Beloved, Award-Winning Comic Artist, John Cassaday, Has Passed Away At 52

TV & Film

Sep 14

Comic book artist legend John Cassaday passed away on September 9, 2024. He was best known for his art in Astonishing X-Men (2004-2008) and the 2015 revival of Star Wars comics, among others. A cause of death has not been named, however, the artist was admitted to the ICU in the days prior. He was 52 years old.

Cassaday was born on December 14, 1971, in Fort Worth, Texas. He worked in the television news industry and had a brief stint in construction while building his portfolio; at some point, he went to film school as well. Cassaday was a self-taught artist, taking time to find his own style and work on his craft. The artist started in the independent publisher scene before moving on to work for DC and Marvel Comics.

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Cassaday started with the comic giants in 1997, working on the annuals for The Flash and Teen Titans for DC and X-Men for Marvel. He helped to create the series Planetary in 1999 with Warren Ellis. From Star Wars to Captain America titles, and many in between, the artist had a hand in many large ventures. Cassaday dabbled in television work as well. He directed an episode of Dollhouse and was a director involved in the TV mini-series, Astonishing X-Men. The creative had multiple award nominations and several wins. He won three Eisner Awards, one in 2005 for Best Penciller/Inker, and two in 2006 for Best Penciller/Inker and Best Ongoing Series. The artist won the Wizard World Fan Award for Favorite Penciller in 2005. He won the Eagle Award for Favourite Comics Artist in 2006, and the Spike TV Scream Award for Best Comic-Book Artist in 2007.

Cassaday is survived by his sister Robin and his mother. His impact as an artist will resound for years to come, influencing artists of today and tomorrow. Our deepest condolences go out to Cassaday’s family, friends, and colleagues. Public memorial services have not been announced; remember to respect and maintain the privacy of his loved ones in this time of mourning.

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