Sad news to report today in the world of comic books. According to his brother Paul, famed comic book writer and artist Alan Kupperberg died late last night from thymus cancer at the age of 62.

Alan began working at Marvel Comics in 1974 as a backup artist, mainly focusing on fill-ins and one-shots, before being given a top stop on The Invaders, The Defenders, and the beloved What If series. In 1987, Kupperberg began working on the Spider-Man titles and drew several key stories that live on as highlights in Spider-Man’s continuity. Fans of The Amazing Spider-Man series will remember his work filling out the middle of the 1987 “Gang War” series as well as his work in Amazing Spider-Man #289, the famous issue where Ned Leeds was revealed to be the Hobgoblin and Jack O’Lantern picked up the mask to become the new Hobgoblin.

He also had a five issue run on The Spectacular Spider-Man, issues #121, 126-129, where Spider-Man famously fought the Silver Sable. Most notable from that run is Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #7, which followed Peter and Mary Jane on their honeymoon only for Peter to run into the Puma, an eccentric millionaire named Thomas Fireheart who was intent on hiring Peter to work for him at all costs.

Alan would eventually go to work for DC Comics on titles such as Justice League of America, The Warlord, The Fury of Firestorm, DC Comics Presents, COPS, Dragonlance, and Blue Devil.

In the memory of Alan Kupperberg we urge you to go check out one of the many comics that he provided such wonderful art, be it written or illustrated, and share it with a friend. You can find a full list of his Spider-Man work by clicking here.