Entertainment
Keith Giffen, comic book legend who co-created iconic Marvel character Rocket Raccoon, dies aged 70-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro
‘A curmudgeon with a heart of gold,’ one tribute read.
‘A curmudgeon with a heart of gold,’ one tribute read (Picture: Keith Giffen/Wikipedia)
Legendary comic book artist and writer Keith Giffen, whose work included co-creating beloved Marvel character Rocket Raccoon, has died aged 70.
His death was announced on his Facebook page, in a post that appeared to have been pre-written by the writer before his death.
‘I told them I was sick… Anything not to go to New York Comic Con. Thanx,’ the post read.
‘Keith Giffen 1952-2023. Bwah ha ha ha ha.’
Fans immediately paid tribute to the legendary comic book figure, who co-wrote the DC Comics Blue Beetle series when a new iteration of the character was introduced in 2006.
Giffen also co-created the DC Comics character Lobo, who has recently been rumoured could be played by Aquaman’s Jason Momoa on the big screen.
Giffen’s death announcement appeared to have been pre-written by the writer himself (Picture: Facebook)
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), comic book writer J. M. DeMatteis wrote in tribute: ‘Keith was one of the most brilliantly creative humans I’ve ever known.
‘A curmudgeon with a heart of gold. A generous collaborator. An old, dear friend. And, as my wife observed, “He was like a character out of a Keith Giffen story.”
‘Safe travels, Keith. You will be missed.’
Writer Blair Marnell reacted to Giffen’s death announcement by writing: ‘If you’ve got to go out, go out on a laugh.’
Another tribute to the late writer read: ‘In an era of grim and gritty comics, Keith Giffen kept fans laughing. His work for DC and Marvel is iconic, and for good reason. There will never be another comic creator like him again.’
Film writer Brian Lynch wrote: ‘Keith Giffen was a vital part of my favorite run of comics ever.
‘His work was influential on how I write, what I write, and what I find funny. His art was so distinct and full of life. A huge loss for comics, and to the super hero genre in general. May he Rest in Peace.’
Writer and artist Colleen Doran added: ‘My very dear friend, one of the best friends I have ever had. Keith Giffen. I am heartbroken. I will love you forever. You were endlessly kind and crazy, funny and awful, beyond smart, truly original.’
Born in Queens, New York on November 30 1952, it’s been reported by The Hollywood Reporter that Giffen died from a stroke.
He began writing for Marvel in the 1970s, and in 1991 he received the coveted Inkpot Award, which is a huge honour handed out at the annual San Diego Comic-Con.
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