Legendary Comic Writer and Editor Jim Shooter Passes Away at 73
Discover the inspiring story behind the original Transformers creator and the impact of his legacy, as we honor his life and contributions.
Remembering Jim Shooter: A Legendary Comic Book Creator Passes Away
It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Jim Shooter, a renowned comic book writer, editor, and publisher, who died on Monday at the age of 73 due to esophageal cancer.
A Life Dedicated to Comics
Jim Shooter was born on September 27, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His career in comics began remarkably early—at just 14 years old—when he started writing for DC Comics in 1966. During his time there, he contributed to stories featuring Supergirl and Superman, and also wrote for Action Comics and Adventure Comics.
Creator of Iconic Characters
Shooter created several memorable characters for DC's Legion of Super-Heroes, including Karate Kid, Ferro Lad, and Princess Projectra. He also crafted the villainous group Fatal Five, leaving a lasting mark on the DC universe.
A Pivotal Role at Marvel
In 1978, Shooter became Editor-in-Chief at Marvel, a position he held for nine years. One of his notable contributions was writing the first six-page story treatment for Transformers, which was based on Takara's Diaclone and Micro Change toys. This treatment laid the foundation for the Transformers comic series, animated series, and movies.
Previously, he licensed the rights to Mego's Micronauts and served as editor-in-chief for Shogun Warriors comics, further showcasing his influence across multiple toy-based franchises.
Later Career and Publishing Ventures
In 2003, Shooter joined Illustrated Media as creative director and editor-in-chief, and as of 2023, he continued working there as a consulting editor and freelance writer.
He also founded Valiant Comics in 1989, which published comics based on Nintendo characters and licensed properties from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Later, he launched Defiant Comics in 1993 and Broadway Comics in 1995.
Legacy and Impact
Jim Shooter's work has left an indelible mark on the comic book industry, inspiring generations of creators and fans alike.
Source: Mark Waid's Facebook account via Transformer World 2005
Rest in peace, Jim Shooter. Your legacy will continue to inspire.