We’re sorry to report the passing of American writer, artist, editor, and publisher Mort Todd.
US comic news sites reported last week that he had passed away unexpectedly at his home in Portland, Maine.
Best known, perhaps, as the editor of the humour magazine, Cracked, more recently he was Creative Director and Editor-in-Chief at DitkoVerse, a company driven to acknowledge, promote, expand, and demystify artist Steve Ditko.
This work included working with the Steve Ditko Estate to bring ‘Mr. A‘ to life in full colour for the first time in the comic book character’s history.
Other recent roles included Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Charlton Neo Comics, and founder of his own company Morttodd.com Comicfix.
A writer, artist, editor, and publisher whose career left a lasting mark on the comic book industry, his credits include editor-in-chief of Cracked magazine during the late 1980s and early 1990s, appointed aged just 23, and contributed stories, covers, and editorial content to a wide range of independent and mainstream comics, including Marvel, Dark Horse Comics, and Fantagraphics.
He was also designer and illustrator of the first eight volumes of the Back from the Grave, a series compilation albums of 1960s garage rock created and compiled by Tim Warren and released by Crypt Records, the first issue published in 1993.
A lifelong comics fan, Todd’s professional career began in the 1980s, where his distinctive mix of humour, satire, and pop culture sensibility quickly made him a recognisable name.
“Todd was a creative force who infused the long-running humor magazine [Cracked] with new energy while working with veteran artists and nurturing emerging talent,” First News notes.
As a writer and artist, Todd created characters and concepts that blended irreverence with a deep appreciation for comics history. As an editor and publisher, he was known for giving opportunities to creators and for his enthusiastic promotion of the medium.
He will be remembered by colleagues and fans alike for his humour, creativity, and dedication to the comic art form.
Comics expert Paul Gravett notes that among the many creators Mort Todd helped and promoted was Daniel Clowes, drawing a cover for Cracked Monster Party #5, July 1989. Edited by Mort, this was published around the same time as Clowes’ Eightball #1. This Cracked spin-off features Clowes’ horror-comedy characters ‘The Uggly Family’, whose various tales have yet to be compiled.
A small private family remembrance will be held. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and fans.
Mort Todd (born Michael Delle Femine – his alter ego combined the French and German words for ‘death’ – 9th November 1961 – 24th August 2025
Head downthetubes for…
• Steve Ditko Comics Weblog: Mort Todd RIP
• Mort Todd Online – morttodd.com | Facebook
• Charlton Comics’ characters and series revival
• Cracked magazine on Facebook
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Obituaries, US Comics
In Memoriam: Comics Writer, Editor and Publisher Jim Shooter 
In Memoriam: Comics Writer Peter David 
In Memoriam: Comic Artist Jackson “Butch” Guice 
Award-winning artist Jules Feiffer passes