Sam Kieth, renowned for creating the comic “The Maxx” and co-creating “Sandman,” passed away on March 15 at the age of 63.
His death was confirmed by Scott Dunbier, a lifelong friend and collaborator, who revealed to Bleeding Cool that Kieth succumbed to Lewy Body Dementia.
Born on January 11, 1963, Kieth embarked on his career in comics at just 17, with his initial publication through Comico. He contributed to various projects, including “Wolverine” in Marvel Comics Presents and “The Hulk.” In 1993, he launched “The Maxx” with Image Comics, a series delving into identity and reality, which was adapted into an animated series for MTV’s “Liquid Television” and gained international acclaim. His work also inspired a line of action figures by Todd McFarlane.
Kieth collaborated with Neil Gaiman to co-create “Sandman” and illustrated its first five issues for DC Comics. He also contributed to other comics like “Zero Girl” and “Four Women” for Wildstorm, as well as “Ojo” and “My Inner Bimbo” for Oni Press. Additionally, he co-created “No Smoking,” a pilot for “Cow and Chicken,” and directed “Take It to the Limit” for Roger Corman’s Concorde-New Horizons.
In his later years, Kieth produced works such as “Batman: Secrets,” “Batman/Lobo: Deadly Serious,” and “Lobo: Highway to Hell.” He also developed the Batman/Maxx crossover, “Arkham Dreams,” for DC Comics, and contributed to “Judge Dredd” for 2000AD and “30 Days of Night” for IDW.
Kieth retired from mainstream comics following the release of “Arkham Dreams” due to health concerns.
He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Kathy Kieth.
