Jim Shooter, the influential former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief who steered the publisher through a transformative decade in the 1980s, has died at the age of 73 following a long battle with esophageal cancer.
Shooter, who entered the comics industry at just 14 with scripts for DC’s Superboy, was known for reshaping Marvel into a commercial powerhouse.
Named Marvel’s ninth editor-in-chief in 1978, Shooter guided the company through the transition to the direct market and helped establish a creative boom.
Under his leadership, titles like X-Men, Daredevil, and New Mutants soared in popularity, while Marvel pioneered graphic novels, mini-series, and crossover events that became industry staples.
Shooter’s tenure was not without controversy. Known for his firm editorial control and high standards, he clashed with creators over storylines, most famously insisting that Phoenix die in X-Men to maintain narrative integrity.
Despite internal tensions, his editorial reign is credited with elevating Marvel’s output and ensuring its survival during a volatile economic period.
After leaving Marvel in 1987, Shooter co-founded Valiant Comics, which briefly rivalled the major publishers before his departure in 1992. He also launched several other publishing ventures, including Defiant Comics and Broadway Comics, with mixed success.
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