Dave Cockrum, Comic Illustrator, Dies age 63

The talented illustrator, David Cockrum, who made X-men famous and helped bring them to life on screen, has died in his home at the age of 63. Cockrum died wearing Superman pajamas and covered in a Batman blanket ? images so dear to his heart. A family friend confirmed that Cockrum would be cremated wearing a Green Lantern shirt. "He had a genuine love for comics and for science fiction and for fantasy, and he lived in it," his friend was quoted as saying.

When Cockrum joined Marvel Comics, he and his colleague, writer Len Wein were given the task of trying to revive the X-Men, which had been created in 1963, but had never really taken off the ground. By adding signature characters and making other changes to the X-Men images, Cockrum and Wein managed to create one of the most popular comic series in the world. Marvel Comics became a household name, thanks to the X-Men. Cockrum was reportedly moved to tears when he saw the X-Men on screen for the first time, despite the fact that he never received any royalties.

David Cockrum took ill in 2004, suffering first from bacterial pneumonia and then from chronic diabetes. He drew his last sketch for a fan during a comic book convention. Cockrum finally succumbed to diabetes and related complications and passed away at a relatively young age, according to his wife, Patty.

                                 

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