Comic Book Legend Keith Giffen Dies at 70: Co-Creator of Lobo, Blue Beetle, and Rocket Raccoon

Legendary comic book writer and artist Keith Giffen, known for co-creating iconic characters such as DC’s Lobo and Blue Beetle, as well as Marvel’s Rocket Raccoon, has passed away at the age of 70. Giffen’s family announced his death with a touch of humor, sharing a pre-written Facebook post where Giffen joked about faking illness to avoid attending New York Comic Con.

Longtime collaborator Paul Levitz confirmed Giffen’s passing, praising him as one of the most creative minds in the comic book industry. Levitz highlighted Giffen’s prolific output of ideas and his ability to enhance stories with his unique contributions to character development and drama.

Giffen’s impact on the comic book world is undeniable, with notable works including his run on DC’s “Legion of Super-Heroes” and the creation of fan-favorite characters like Lobo and Blue Beetle. His collaboration with writer Roger Slifer on the character Lobo in the early 1980s and his work on titles like “Justice League International” and “Justice League Europe” solidified his status as a comic book legend.

In addition to his DC Comics contributions, Giffen also left his mark on Marvel by introducing Rocket Raccoon in the pages of “Marvel Preview.” Rocket Raccoon would later become a key member of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” and a popular character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Giffen’s legacy extends beyond the pages of comic books, as his creation of the Jamie Reyes version of Blue Beetle, a Latino superhero, paved the way for greater diversity in the genre. The character recently headlined Warner Bros.’ “Blue Beetle,” marking DC’s first Latino-led superhero movie.

The comic book community mourns the loss of Keith Giffen, a visionary talent whose creativity and contributions will continue to inspire future generations of comic book creators.