Peter David, the esteemed novelist and comic book writer known for his iconic work on titles such as The Incredible Hulk, Young Justice, and X-Factor, has passed away at the age of 68. His friend and colleague Keith R.A. DeCandido confirmed the news through a post on Facebook.
Throughout his distinguished career spanning several decades at both Marvel and DC, David left an indelible mark on the comic book industry. He is particularly celebrated for his 12-year tenure on Marvel's The Incredible Hulk, where he masterfully explored the complex dynamics between Bruce Banner and his alter ego. This remarkable run, which he co-created with artist Dale Keown, earned them an Eisner Award in 1992. Much like Frank Miller's impact on Daredevil and Chris Claremont's on the X-Men, David is recognized as the quintessential writer for the Hulk.
Art by George Perez. (Image Credit: Marvel)
David's contributions extended beyond the Hulk; he co-created Spider-Man 2099 and significantly reshaped X-Factor during his two separate runs. His initial run transformed X-Factor into a government-sanctioned mutant strike force, while his second run reimagined it as a detective agency under the leadership of Madrox the Multiple Man.
At DC Comics, David's influence was equally profound, with notable work on titles like Aquaman, Supergirl, and Young Justice. Additionally, he made significant contributions to the Star Trek universe, with his most celebrated work being the 1994 novel Q-Squared, which he penned in both comic and prose formats.
Beyond the realm of comics and novels, David's talents extended to television and video games. He contributed to shows such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, and Ben 10: Alien Force, and wrote for video games including Shadow Complex and Spider-Man: Edge of Time.
A Visual History of Hulk
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In recent years, David faced significant health challenges, including a stroke in 2012. These issues led family friend Graham Murphy to launch GoFundMe campaigns in 2022 and 2025 to support David's medical expenses.
Peter David is survived by his wife, Kathleen O'Shea David, and their four children. His legacy as a transformative figure in comics and beyond will continue to inspire and influence future generations of creators and fans alike.
