Artist Tom Lyle, best known for his work on Robin, Starman, and Spider-Man, has died after suffering a brain aneurysm about a month ago and remaining in a coma. He was 66 years old.
Lyle’s career took off in the late ‘80s and ‘90s with his work at DC Comics when he took on penciling duties for Starman with Roger Stern. He then went on to draw the first-ever Robin miniseries with writer Chuck Dixon as well as other titles with the publisher before making the jump to Marvel where he was one of the artists on the “Maximum Carnage” and “Clone Saga” story arcs. Lyle is credited with creating the iconic hoodie and spandex costume for the Scarlet Spider. In addition, he worked on The Punisher Vol.3 with John Ostrander and Warlock, where he also took on writing duties. In recent years, Lyle worked as a sequential art professor at Savannah College of Art and Design.
Last month, the artist underwent surgery to remove a blood clot after suffering from the aneurysm that hospitalized him. He was then placed in a medically-induced coma for the last few weeks. Sadly, Lyle passed away today. He is survived by his wife Susan.
The industry shared their condolences and memories of Tom Lyle on Twitter.
My dear friend, mentor, professor, and father figure #TomLyle passed away peacefully this morning. Services are still being finalized, but the tentative plan is a funeral this Saturday in Savannah. I'll update when I have specific details. pic.twitter.com/oGntJP77Lq
— Phillip Sevy – Triage on sale now! (@phillipsevy) November 19, 2019
Saddened to hear the news of veteran comic book artist and teacher Tom Lyle's passing. RIP. pic.twitter.com/PW36ZW5iXI
— Alex Segura (@alex_segura) November 19, 2019
Sorry to hear that legendary Spider-Man artist, Tom Lyle has passed away. Tom's work on both Spidey and the Scarlet Spider were epic. That Scarlet Spider design, Tom's design, will always be an amazing touchstone for Spidey fans like me and all generations past, present, & future pic.twitter.com/xOSbwYiBfZ
— Dan Slott (@DanSlott) November 19, 2019