I have it confirmed that Steve Dillon has died. He was a giant, and will be much missed.
— Warren Ellis (@warrenellis) October 22, 2016
In a single tweet, Warren Ellis shocked the world with sad news that comic artist Steve Dillon has died.
Dillon’s comic illustrating career started in the UK, on titles such as Doctor Who Weekly, 2000 AD, and Warrior. He then moved onto several DC Comics books, such as Animal Man and Hellblazer. But it was his run on Preacher as the regular artist that made him a internationally known comic illustrator. He is also considered to have drawn the definitive Punisher, a character he has drawn since Garth Ennis’ Marvel Knights run, up to the current series written by Becky Cloonan.
The New York Times interviewed Garth Ennis who confirmed the cause of death was a ruptured appendix. Dillon had thought he was suffering from food poisoning.
Tribute posts for Steve Dillon starting to pour in Saturday morning since the announcement of his passing.
Steve Dillon was one of the best because he knew what was most important in what we do: the storytelling. That's his legacy.
— Ron Marz (@ronmarz) October 22, 2016
Steve Dillon was a master of comic art and expression. Inimitable, no matter how hard I tried. RIP
— Sexy FlatEarthTheory (@zdarsky) October 22, 2016
Devastated by the loss of Steve Dillon. My favorite comic artist who drew my favorite comics. RIP.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) October 22, 2016
A tragic loss, not just to comics, but especially to comics.
— Ed Brubaker (@brubaker) October 22, 2016
The staff of Smash Pages sends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Steve Dillon.
Update: His cause of death was added to the article