Comics legend Joe Kubert, who was one of the most important artists and writers in comics history, helping to create Sgt. Rock for DC comics, as well as working for long periods on Hawkman, Tarzan, and many other books, has passed away today at the age of 85.

Later in his career, Kubert worked on a number of non-fiction works, such as Fax from Sarajevo, Dong Xoai, Vietnam 1965, and more personal works such as Jew Gangster and Yossel. Kubert still remained active in the comics field, providing inks for his sons Adam and Andy’s comics work.

Kubert was born September 18, 1926 in southeast Poland. His family emigrated to Brooklyn, New York, when he was two months old. Kubert began working in comics at a very early age, and went on to attend Manhattan’s High School of Music and Art. From there, he began work at many different companies during the early days of the industry, before reaching DC where he had his greatest success in the 50’s and 60’s.

In 1976, Kubert opened the Kubert School in Dover, New Jersey. The Kubert School has gone on to train several generations of comic professionals, including Dave Dorman, Scott Kolins, Rags Morales, Alex Maleev, Rick Veitch, and many, many more. The Kubert Schools most famous graduates are of course Joe’s two sons, Adam and Andy Kubert, who have both gone on to have successful careers of their own.

The news of Kubert’s passing was posted today on Twitter by Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons, as well as many others in the comics industry.

This is a huge loss to the comics community and we all wish to share our condolences with the entire Kubert family. There is no way he can be replaced, but he will live on in the work he gave us as well as the lessons he passed on to others.

RIP Joe Kubert
September 18, 1926 – August 12, 2012

[Photo Credit: Comic book creator Joe Kubert at the Big Apple Convention in Manhattan. Photographed by Luigi Novi.]