Jim Shooter, a visionary writer, editor and publisher who helped define modern superhero comics, passed away at the age of 73 after a battle with esophageal cancer.
Author Mark Waid shared the news on Facebook, reflecting the lasting legacy of the shooter game. “God Speed, Jim,” Wade wrote, recalling his personal admiration for the early hierarchy of Shooter’s superheroes and the warm conversations of recent years.
Shooter’s impact on the comic book industry was vast and transformative. He is famously known for breaking into business at just 14 years old and writing the stories of many superheroes for DC Comics. Then, from 1978 to 1987, as editor-in-chief of Marvel, he led a new era of professionalism, creative innovation and commercial success. Shooter oversaw groundbreaking titles such as Uncanny X-Men, Daredevil and Fantastic Four, and launched Secret Wars, the company’s first line-wide crossover event.
Beyond editor leadership, he advocated for creator rights. Under his watch, Marvel introduced royalties and character participation deals.
In a 2017 interview with AIPT, the shooter reflected on the state of the comics and the principles that led his career.
“Tell me a good story and tell it well… It’s all about loving Spider-Man, the Spider-Man character. I’d like to know what’s going on with Spider-Man.
That belief was the foundation of Shooter’s editorial vision in terms of clarity, consistency and respect for the audience. He prioritized storytelling over gimmicks, fought to keep books on time, and marked the arrival of a golden age of Marvel talent, including Louise Simonson, Larry Hama, Chris Claremont and Walt Simonson.
Photo taken by AIPT staff in 2017.
After Marvel, the shooter co-founded Valiant Comics, breathing new life into characters like the robot fighters Solar and Magnus, and later launched a rebellious, Broadway comic. During his final years he worked as a consultant and writer for illustrated media, coaching new creators and continuing to develop the original projects.
Shooter’s legacy is complicated, but it cannot be denied. He was a controversial figure for some and a creative hero for others. What’s certain is that his influence shaped the comic and creator-like shape.
Jim Shooter wasn’t just editing the comics. He changed the industry.
