Lee Moder, Comic Artist Best Known As The Co-Creator Of 'Stargirl' Has Passed Away At 53

Feb 9

At just 53 years old, iconic comic book artist and writer, Lee Moder has passed away. It is thought that he passed away on or around January 15, 2023; however specific information including the cause of death has not been released to the public.

He is known for writing Young Justice, Justice League Action, Justice League Action Shorts, and of course Stargirl. Other iconic titles that this artist and writer took part in include Legion of Superheroes as well as Wonder Woman, Batman: The Last Angel, Marvel’s X-Force, Dragon Prince by Top Cow Productions, and Highlander by Dynamite.

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With a career that has spanned the last thirty years, his artistic legacy is sure to live on in the industry, Moder’s longtime friends, and creative colleagues Geoff Johns and Ron Marz released statements in remembrance of their friend. Johns reminisced not just about Moder’s artistry but also his character.

“The industry lost a wonderful talent with the passing of Lee Moder. He was the first artist I ever collaborated with on my first comic book, Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E., which introduced Courtney Whitmore, A.K.A. Stargirl. Lee co-created Courtney and her world with me, along with re-imagining the old 1940's Pat Dugan Stripesy into S.T.R.I.P.E. He embodied the warmth, power, beauty and comedy he put into all his art. We had so much fun. I'll miss Lee very much.”

Writer Ron Marz was also a longtime friend and collaborator of Lee. They worked on the Dragon Prince together among other titles. In 2011, Marz called Lee up and asked if he would be interested in working on a Japanese vampire concept.

Moder spoke about it once before with enthusiasm. The comic is called Shinku and was published by Image Comics. Marz’s comment about the loss of his friend echoed that of Geoff Johns.

“I'm just numb. I tell stories for a living, and this is not how stories are supposed to end. Lee wasn't just someone I collaborated with, he was a friend, he was almost a part of my family. He stayed at my house, he drew at my kitchen table with my kids. His work had such life and joy to it. Every project we did together was a blessing, but they're only the tip of the iceberg. Lee had stacks of sketchbooks filled with original characters and concepts and designs, full story arcs. There are entire issues that he drew and then set aside because he wasn't quite satisfied, but I can absolutely tell you they're amazing. I hope the world gets to see all that stuff as part of Lee's legacy. It's too beautiful to remain hidden. Lee was an inexhaustible source of creation. My imagination is not capable of understanding that he's gone.”

Those who wish to honor Lee Moder’s memory are encouraged to donate to the Hero Initiative, which is a financial resource that is available to comic creators in need of medical care and other emergent financial needs.

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