Dave died today from complications from diabetes. For those who aren't a comic geek like myself, Dave was one of the most influential artists in the game. He, along with Wolverine creator Len Wein, helped to create the modern X-Men team, including characters like Storm, Colossus, and Nightcrawler. I did get a chance to meet Dave(along with John Byrne) at a signing in 1993, and he was very nice to everyone. He stayed well past the allotted time to make sure everyone got an autograph or a sketch. Here are some of my favorite parts of an article I read about his death...
In his Superman pajamas and with his Batman blanket, Cockrum died in his favorite chair at his home in Belton, S.C., early Sunday morning. He had suffered a long battle with diabetes and related complications, his wife, Paty, said Tuesday.
Cockrum received no movie royalties, said family friend Clifford Meth, who organized efforts to help Cockrum and his family during his protracted medical care.
"Dave saw the movie(X-Men) and he cried — not because he was bitter," Meth said. "He cried because his characters were on screen and they were living."
Meth said Cockrum, who will be cremated in a Green Lantern shirt, will be remembered as "a comic incarnate."
Time is but an illusion. Lunch time...doubly so.
