Sam Kieth, a comic book artist and creator famous for his work on The Maxx and for his early contributions to Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman, has passed away at the age of 63.
According to several sources, Kieth passed away on March 15, 2026, after a battle with complications from Lewy body dementia.
Comic book artist and friend to Kieth, Kelley Jones, confirmed the news on X.
My longtime friend and incredibly talented comic artist, Sam Kieth, has passed away. He was a key figure in launching my career at DC Comics. He also introduced me to my wife – he always described her as a sweet, blonde woman – and completely changed my life, he shared.
I’m deeply saddened to share that my friend Sam Kieth, a truly gifted comic artist, has passed away. I’ve known him since I was 16. He was incredibly important in my career, bringing me to DC Comics and helping me find my path. He even introduced me to my wife – he always described her as a sweet, blonde woman – and completely changed my life. May he rest in peace.
— Kelley Jones (@kelleyjonesart) March 22, 2026
Sam Kieth leaves behind a unique legacy
Kieth’s comic art was instantly recognizable. He was known for his dynamic style, featuring exaggerated figures, a sense of frantic energy, and a dreamlike quality that set his work apart from most other artists.
I’m a huge fan of Sam Kieth, and he’s best known for creating The Maxx, a comic book series he launched back in 1993. It was so popular it even turned into a cartoon on MTV! That’s what really got me hooked on his work.
DC points out that he gained prominence by co-creating and illustrating The Sandman for DC Comics. He later moved to Marvel and created The Maxx.
The Maxx helped define the Image era
Image Comics gained fame for its well-known creators and popular superhero comics, but The Maxx stood out as something different.
The comic book blended superhero stories with elements of nightmares, psychological trauma, fantasy, and a darkly funny tone. Published for 35 issues, it’s remembered as one of the most distinctive, author-focused series of the 1990s.
His work reached far beyond one title
In addition to The Maxx, Sam Kieth contributed to a variety of popular comic titles, including The Sandman, Wolverine, and covers for series like Marvel Comics Presents, Batman: Secrets, Batman/Lobo: Deadly Serious, Lobo: Highway to Hell, Zero Girl, and Arkham Asylum: Madness, among others.
He received an Inkpot Award from Comic-Con International in 2013.
Fans and the comic industry react
News of Kieth’s passing circulated within the comics community on Saturday, and many remembered him for his unique artistic style and the impact he had on later generations of artists.
Early reports also say he is survived by his wife, Kathy.
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) March 22, 2026
— Aaron Meyers (@AaronMeyers) March 22, 2026
Sad to learn that Sam Keith has passed. A unique voice snuffed out too soon. 🤘🏻✏️🤘🏻 RIP
— Greg Capullo (@GregCapullo) March 22, 2026
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2026-03-22 05:01