MANILA – Artist Steve Ditko, co-creator of Marvel superheroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, has passed away, according to reports.

Sad to hear of the passing of the legendary artist and creator Steve Ditko. Beloved for generations– his work was the Quirky to Kirby's Majesty and helped provide the early visual vocabulary in counterpoint to Kirby's power and influence. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/GvH8Mcrxg6
— Jim Lee (@JimLee) July 7, 2018

Ditko was found dead in his apartment on June 29 and was believed to have died about two days earlier, according to American magazines The Hollywood Reporter and Variety upon confirmation with the New York Police Department.

Jim Lee, publisher and chief creative officer of Marvel rival DC Comics, said while Ditko was best known for co-creating Spider-Man, he also "ushered in a slew of unique, very personal and eclectic characters for DC such as the Question, Blue Beetle, Hawk and Dove and more."

Lee described Ditko as a "polite and unassuming" man who "never sought attention or the limelight but in many ways represented the hidden hero he saw in all of us."

Author Neil Gaiman shared snippets of Ditko's work on Twitter, remembering him as one who was "true to his own ideals."

"He saw things his own way, and he gave us ways of seeing that were unique. Often copied. Never equaled. I know I'm a different person because he was in the world," he wrote.

Steve Ditko was true to his own ideals. He saw things his own way, and he gave us ways of seeing that were unique. Often copied. Never equalled. I know I'm a different person because he was in the world. pic.twitter.com/2GFSA86Btj
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) July 7, 2018

"Baby Driver" director-writer Edgar Wright also took to Twitter to send his condolences, calling Ditko "beyond influential on countless planes of existence"

"He never truly profited from his comic creations that have lasted for decades, but his work will never be forgotten," he wrote.

RIP to comic book legend Steve Ditko, beyond influential on countless planes of existence. He never truly profited from his comic creations that have lasted for decades, but his work will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/UBZQWpF79i
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) July 7, 2018

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