After a lengthy and public battle with his health, prolific comic creator Peter David has died at 68 years old, per an announcement by Keith DeCandido, David’s long-time friend and fellow science fiction writer, on his Facebook page.
DeCandido wrote, “Just got the news that Peter David finally lost his rather lengthy battle with his failing physical form last night. Over the last three-and-a-half decades, he has been a respected creator, a good friend, a valued colleague, and a generally wonderful person.”
David has struggled with health issues since having suffered a stroke in 2012, including kidney disease, but was able to recover enough to continue writing—although what he earned in this period was never enough to pay his medical bills. On March 11, 2025, after the creator was dropped from his Long-Term Disability plan via Medicaid, a GoFundMe page was set up to help with his medical bills, which had received almost $120,000 in donations at the time of this writing. (And with his family still in debt due to these bills, many fans online are suggesting that any donation may still be beneficial.)
Just a few days ago, Kathleen David, the beneficiary of David’s GoFundMe page, updated fans and supporters on his health status, writing, “Due to his inability to cough or clear his throat, he is temporarily on a ventilator. His color is much better and he is moving his limbs which is a good sign. He is under light sedation to keep him from fighting the tube down his throat.”
David is best known for his work on some of the most iconic comic book characters and series in history, such as his legendary 12-year run on the Marvel Comics series Incredible Hulk, which is widely regarded as definitive, where he explored Bruce Banner’s psychology in-depth and introduced multiple Hulk personas (like the gray “Joe Fixit”). At Marvel, he is also synonymous with redefining the X-Factor team of mutants, especially in his 2005–2013 run, in which he transformed the series into a noir detective story emphasizing character development and witty dialogue, as well as with Spider-Man, having worked on titles such as The Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and notable story arcs like the “Death of Jean DeWolff.” Most recently, David wrote Symbiote Spider-Man 2099.
The prolific creator also penned stories for DC Comics, notably Aquaman and Supergirl, and for Star Trek, notably the “New Frontier” series of Star Trek: The Next Generation novels. He is also credited with creating the Brikar, a species that first appeared on-screen in Star Trek: Prodigy.
Ultimately, Davis legacy is that he made superheroes more human—and by doing so, made them more heroic. He showed that the best comic stories don’t just involve saving the world, but understanding the people in it. For his contributions to the industry, David was awarded with multiple Eisner Awards, a Wizard Fan Award, and a GLAAD Media Award, among others. In regards to the GLAAD Award, David was also an outspoken supporter (via his blog) of the LGBTQ+ community.
Online, David’s co-workers, friends, and fans shared what his work meant to them. “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of comic book and sci-fi writer Peter David, who passed away last night following a long illness,” the Cartoon Art Museum posted on Bluesky. “Incredible Hulk, X-Factor, Star Trek…so many fond memories of him and his work.”
To which, legendary actor and nerd Mark Hamill responded with a broken heart.
Writer and playwrite Claire Willett wrote, “Peter David wrote some of my favorite Star Trek books, including “Imzadi,” which changed my brain chemistry in middle school. One of the best to ever do it. Sending love and light to his family today.”
“What a legend,” said G. Willow Wison on Bluesky. “All living X-Men fans have been affected by his X-Factor run in some way, whether by reading the books themselves or through osmosis, via their impact on the universe at large.”
“Another great gone,” wrote Colleen Doran. “Goodbye Peter. You were a true friend. One of the first writers in comics to truly support my art. Much love to you and your family. Hope to see you on the other side.”
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and his four daughters, Ariel, Caroline, Gwen, and Shana. The Beat extends our condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
A superhumane writer with a classic comedy rhythm and an often righteous fury. Every line of his bibliography reveals new treasures.
RIP, PAD.
Grozit.
This has been such a rough year for the loss of so much great talent! I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. David, but that does not depreciate my love for his works in any way! I am deeply sorry for his family’s loss. As the saying goes, “We’ve lost one of the Good Ones!” :(