Who Was Peter David? A Look Back at Legendary Comic Writer’s Early Life, Iconic Career, and More

Peter David, the iconic comic book writer, has died at the age of 68. He was struggling with a prolonged health issue, and his death was confirmed on Sunday by his friend, author Keith R.A. DeCandido.

David had been struggling with various health issues over the past few years, including kidney disease and minor strokes. A GoFundMe campaign had been revived to help cover his rising medical expenses after he was denied Medicaid. His wife, Kathleen O'Shea David, had also revealed that he had been temporarily put on a ventilator “due to his inability to cough or clear his throat.” 

Early Life

Peter Allen David was born on September 23, 1956, in Fort Meade, Maryland, to Israeli and German immigrant parents. From the start, he was interested in storytelling, which was sparked by superhero comics and his father’s film reviews. He started his education at Demarest Elementary School, New Jersey, where he made a friend named Keith, who was gay. David and Keith were often neglected and harassed by homophobes. Although all this led their family to move from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. His experiences in Verona have soured him on that town and shaped his liberal sociopolitical positions regarding LGBT issues. 

Later, David completed his graduation from New York University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. 

Career

Peter David is known for The Incredible Hulk in the 1980s, he also regularly explored themes of the Marvel superhero’s multiple personality disorder. Beyond this, David made his mark on Aquaman, Spider-Man 2099, Young Justice, Supergirl, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor. His storytelling was known for blending humor, real-world issues and metafiction.

In the world of science fiction, he wrote several Star Trek novels and co-created Nickelodeon’s Space Cases. His television credits include work on Babylon 5 and Ben 10: Alien Force.

Honors and Legacy

Peter David earned multiple awards, including the Eisner, Wizard Fan Award, Julie Award, and a GLAAD Media Award. He often described his role simply as ‘Writer of Stuff,’ and inspired countless aspiring authors with his wit, creativity, and sharp insight.

Personal Life

Peter David got married first in 1977 to Myra Kasman and had three daughters with her named Shana, Guinevere, and Ariel. But they went their separate ways in 1998. In 2001, he again got married to Kathleen O'Shea, with whom he has a daughter, Caroline. They all live in Suffolk County, New York.

On the personal front, David was a fan of bowling, tai chi, and the New York Mets; his favorite music included The Beatles and Harry Chapin. He also loved classic films, James Bond movies, and TV shows like Doctor Who, Buffy, and The West Wing.

Conclusion

So, as of recent years, Peter David continued to reside in New York with his wife and daughter, remaining active in writing despite facing some health challenges. His personal life reflects a balance between creative passion and family devotion, shaped by his deep love for storytelling, pop culture, and community.