Comic legend and prolific artist Rich Bucker passed away on May 19, 2017, from cancer. He was 68. He was best known for his work in the 70s and 80s, creating a definitive style for comic book superheroes for both DC and Marvel comics in the bronze age of comics. He created Deathlok, and his work was seen across a wide variety of licensed merchandise.
With his passing, many tributes were posted throughout the week. A started by writer Clifford Meth, for a Rich Buckler Memorial Scholarship for the Joe Kubert School of Comic Art is currently trending.
Jim Beard wrote a blog entry for Marvel.com on Buckler’s accomplishments and creations. He was similarly honoured on the Inkwell Awards’ website, who considered Buckler to be their greatest ambassador.
Other creators and publishers took to their social media channels:
We're saddened to hear of the passing of the great comic book artist, Rich Buckler. Our deepest sympathies are with his family & his fans.
— DC (@DCComics) May 21, 2017
#RIP the great Rich Buckler
A tremendous talent. pic.twitter.com/SCQnyUySJv— Alex Ross (@thealexrossart) May 20, 2017
So sad to hear that Rich Buckler has died. His work on Deathlok was great. pic.twitter.com/CVXOe32l2T
— Marc Laming (@monkey__marc) May 20, 2017
Deathlok was true subversive 70's sci-fi and quite a good looking boy. R.I.P. Rich Buckler, one of my early Marvel art gods pic.twitter.com/k0SQ8Il4Ix
— Joss Whedon (@joss) May 21, 2017
Rich Buckler died. Shared a limo w/ Rich once and got him to talk about his creation Deathlok & comic-making in the 70s.
Loved every minute. pic.twitter.com/LvxlwFGTBP— Patch Zircher (@PatrickZircher) May 21, 2017
Rich Buckler, the original Nova cover artist, passed away this weekend. I see his beautiful work every time I sit down at my desk. RIP pic.twitter.com/H4UA9lsyTf
— Ben Morse (@BenJMorse) May 21, 2017
Farewell and rest in peace to the great Rich Buckler, who gave us Deathlok. pic.twitter.com/MKNgqbXWRW
— Darick Robertson (@DarickR) May 20, 2017
Sad to hear that #RichBuckler has passed. He was part of the fabric of my reading youth, and drew so many of my favorite comics… RIP. pic.twitter.com/6BZCVEZ3F3
— Cully Hamner (@CullyHamner) May 20, 2017