Peter David, one of the most influential and prolific writers in the comic book world, has passed away at the age of 68. He died on Saturday, May 24, after a long battle with multiple health issues. The news was confirmed by his wife, Kathleen O’Shea David, through social media.
In recent years, David had been dealing with serious health complications, including kidney problems that led to a heart attack and left him with lasting medical needs. Unfortunately, several months ago, Medicaid — the U.S. public healthcare program — stopped covering the cost of his treatments.
As a result, his loved ones launched a GoFundMe campaign to help manage the high medical expenses he was facing up until his passing.
Comic legend Peter David, creator of Miguel O’Hara, Venom 2099, Maestro, and many others, has died at the age of 68. pic.twitter.com/ql6l9eeykB
— IGN (@IGN) May 25, 2025
Peter David was born on September 23, 1956, in Fort Meade, Maryland. He made a lasting impact on the world of comics with a career that spanned over four decades. He was best known for his legendary 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, where he reimagined Bruce Banner’s story by exploring his inner conflict as a form of dissociative identity disorder. This powerful take on the character deeply influenced the 2003 Hulk film directed by Ang Lee and earned David the prestigious Eisner Award in 1992.
But his influence didn’t stop there. David helped reshape and breathe new life into many iconic superheroes. He created fan-favorite characters like Spider-Man 2099, introduced the superhero group Pantheon, and wrote acclaimed storylines for series such as X-Men, Aquaman, Supergirl, andYoung Justice. His writing style — a unique mix of sharp humor, cultural references, and emotional depth — set him apart as one of the most respected voices in the industry.
Peter David was just great. pic.twitter.com/yaCA9bm2zH
— Comic Tropes (@CTropes) May 25, 2025
David’s talent also crossed into TV and books. He co-created the Nickelodeon sci-fi show Space Cases and contributed scripts to series like Babylon 5, Young Justice, and Ben 10: Alien Force. As a novelist, he wrote more than 50 books, including original works, movie tie-ins, and several beloved Star Trek novels.
Peter David wasn’t just a storyteller — he was a creative force who helped shape how characters were written, understood, and remembered. His work continues to inspire both fans and fellow writers alike.
©PRISA MEDIA USA, INC. All rights reserved.
PRISA MEDIA USA, INC, expressly reserves the right to reproduce and use the works and other services accessible from this website by machine-readable media or other suitable means.