(Trigger Warning: The following story contains mention of suicide.)
Ed Piskor, the cartoonist behind books like Hip-Hop Family Tree, Red Room, and X-Men: Grand Design, has died. The Pittsburgh-based writer/artist, who was in the spotlight last week after reports made on social media of misconduct and grooming behavior, reportedly died yesterday. News of Piskor’s death was confirmed on Facebook by the artist’s sister.
While no cause of death has been released, Piskor posted a lengthy note to Facebook yesterday morning that indicated he intended to kill himself. Attempts by family and friends to reach Piskor throughout the day were unsuccessful. Piskor’s official obituary states that he “passed away unexpectedly.”
Since the allegations against Piskor, which included screenshotted DMs from 2020 that show grooming behavior towards a then-17-year-old female artist, as well as allegations from other female artists that he had propositioned them for sexual favors in exchange for help advancing their careers, Piskor’s career had faced a number of repercussions. A scheduled exhibition of his work by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust was indefinitely postponed, and cartoonist Jim Rugg, who co-hosted the Cartoonist Kayfabe YouTube series with Piskor, announced that he had ended his professional association with Piskor.
Per the artist’s obituary, Piskor is survived by his parents, three siblings, and four nieces and nephews.
If you are struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat with someone online through their website, 988lifeline.org.
