‘Preacher’ And ‘Hellblazer’ Comic Book Artist Steve Dillon Dead At 54

Even as a television adaptation of Preacher earns a second season on AMC, the comic book inspiration for the series has lost one of its greatest talents. Steve Dillon, whose long list of artistic achievements includes his artwork on the Preacher comic books, has passed away at the all-too-young age of 54, according to Steve’s brother, Glyn Dillon. Currently, little is known about the circumstances of Dillon’s death, but it was known that the Preacher artist suffered from an unnamed illness, which may have contributed to his death.

Preacher And Hellblazer Artist Steve Dillon Leaves Behind A Treasure Trove Of Talent

The news that comic book artist Steve Dillon has passed away was revealed earlier today in a Twitter post from Steve’s brother, Glyn.

“Sad to confirm the death of Steve, my big brother and my hero. He passed away in the city he loved (NYC),” he wrote. “He will be sorely missed. Cheers.”

To say that Dillon was a talented artist would be to understate his unique abilities, especially considering that he has been drawing for comic books since he was 16 years old. Dillon began his career doing artwork for Hulk Weekly at Marvel’s U.K. division, but, even at that early age, Steve was already proving that his ambition paralleled his talent. Dillon moved on to creating artwork for Doctor Who Magazine, 2000 A.D., and the Warrior anthology, before branching out on his own, co-creating a new comics magazine in 1988, entitled Deadline.

While Dillon earned a modest living, it wasn’t until he joined Vertigo to work on the Hellblazer series that his career really took off. Dillon joined writer Garth Ennis in creating Hellblazer and that team-up ultimately led to the duo again working together in the creation of Preacher. Work on Preacher led to Steve receiving the Eisner Award and to Seth Rogen, Sam Catlin, and Evan Goldberg developing the story for AMC.

“I remember drawing the first issue thinking, ‘This is either going to bomb completely or enough people will get it to make it a cult success,'” Dillon said earlier this year. “Luckily, enough readers did get it and realized where we were coming from with it.”

The Entertainment Industry Mourns The Loss Of A Great Artist And A Good Friend

Celebrities, fans, friends, and colleagues are all coming forward to share their memories and condolences, as the passing of Steve Dillon spreads throughout the online community. Perhaps one of the most revealing and personal thoughts come from DC Entertainment Group Editor Marie Javins, as she issued a statement in regard to the Preacher artist’s passing.

“His name, along with writer Garth Ennis, is practically synonymous with Preacher,” said Javins. “But I know him as a lovable wisecracker who enjoyed New York, and could always be depended on to deliver a sly remark. Steve had a great sense of humor; it’s fitting his last work for DC was a cover of a tin foil Dogwelder. To the rest of the world, he’s a giant among creators and artists. He will be missed by us all here at DC and Vertigo.”

Among those working alongside Dillon in the comic book industry to share their thoughts on Steve’s death have been Becky Cloonan, Andy Khouri, and Mitch Gerads. Also sharing feelings of loss was Doctor Who Magazine.

“We’re saddened to report the death of Steve Dillon, one of Doctor Who Magazine‘s earliest artists, and co-creator of Abslom Daak. RIP Steve,” tweeted the magazine on Dillon’s passing.

Tweeting to his own fans, actor, comedian, and producer Seth Rogen says he has been devastated by the loss of the Preacher artist, adding that he has been one of Dillon’s long-time fans.

“Just heard about Steve Dillon’s passing. It’s been so long since we’ve talked, but he was kind to a young writer long ago, and a good guy,” tweeted author Neil Gaiman.

The outpouring of grief and remorse of Steve Dillon’s passing continues to flood the internet, as celebrities and fans alike share their thoughts on Dillon’s life and career.

[Featured Image by Jesse Grant/Getty Images]