. A generous collaborator. An old, dear friend. And, as my wife observed, 'He was like a character out of a Keith Giffen story.' Safe travels, Keith. You will be missed."
Writer and artist Colleen Doran also paid tribute to her dear friend, saying, "My very dear friend, one of the best friends I have ever had. Keith Giffen. I am heartbroken. I will love you forever. You were endlessly kind and crazy, funny and awful, beyond smart, truly original."
Born in Queens, New York on November 30 1952, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Giffen died from a stroke. He began writing for Marvel in the 1970s, and in 1991 he received the Inkpot Award, a huge honor handed out at the annual San Diego Comic-Con.
Giffen's influence on the comic book genre was immense, with writer Blair Marnell writing, "If you’ve got to go out, go out on a laugh." Film writer Brian Lynch also paid his respects, saying, "His work was influential on how I write, what I write, and what I find funny. His art was so distinct and full of life. A huge loss for comics, and to the super hero genre in general."
Keith Giffen was a legend in the comic book world and will be dearly missed.
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