On Thursday, the Marvel Comics community is in mourning following the deaths of two influential creators.

Marie Severin    1929-2018

Long-time Marvel artist and Will Eisner Hall of Fame member Marie Severin passed away on Wednesday.

Severin began her career as a colorist in 1949. She joined EC Comics to work with her brother, John, who was an illustrator for EC at the time. After briefly leaving the comics industry, Severin joined Marvel Comics as a colorist and began illustrating in 1959. She remained the company’s lead colorist until 1972 when she took on more penciling assignments. Among other creations credited to her name, Severin was the co-creator of Spider-Woman having designed her costume.

Severin passed away following complications from a recent stroke at the age of 89.

Gary Friedrich 1943 – 2018

Celebrated storyteller Gary Friedrich also passed away this week.

Friedrich started his comic career as a freelancer before eventually landing at Marvel in the 1960s. Friedrich worked on several books across several genres, including Sgt Fury and his Howling Commandos and Monster of Frankenstein. He is best known for co-creating the modern, biker version of Ghost Rider with artist Mike Ploog.

Gary Friedrich died of complications from Parkinson’s disease at the age of 75.

We would like to extend our condolences to the families and friends of both Marie Severin & Gary Friedrich.