Rest in peace. Steve Dillon, the renowned British comic book artist who created Preacher and cofounded Deadline magazine, died in NYC recently, his younger brother confirmed via Twitter on Saturday, October 22.
“Sad to confirm he death of Steve, my big brother and my hero,” Glyn Dillon tweeted Saturday morning. “He passed away in the city he loved (NYC). He will be sorely missed. Cheers x.”
Dillon, whose birthday is publicly listed as 1962, was either 53 or 54. His cause of death has not yet been released.
The comic book artist was perhaps best known for co-creating comic series Preacher, which influenced Stephen King’s own series, The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born (and was recently adapted into a TV show for AMC). He also co-created and edited Deadline magazine in 1988, which was published for seven years.
The self-proclaimed “comic book bloke” was in NYC for New York Comic Con, with his last tweet on October 7, announcing his whereabouts at the larger than life conference.
“Hi, NYCC people!” he wrote at the time. “My shift at the Hero Initiative booth today is changed. I’ll be there from around 2.30 till around 6. Cheers!”
The comics community has reacted swiftly to news of Dillon’s death, mourning a man many considered to be a prodigy. (His first professional work was published when he was just 16.)
So sad to hear steve dillon passed away. Hadn’t gotten the chance to read too much of his work but he will be missed.
— Kai Williams (@Awesomekai141) October 22, 2016
R.I.P. Steve Dillon, an artist who wasn’t afraid to draw anything. And who gave us one of the greatest stories ever told.
— Karl (@LD_Geek) October 22, 2016
Very sad to hear about Steve Dillon. My hat’s off to him in respect & gratitude for decades of fine, fine storytelling.
— Colin Smith (@Colin_TBTAMC) October 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/rob__mccallum/status/789856953279385600
Awful news about Steve Dillon. Incredible artist and an absolute legend. Condolences to his friends and family.
— Ed Hammond (@Ed_Hammond101) October 22, 2016
Devastated to read that Steve Dillon has died. So much of what I love about Preacher is because of him. Rest in power.
— Dave Elliott (@The_Iceman2288) October 22, 2016