Peter David has ed away at the age of 68. Born on September 23, 1956 in Fort Meade, Maryland, he went on to become a legendary writer who has worked on runs of Marvel and Star Trek franchise, with the New Frontier series being among the most notable. He also wrote episodes of the Babylon 5 television series and the Young Justice show.
In a Facebook post, David's wife, Kathleen O'Shea David, shared that "Since it is out there. Peter David ed away last night. We are devastated. More when I can write about it."
In a different Facebook post, writer Keith R.A. DeCandido, who was a longtime friend of David's, shared the following message:
"Just got the news that Peter David finally lost his rather lengthy battle with his failing physical form last night. I first met Peter 35 years ago, when he appeared on The Chronic Rift public access show, and over the last three-and-a-half decades, he has been a respected creator, a good friend, a valued colleague, and a generally wonderful person. I have a lot to say about him, but right now I'm just sad that I won't get to enjoy his delightfully smart and funny presence ever again. And I'm also thinking of his wife Kathleen O'Shea David, and his daughters Ariel, Shana, Gwen, and Caroline. Picture with this post is one of my favorites, from Peter and Kath's wedding in May 2001, of Peter with his best man, the late great Harlan Ellison, a picture that Peter said perfectly summed up his and Harlan's friendship, with Peter as the Daffy Duck to Harlan's Bugs Bunny. Rest in peace, my friend."
Peter David's Legacy Explained
He Shaped Many Stories & Characters
David's first published writing came in a 1980 issue of Asimov's Science Fiction magazine. He later moved into the publishing side of the business, which led him to work at Marvel Comics. After several years at Marvel, he moved from sales into a more editorial role where he began writing his own comics for them. This led to his successful 12-year run of The Incredible Hulk that revitalized the character's popularity and offered a deeper look into Bruce Banner. Issue #449 of The Incredible Hulk, written by David, features the first appearances of the Thunderbolts team in the comics.
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For DC, David wrote Aquaman: The Atlantis Chronicles, which delved deeply into the setting of Atlantis. Young Justice was another notable DC property that David worked on between his comics and later wrote numerous episodes of the animated television series. While he is best known for his Marvel, DC, and Star Trek work, David worked on many stories outside these major franchises, which included penning the script for Stephen King's The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born comic book.
Our Take On Peter David's Legacy
He Leaves Behind A Strong Legacy
David was a giant in the world of comics, with work that was beloved by fans of Marvel, DC, Star Trek, and many other properties. His 12-year run of The Incredible Hulk not only revitalized the character, but is largely responsible for the character's enduring popularity, which remains strong decades later. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, the successful use of Bruce Banner/Hulk in stories ranging from The Avengers to Thor: Ragnarok would not have happened without everything David did for the characters in the comics.
As the MCU and James Gunn's DC Universe expand, there will inevitably continue to be many characters and storylines that can be traced back to the vital stories that Peter David told throughout his career.
David's contributions continue to be felt in the most recent MCU movie as well. Reviews for Thunderbolts* have been stellar, and it is important to recognize that David wrote the comic where they first appeared. As the MCU and James Gunn's DC Universe expand, there will inevitably continue to be many characters and storylines that can be traced back to the vital stories that Peter David told throughout his career. His work will continue to inspire fans of superheroes and science fiction, and he will be sorely missed.
Source: Kathleen O'Shea David/Facebook, Keith R.A. DeCandido/Facebook
