Steve Dillon, the artist who co-created the Preacher comic books, has died in New York, his brother confirmed.
Dillon created the cult comic alongside Co Down writer Garth Ennis in 1995 and it went on to become critically acclaimed. This year, the much-loved comic was adapted into a TV series starring Ruth Negga and Dominic Cooper at AMC.
His death was confirmed by his brother Glyn, who is also an artist, on Twitter. He wrote: "Sad to confirm the death of Steve, my big brother and my hero. He passed away in the city he loved (NYC). He will be sorely missed. Cheers x".
Sad to confirm the death of Steve, my big brother and my hero. He passed away in the city he loved (NYC). He will be sorely missed. Cheers x
— glyn dillon (@glyn_dillon) October 22, 2016
Dillon began his career aged 16 when he landed his first professional job drawing the lead story for the debut issue of Hulk Weekly for Marvel.
In the 1980s, he went on to make a name for himself on a number of British comics including Warrior, Doctor Who Magazine and 2000 AD.
In 1988, Dillon co-created a new comic called Deadline along with Brett Ewins, which ran for seven years.
Dillon later teamed up with Irish writer Ennis on the John Constantine series Hellblazer, which led them to create Preacher.
Dillon and Ennis went on to redefine the character of the Punisher as part of the Marvel Comics' Marvel Knights imprint beginning with The Punisher: Welcome Back Frank in 2000.
Since the news of his death broke, people have been taking to Twitter to pay tribute to the late artist.
Steve Dillon was a fine man, an inspiration, and one of my favorite artists. This guts me. RIP Steve.
— Mark 'fraid (@MarkWaid) October 22, 2016
Damn it. Steve Dillon was a revelation. His art and storytelling craft were some of the best in the medium. He was one of my faves. RIP 😢
— Luke Boyce (@lukeslens) October 22, 2016
Very sad to hear about the passing of the legendary Steve Dillon. He will be sorely missed, but the legacy he left behind will always remain https://t.co/kDQcZfelAK
— Addison Richards (@add_rock44) October 22, 2016
Comic artist Steve Dillon has died. I'll always remember his awesome work on Preacher, Punisher and Hellblazer. pic.twitter.com/l00gXIfSRI
— karl keogh (@darkdetective87) October 22, 2016
Steve Dillon RIP. He co-created and drew every issue of my favourite comic. 54 years old, gone to meet the big man in the sky. #Preacher pic.twitter.com/laiw2LifX0
— Kevin McCabe (@kev_mccabe) October 22, 2016
Very sorry to hear about Steve Dillon. Master storyteller - brilliantly immersive, true original. Contributions to the form immeasurable RIP
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) October 22, 2016
Devastated by the loss of Steve Dillon. My favorite comic artist who drew my favorite comics. RIP.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) October 22, 2016
Damn. RIP Steve Dillon. Never met him, but his PUNISHER was a HUGE influence on the Daredevil show. Deepest condolences to his loved ones.
— Christos Gage (@Christosgage) October 22, 2016
Steve Dillon was one of the best because he knew what was most important in what we do: the storytelling. That's his legacy.
— Ron Marz (@ronmarz) October 22, 2016
Steve Dillon is a huge loss. I followed his work for years, right from I first became aware of comics. Did my favourite John Constantine
— Michelle Birkby (@michelleeb) October 22, 2016
