As reported by Bleeding Cool and several Italian outlets, comic artist Jacopo Camagni died this past Sunday following complications from heart surgery. He was 48 years old.
Camagni’s work spanned continents, as he began working in the industry in Italy in the late 1990s and eventually found success in the United States working for Marvel, most recently on Generation X-23, which launched in February. His final Marvel work, Generation X-23 #2–4, is scheduled for release in March, April and May.
“We are deeply saddened to share artist Jacopo Camagni has passed away,” Marvel said in a statement on social media. “To those who experienced his work, he brought undeniable energy both on and off the page. He was Marvel family and a dear friend to so many more. We will be honoring his memory and work in the weeks to come.”
Camagni was born in Bologna on Dec. 21, 1977 and began working in the comics industry in Italy in 1998. His first published work was on Lupin III Millennium, a licensed project created in collaboration with the franchise’s creator, mangaka Monkey Punch (whose real name is Kazuhiko Katō). Camagni’s breakthrough in America came when he won Marvel’s ChesterQuest talent search at New York Comic Con in 2008, run by then-talent coordinator C.B. Cebulski, who went on to become Marvel’s editor-in-chief.
His Marvel credits included Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe, Deadpool the Duck, X-Men Blue, Strikeforce, Captain Marvel, S.W.O.R.D., X-Men Red, Scarlet Witch, The Vision and the Scarlet Witch and Generation X-23. He also contributed to multiple Marvel’s Voices: Pride anthologies.
“I did not know Jacopo Camagni well, we only worked on one 3-issue story together for Captain Marvel but he was an incredible talent. Our silly CM arc is but a tiny footnote in his fantastic, interesting career, cut far too short. I’m honored to have gotten the chance to work with him. RIP Jacopo,” wrote Kelly Thompson.
Beyond Marvel, Camagni co-created the urban fantasy series Nomen Omen with writer Marco B. Bucci through their shared studio, Studio Droni. It was published in Europe by Panini Comics and here in the United States by Image Comics. The two also collaborated on the horror miniseries Simulacri for Sergio Bonelli Editore.
“Still in shock, devastated by the loss of Jacopo Camagni,” wrote Javier Garron. “An immense artist, a titanic talent, a good man and a dear, dear friend. Treat yourself with one of his many superb comics. From his superhero work in Marvel to his graphic novels. Everytime you enjoy his art makes him stay longer with us.”
“In shock over this news,” wrote Generation X-23 writer Jody Houser. “Generation X-23 #1 only came out a few days ago. Jacopo and I just created these new kids together. I knew he’d been having health issues, but had no idea how serious they were. I’d hoped we would work together again when he was doing better.”
Italy’s Panini Comics remembered him with words from director Marco Marcello Lupoi: “Some days teach you the deepest truths, while they tear your heart apart. Fly, Jacopo, fly.”