An excerpt from ComicBook Resources:
Word is out on Twitter that legendary comics artist, innovator and teacher Joe Kubert has passed away at the age of 85. The closest to official confirmation across the web is a Tweet from artist Dave Gibbons which reads: "Reliable source confirms that Joe Kubert had been in hospital and has passed away. So sorry to hear this. A great artist and a great man."
Richard Bruning, husband of Vertigo Executive Editor Karen Berger, said on Twitter he heard about Kubert’s passing from DC Comics co-publisher Dan Didio. “Joe Kubert one of the finest men I've ever known Rest in peace, Joe,” Bruning tweeted.
Kubert's body of work in comics as an artist and writer is as storied and diverse as they come. His highlights include milestone Golden Age pages for DC Comics "Hawkman," an acclaimed body of war and military comics including the adventures of Sgt. Rock, early comics journalism including "Fax from Sarajevo," personal graphic novels like "Yossel" and in recent years, a number of commercial comics projects as well as regular art or the U.S. Army's "PS Magazine."
Across the comics community, Kubert was known also as a pioneer in teaching the comics medium. In 1976, he founded The Joe Kubert School of Cartoon & Graphic Art, recently renamed simply The Kubert School. From there, generations of cartoonists have made their way into the comics artform and industry thanks to Kubert's dedicated focus on story and craft.
Of course, his most famous students may be his sons Adam and Andy – two of the first Kubert school graduates and mainstream comic art superstars. The pair have taught with their father at the Kubert School's Dover, NJ campus for years. And the elder Kubert has collaborated with both sons in recent years including a current run on "Before Watchmen: Nite Owl" with Andy. In October, DC will publish what is likely Kubert's final solo work with a "Joe Kubert Presents" 48-page one-shot.
Mark Waid (Daredevil, Irredeemable): “Joe Kubert was a friend, a teacher, an influence and a giant. My condolences to the family. #JoeKubert”
Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, Justice League Dark): “Im deeply saddened to hear of Joe Kubert's passing he was my favorite cartoonist and a huge inspiration for me. Rest in peace, Joe.”
Kurt Busiek (JLA/Avengers, Spider-Man): “If Joe Kubert had peaked with Hawkman in '61, he'd have had a memorable and accomplished career. If he'd peaked with Enemy Ace, in '65, too. But Joe Kubert was one of those artist who just kept getting better. His TEX: THE LONESOME RIDER, from 2005, is brilliant, gorgeous stuff.”
Gerry Conway (Punisher, Firestorm): “I didn't know Joe Kubert well, personally, but as an artist, he was a huge part of my life. He made the incredible look simple. RIP, Joe.”
Sterling Gates (Supergirl, Action Comics): “My heart and condolences to the Kuberts. We think about how the industry lost a legend...they lost a father, a husband, a teacher, a man.”
Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man): “So sad to hear about the passing of Joe Kubert. Some of the first comics I ever read were my cousin's collection of SGT. ROCK and ENEMY ACE. And so many professionals whom I'm friends with and work with are graduates of The Kubert School. Joe Kubert will always be one of the giants in our industry, in equal parts for the rich body of work he's left us, and for all the working men and women he's taught and inspired. My deepest condolences to all of his friends and family.”
Jeff Parker (Wonder Woman, Hulk): “Oh my gosh- Joe Kubert. Kubert was a true giant of comics and always a huge inspiration. Thanks for a lifetime of excellence, Joe.”
This is obviously a big loss in comics industry. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends...
RIP Joe Kubert
September 18, 1926 – August 12, 2012