Artist Steve Lightle, best known for his iconic work on DC’s Legion of Super-Heroes and Doom Patrol, has passed away at the age of 61.
His son Matthew confirmed the news on his dad’s Facebook page, revealing he had died from cardiac arrest.
“This morning my father passed away from Cardiac Arrest,” he wrote. “I wished to thank you all for your friendship to my father, and also to ask that if you are a patreon follower, please cancel your account as we are just beginning to take care of his affairs.”
A superior penciler in the field, Lightle’s first published work came in 1984 in AC Comics’ Black Diamond #4, and soon after was published by DC Comics illustrating a 10-page story in New Talent Showcase, with him next taking over as the penciler of Legion of Super-Heroes.
According to CBR, Lightle was responsible for drawing interiors for that book for two years, while also doing covers. He helped to co-create Legionnaires Tellus and Quislet, and was also a part of the creative team behind the death of Legionnaire Karate Kid.
“One of the greatest things about the Legion is the diversity of its cast,” the artist told CBR during an interview in 2002. “I like different characters for their unique qualities. There is an awkwardness about Brainiac 5 that makes him an endearing character, despite his vastly superior intellect. Timber Wolf has a vitality, and a potential for ferocity, that makes him interesting. Umbra has a dignity that she carries with her, and a seriousness that masks some intriguing insecurities. Livewire is a confident, and sometimes brash powerhouse.”
Steve Lightle would leave DC in 1989 to become the new cover artist for Marvel’s Classic X-Men (retitled X-Men Classic).
The notable artist had been selling self-published comic books and original artwork through his company Lunatick Press for the past 20 years.
Featured Image: DC Comics
Source: CBR.com
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