Obituary

Steve Ditko has passed away at age 90. He will always be deservedly known for his contributions to the creation of Spider-Man and Dr. Strange above all else, but I also have a soft spot for Speedball, Squirrel Girl, the Question, and so many more.

Harlan Ellison, the outspoken, prolific author of stories, novels, screenplays, TV, and comics, died in his sleep this morning at the age of 84. Ellison wrote many a beloved and thought-provoking SF story including Trek‘s “The City on the Edge of Forever,” and won, in the words of Rick Green, “every coveted award– except Miss Congeniality.” Stephen King opined today that “If there’s an afterlife, Harlan is already kicking ass and taking down names.” John Scalzi has offered his own perspective on the irascible Mr. Ellison.

SF will miss him.

The world’s best-known theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking, died this morning at the age of 76. He will be remembered for his contributions to science, and his affable appearances as himself in various media.

“I’m not afraid of death,” he once said, “but I’m in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first.”

Rest in Peace.

Haruo Nakajima, the stunt actor who stomped to fame as the original Godzilla, has died from pneumonia at 88. A kind of low-tech predecessor to Anthony Serkis, Nakajima played the Monster King in 12 movies, and also performed a number of other famous Japanese feature creatures.

George Romero died this week. His most noteworthy film, Night of the Living Dead, combined Afro-Caribbean zombies with Middle Eastern ghouls and his own concepts and invented the modern zombie.

May he Rest in Peace.

Joan Lee, wife of Marvel mastermind Stan Lee, has died at 93.