Dave Cockrum

Dave Cockrum passed away today, November 26, 2006. The following is from Clifford Meth, Dave's agent:

With a heavy heart, I regret to inform you that Dave Cockrum passed away this morning. After a long battle with diabetics and its varied complications, Dave died in his sleep early this morning.

Dave’s many creations--including some of the X-Men’s staple characters--brought tremendous joy to his legion of fans. For three decades, he was a beloved fixture at comics conventions across the country where he would sketch for a pittance and encourage would-be creators. Those of us who knew Dave personally will remember him as one of the sweetest, jovial, most generous individuals in the comics industry. I’ll miss my friend very much.

There are no details of services at this time. Dave asked to be cremated and his widow Paty is burdened with the news, so well wishers are asked not to call.

Clifford Meth

Dave was one of those guys, like Don Newton, who made it out of fandom and into the pros. Dave is best remembered for his work on The Legion of Super-Heroes, where he reinvented many of the characters visually, and the X-Men, where he performed the same task. I never met Dave but I loved his slick inking style and his way with costume design. He didn't draw like anyone else, he drew like Dave Cockrum. He was a big man with a big talent.

He will be missed.