Comics Superstar Joshua Cassara Passes Away At Age 46
by Tony Thornley
Announced yesterday by his wife via his Instagram, Marvel artist Joshua Cassara has passed away from heart complications at age 46.
In the post, Cassara’s wife Martha gave a heartfelt tribute to her husband, stating: “He would not have wanted your condolences. He would have wanted your laughter and toasts.”
Loving tributes poured in from the industry, both on the Instagram post and on various creators’ social media.
Writer Leah Williams commented: “I remember I was so nervous to meet Josh for the first time but the two of you always brought love, warmth, laughter and creativity into every room you ever entered. Meeting you and Josh will always be a joyful memory to me. “
Former X-Men writer during Cassara’s run on the title Gerry Duggan wrote: “You and Josh lit up every room you were in together. I looked forward to every show with you both. Our love of Josh and his immense talent will live on.”
His longest collaborator, Benjamin Percy said “Goodbye to one of my favorite people and collaborators. I love you like a brother, Josh Cassara. See you at the Green Lagoon.”
Cassara first gained notoriety with work like The Troop from Titan Comics and Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook. At Marvel he built his brand on series like the 2016 volume of New Avengers, Falcon with writer Rodney Barnes, and 2019’s Venom with Donny Cates.
He rose into artistic stardom as the main artist on the Krakoan era of X-Force alongside Percy. After about two years on X-Force, he drew X-Lives of Wolverine with Percy, before moving to X-Men with Duggan for another nearly two year stint.
While I didn’t know Cassara well, he and I became friendly over social media briefly through the Krakoa years. He was always kind, friendly and approachable, quick with a joke, but never cruel. He was a fantastic artist, and had so much more to contribute to the industry and the world. It’s difficult to lose anyone of his caliber of talent, and it’s even worse when they’re genuinely a good person.
He’s survived by his wife and children. We pass along our love and condolences to the Cassara family.
