Peter David: Creator of The Incredible Hulk Legacy Passes Away at 68

Peter David: Creator of The Incredible Hulk Legacy Passes Away at 68

(LibertySociety.com) – Peter David, whose transformative work on The Incredible Hulk shaped a generation, has sadly passed away at age 68.

At a Glance

  • Renowned writer Peter David passed away at 68 after battling health issues.
  • Best known for a 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, influencing film adaptations.
  • Authored scripts for TV shows, novels, and contributed to popular series beyond comics.
  • A GoFundMe page raised over $120,000 for his medical expenses.

A Legendary Comic Legacy

Peter David, a highly respected figure in the comic book realm, passed away after enduring numerous health challenges. His wife, Kathleen O’Shea David, confirmed his passing on Facebook. David became an icon through his twelve-year contribution to The Incredible Hulk, giving depth to Bruce Banner’s character by delving into his mental struggles and dissociative identity disorder.

This profound exploration of character in comics influenced Ang Lee’s 2003 film adaptation. David’s innovative storytelling earned him the Eisner Award in 1992. His celebrated career also includes significant contributions to Aquaman, Supergirl, and The Sensational Spider-Man.

Beyond Comics

David’s impact extended beyond comic books. He ventured into television and novel writing, notably co-creating Nickelodeon’s Space Cases and writing for Babylon 5 and Ben 10: Alien Force. His adaptability and creativity left a substantial mark on various storytelling mediums. He also crafted numerous novelizations of blockbuster films and video games.

“I was researching the series because I really hadn’t been reading it and I came upon this Bill Mantlo story that detailed Bruce’s being abused as a child. That suggested the entire Multiple Personality Disorder angle. The notion that Bruce had never been able to cure himself because he always treated himself from the outside in, and the problem was that his difficulty was on the inside working itself out. That the Hulk was part of his personality; the gamma rays just gave it form.” – Peter David.

His creative genius also shone through in creating characters like Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 and Genis-Vell, which remain beloved by fans today. A number of accolades, including a GLAAD Media Award in 2011, celebrate his lifelong dedication to storytelling.

Community Tribute and Remembrance

The comics community deeply mourns Peter David’s departure. Moving tributes from industry peers underline his legacy and influence in media. His financial struggles garnered community support, raising a significant sum through GoFundMe. David had been in remission before facing new health hurdles after losing Medicaid.

“Since it is out there. Peter David passed away last night. We are devastated. More when I can write about it.” – Kathleen O’Shea David.

His family has yet to announce funeral arrangements. Peter David leaves an indelible imprint on shows and comic book lovers worldwide who appreciate his exemplary contributions to storytelling.

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