Peter David, the celebrated novelist and comic book writer known for his work on The Incredible Hulk, Young Justice, and X-Factor, has passed away at the age of 68. The news was shared by his friend and fellow writer, Keith R.A. DeCandido, via Facebook.
Over a career spanning decades, David left an indelible mark on both Marvel and DC Comics. He is perhaps best known for his 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, a defining era that reshaped the dynamic between Bruce Banner and the Hulk. His storytelling depth and emotional nuance, often paired with artist Dale Keown, earned him an Eisner Award in 1992. Much like Frank Miller’s association with Daredevil or Chris Claremont with the X-Men, David is widely considered the most iconic and influential writer in Hulk's history.
Art by George Perez. (Image Credit: Marvel)
David also co-created Spider-Man 2099 and delivered two transformative runs on X-Factor. During his first stint, the team evolved from a reunion of original X-Men into a government-backed mutant strike force. In his second run, he reimagined the group once more—as a mutant detective agency led by Madrox the Multiple Man.
At DC, David brought his signature flair to titles such as Aquaman, Supergirl, and Young Justice, further cementing his legacy across the industry. Beyond comics, he contributed extensively to the Star Trek universe through both novels and comic books, with his most notable work being the 1994 novel Q-Squared.
In addition to print media, David expanded his creative reach into television and video games. He worked on scripts for Babylon 5, Young Justice, and Ben 10: Alien Force, and lent his writing talents to games like Shadow Complex and Spider-Man: Edge of Time.
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In recent years, David faced significant health challenges, beginning with a stroke in 2012. These difficulties prompted family friend Graham Murphy to launch GoFundMe campaigns in 2022 and again in 2025 to help support the writer during his medical struggles.
David is survived by his wife, Kathleen O'Shea David, and their four children.
