Steve Lightle passed away today, January 8, 2021, from a cardiac arrest. Matthew Lightle, his son, made the announcement on Facebook.
This is Matthew Lightle, Steve lightle’s son. This morning my father passed away from Cardiac Arrest. I wished to thank…
Posted by Steve Lightle on Friday, January 8, 2021
Lightle worked in comics since 1984, getting his start with AC Comics before making his DC Comics debut with a 10-page story in New Talent Showcase #4. His work there led to taking over the art chores on Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 3) from Keith Giffen with Issue #3. While penciling the book, he helped create two Legionnaires, Tellus and Quislet in 1985. He went on to pencil the Doom Patrol reboot in 1987. His run there lasted 5 issues, before leaving the book due to “creative differences”.
Lightle continued to work through the 2000s. His art appeared in titles like Batman, The Legion, Batman and the Outsiders, and The Flash. He also contributed to the 1980s DC mainstay Who’s Who books. From there he became the cover artist for Marvel’s Classic X-Men title. His other Marvel work includes runs on Marvel Comics Presents, X-Factor, and Quasar. His last non-cover work for the big two was in 2014 on the Booster Gold: Futures’ End one shot.
Lightle has been self-publishing through his company, Lunatick Press. There he created such characters as JUSTiN ZANE, The Power Corps, and Catrina Fellina.
Since the news of his passing came out, comic artists have been sharing their thoughts and tributes on social media:
Saddened to hear of the passing of long time DC Comics artist Steve Lightle. I was a huge fan of his work on Legion of Superheroes growing up and was fortunate to meet him years later as a pro at a comic con in Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/WnYlBei0z1
— Jim Lee (@JimLee) January 8, 2021
Always a shock to start the day with news that a colleague has passed. Today, it’s the incredibly talented Steve Lightle. It’s been a few years since I last saw him but I enjoyed our chats and his tremendous work, especially on LSH. My condolences to all his family and friends.
— Dan Jurgens (@thedanjurgens) January 8, 2021
Rest In Peace, Steve Lightle. One of my favorite artists in comics. His DC runs are fantastic. pic.twitter.com/jB6fJhlt1t
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) January 8, 2021
Just learning of this. Steve Lightle’s run on LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, in particular, was some of the great, underrated work of the ’80s and a consistent favorite of mine. So recognizable, and just solid as a rock. Sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans. https://t.co/tYAirQePqW
— Cully Hamner (@CullyHamner) January 8, 2021
We, at Geek Anything, send our condolences to all of Steve Lightle’s friends, family, and fans. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
