Sam Kieth, the comic book creator and artist best known for The Maxx and for helping launch Neil Gaimanâs The Sandman, has died at 63.
Multiple reports say Kieth died on March 15, 2026, following complications related to Lewy body dementia.
Comic book artist and friend to Kieth, Kelley Jones, confirmed the news on X.
“Sam Kieth, my old friend since 16 and comic art genius has passed away. He was instrumental in bringing me to DC and changing the course of my career. He also introduced me to my wife ( a cute little blond he described her as) and changed the course of my life,” he said.
Sam Kieth leaves behind a unique legacy
Kieth had one of the most distinct styles in comics. Fans knew his work instantly from the exaggerated anatomy, wild energy, and surreal look that made his pages stand out from nearly everyone else in the industry.
He is most closely tied to The Maxx, the Image Comics series he created in 1993, which later became an MTV animated adaptation.
DC also notes he helped break through by co-creating and illustrating The Sandman for DC before going on to work at Marvel and create The Maxx.
The Maxx helped define the Image era
While Image became known for its superstar founders and superhero books, The Maxx carved out its own lane.
The title mixed superhero ideas with dreamlike horror, trauma, fantasy, and dark humor. It ran for 35 issues and became one of the more memorable creator-driven books of the 1990s.
His work reached far beyond one title
Beyond The Maxx, Kieth also worked on The Sandman, Wolverine stories, and covers for Marvel Comics Presents, Batman: Secrets, Batman/Lobo: Deadly Serious, Lobo: Highway to Hell, Zero Girl, Arkham Asylum: Madness, and more.
He received an Inkpot Award from Comic-Con International in 2013.
Fans and the comic industry react
News of Kiethâs death spread through comic circles on Saturday, with tributes focusing on how different his work looked from everything around him and how much influence he had on artists who came after him.
Early reports also say he is survived by his wife, Kathy.
