Steve Dillon, Artist of The Punisher and Co-Creator of Preacher, Dead at 54

It is with great sadness we announce that the legendary Steve Dillon has passed away today at the age of 54. The news was confirmed by his younger brother via Twitter on Saturday, October 22. His cause of death is not known as of now. Dillon was perhaps best known for co-creating Preacher, but his career in comics goes back five decades. Originally from Luton, Bedordshire, Steve Dillon was just 16 years old when he produced his first professional work drawing the title story in the first issue of Hulk Weekly for Marvel UK. In 1988, along with Brett Ewins, he started the comic magazine Deadline, a British comics magazine that featured a mix of comic strips and articles aimed at an older audience. Later on his art would appear in stores for Doctor Who Weekly, 2000 AD and the Warrior anthology, including a chapter in Alan Moore’s Miracleman series.

Dillon arrived in the United States during the late 80’s where he worked on the DC mini-series Skreemer, as well as Animal Man and The Atom. Dillon’s popularity skyrocketed when he collaborated with Garth Ennis to do Hellblazer, the pair quickly became a fan favorite as far as creative teams go. They created Preacher in 1995, which is now a hit show on AMC. The pair would also go on to create what many (including me) claim to be the best run of The Punisher in the mid 2000’s. Steve Dillon, at time of his passing, was currently working on a new Punisher series with writer Becky Cloonan.

The comics world has lost an iconic and legendary artist.  Not many people could pull off the Punisher punching a polar bear, but Dillon could.  I have been a fan of Dillon’s work since I could remember.  I grew up with his books and his absence will be a huge hole in the heart of comic fans and the comic industry.  RIP Steve Dillon. We will miss you.