Steve Ditko

Biography

Stephen John Ditko (born November 2, 1927 – died June 29, 2018) was a visionary American comic book artist and writer. He is best known as the co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee at Marvel Comics in the 1960s. While Stan Lee provided the initial idea for a teenage hero with spider powers, it was Ditko who realized the concept visually. He designed the iconic costume (the mask, the web pattern), created the web-shooters, and established the character's signature lithe, acrobatic poses. He also plotted many of the early stories, including the classic "Master Planner Saga." After leaving Marvel in 1966 due to creative disputes, Ditko worked for Charlton Comics and DC Comics. There, he created characters that reflected his strict adherence to Ayn Rand’s Objectivist philosophy, most notably The Question and Mr. A. These uncompromising characters served as the direct inspiration for Rorschach in Alan Moore's Watchmen. Ditko was famously reclusive, refusing interviews and public appearances for the last 50 years of his life, preferring to let his work speak for itself.