RIP KC Carlson

Comics editor and historian KC Carlson passed away on Saturday at the age of 68. Carlson had been suffering from both cancer and Alzheimers. He is survived by his wife, Johanna Draper Carlson. 

Carlson is best known as the editor of a renowned run of Legion of Superheroes but he had many other roles in comics: working for Capital Cities, the distributor, and later in comics shops, and writing about comics. Brigid Alverson has a thorough obituary here.

I knew KC as a friend married to one of my best friends, and he was a gentle, lovely man with an encyclopedic knowledge of comics. His last published work was actually here at The Beat, an oral history of the JLA/Avengers crossover originally intended for the collection but never printed because…well, KC told it like it is. 

John Jackson Miller noted that KC was the first editor of Comics Retailer magazine, and posted one of KC’s first editorials:

The memories of KC on social media recalled just what a decent person KC was as a colleague and friend. 

Wayne Markley: I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my long time friend, KC Carlson. When we worked together at DC we had lunch together almost everyday. Years later while working at Westfield, we spent almost every weekend together chatting at the shop about comics, history and life. He was one of the nicest and kindest people I have ever known. And an amazing storyteller, in print and in person. Words can not describe his loss. Good bye my friend. May your memory be a blessing.

Kelley Jones: No one gets anywhere on their own, but you have to be your own person to get there. Something KC Carlson who passed away today, told me. He was as instrumental a person in my creative life as anyone. His great skills as an editor on my Deadman ‘Love after Death’ for DC and made my career. I told him that and now I’m telling you. Goodbye KC.

Steve Saffel: Really sorry to hear that KC Carlson has passed. Easily one of the nicest people ever to grace the comic book world, and one who didn’t deserve the health challenges he faced in recent years. 

Fabio Marques: RIP K.C. Carlson (1956-2025) K.C. Carlson’s time as Superman comics editor was more than just a job—it was a labor of love. From August 1995 to September 1996, he helped steer the Man of Steel through some of his most unforgettable moments, ensuring that every story carried the heart, heroism, and hope that define Superman.
Personally I will always remember that he was the editor of Action Comics when I got my first Baldy Award on issue #719. He was the editor just after The Death of Clark Kent, during arc of the Trial of Superman. He played a key role in guiding iconic storylines like Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!, which reshaped DC continuity. His editorial leadership was about more than keeping the comics on schedule—it was about making sure Superman’s legacy remained as powerful as ever.

Karl Kesel: SADDENED to hear about the passing of KC CARLSON, who I was fortunate enough to have worked with when he edited the SUPERMAN comics at DC. A gentle, kind man with a twinkle in his eye and chuckle in his voice. I was shocked to find out— just today!— that he was actually 2 years older than me! He always seemed much younger. My heart goes out to Johanna.

Dan Jurgens: Very sad to learn of my old editor and compadre, KC Carlson’s passing. KC was an invaluable guide and friend during our time on both Superman and Zero Hour. My best to Johanna and all his family and friends. RIP, pal.

Ed Douglas: Tragic news to hear that former DC editor KC Carlson has passed away. Fans of the Legion of Superheroes remember the great job he did with the characters in the ’90s where he also led a Legion Chat on AOL that brought so many Legion fans together. R.I.P. :(It’s KC’s stewardship of the Legion that most will remember him by, and he produced many things to promote the fandom, including this much needed flow chart (being a Legion fan definitely requires such things.)

KC also wrote a long running column for Westfield Comics, filled with knowledge and his love of comics. I am so sad to lose such a huge source of knowledge about comics history….but even sadder to lose such a friend. The Beat sends our deepest condolences to Johanna Draper Carlson.