Comics Legend Keith Giffen Passes Away At Age 70
by Tony Thornley
As announced by his family in the most Keith Giffen way possible via social media, comics legend Keith Giffen passed away October 9, 2023, at the age of 70.
Giffen started his career as an artist in 1976 in an issue of Marvel Preview. A few months later, he co-created Rocket Raccoon with writer Bill Mantlo, kicking off a career full of adding and revamping characters and concepts. Some of the notable characters Giffen created or co-created were Lobo, Ambush Bug, and Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes. Giffen became well known for infusing his characters with humanity and humor.
In the 1980’s, Giffen became the artist on Legion of Super-Heroes, eventually becoming co-writer, and telling some of the most notable stories in the history of the Legion. Post-Crisis on Infinite Earths, Giffen joined co-writer JM DeMatteis and artist Kevin Maguire to revitalize the Justice League of America, shortly afterwards transitioning the series to Justice League International. Those series would become his best known and high-regarded works.
Giffen worked all throughout the entire comics industry, ranging from creator owned stories at Image, to revitalizing Marvel Cosmic with Annihilation, to helping create the Valiant Comics Universe. He also worked extensively in TV and animation as well. Few creators have had as broad and big an impact on the American comics industry as he did.
DC Editor-in-Chief Marie Javins is expected to give a tribute to Giffen at New York Comic-Con this weekend. Our condolences to Giffen’s friends and family.
