
Who was Peter David? Comic book legend behind Hulk, Star Trek & Young Justice dies at 68
Peter David, the acclaimed comic book and sci-fi writer known for reshaping major characters like Marvel's Hulk and DC's Aquaman, has passed away at the age of 68.
Born on September 23, 1956, in Fort Meade, Maryland, David leaves behind a legacy that spans decades across comics, novels, and television.
David is best remembered for his iconic 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, during which he redefined Bruce Banner's character with emotional depth and complexity. His writing introduced major elements to the Marvel Universe, including the first appearance of the Thunderbolts team in Hulk #449. He also created Spider-Man 2099 and contributed heavily to X-Factor and Captain Marvel.
In the DC Universe, David wrote Aquaman: The Atlantis Chronicles and was a key creative force behind Young Justice—both in comic form and as a writer for the animated series. Outside superhero comics, he made a significant mark on Star Trek fiction, particularly with his New Frontier novels, and even wrote for Babylon 5.
His passing was announced by longtime friend and writer Keith R.A. DeCandido, who remembered him as a respected creator, colleague, and friend. David is survived by his wife Kathleen O'Shea David and daughters Ariel, Shana, Gwen, and Caroline.
From Marvel to DC and beyond, Peter David's storytelling shaped generations of fans. As superhero franchises continue to expand in film and TV, his influence will be felt for years to come.
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