Iconic comics and prose writer Peter David, affectionately known as PAD by his fans, has passed away on May 25th, 2025 at the age of 68 after fighting with health issues over the last few years. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen O’Shea, as well as four children. His career would span for four decades, with credits that includes comics, prose fiction for franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek, and even television shows like Babylon 5, Young Justice, and Ben 10: Alien Force.
Getting his start in journalism in the 70s, before finally getting a job in Marvel’s sales department, eventually becoming the sales manager. He’d pitch story ideas for several characters, but finally got his big break from Spider-Man editor Jim Owsley (Christopher Priest), giving him some fill ins on the Marvel’s flagship character Spider-Man books, before giving him Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man, where he’d craft one of the greatest Spider-Man stories, “The Death of Jean DeWolff.”
After proving his chops, Marvel would give him the Incredible Hulk, where he’d have a history making run that lasted for twelve years. He’d also make the book one of Marvel’s best selling titles, that would inspire several episodes of the animated Incredible Hulk television show in the 90’s. He’d go on to help redefine other classic characters and mutant teams, like X-Factor, Aquaman, Supergirl, and Genis-Vell’s Captain Marvel. His work would touch countless fans around the world.
I first came across his work in the mid 90s during his time on the Hulk, and seeing David tackle several political issues, including HIV, mental illness, environmental issues, child abuse, and mixed in his irreverent humor, making him one of the most prolific writers of the time. His work on books like the Hulk, or Aquaman, or Supergirl, that would let me escape into this world that would help me deal with my own issues growing up. Meeting him at a Comic-Con a few years I was finally able to tell him thank you for making this lonely little boy’s life a little less lonely growing up.
Peter David
1956-2025
Rest in peace