Scottish comics writer, Alan Grant, best known for his work on iconic titles such as 2000 AD and Batman, has died at the age of 73, after a long illness. His wife Susan announced his passing via Facebook.

Born in Bristol in 1949, Grant, began his work in the comics industry in in 1967 as an editor for Beano and Dandy publishers D.C. Thomson. He left in 1970 to work for rival publishers IPC on romance titles, but would become synonymous with future lawman Judge Dredd, via IPC's sci-fi title 2000 AD.

Working with Dredd creator John Wagner, the duo penned a number of memorable storylines, including the epic Apocalypse War saga, while also scripting other 2000 AD favourites Robo Hunter, Ace Trucking Co. and Strontium Dog.

Alongside a number of prominent UK comic creators, Grant was snapped up to work for the lucrative U.S. comic market, resulting in a lengthy run throughout the 1980s and 1990s working on various Batman titles for D.C. Comics, including a memorable series of Batman and Judge Dredd crossovers, beginning with Judgment on Gotham in 1991. He also enjoyed a long association with Lobo, another D.C. fan favourite.

An outspoken advocate for the rights of comic book creators, Grant and his wife organized an annual comics festival in their longterm home, the Scots village of Moniaive.

A number of comic industry talents took to Twitter to voice their condolences.