We are very sorry to report that 2000AD and Batman writer Alan Grant has died, after a long illness. His wife, Sue Grant, announced his passing on Facebook, earlier today.

Our sympathies to Sue and family and friends at this very sad time. He will be very much missed, by so many.

To say Alan was integral to the success of 2000AD, Britain’s best-known SF comic, often alongside John Wagner, would be an absolute understatement. He helped shape the success of the comic and so many of its characters, including as Judge Dredd, Strontium Dog, Robo-Hunter, Judge Anderson and so many, many more. His work in American comics, for DC Comics and Marvel, writing stories featuring Batman and The Punisher, for example, was, rightfully, critically acclaimed.

More recently, he co-created the alien football star, Rok of the Reds, with John Wagner and artist Dan Cornwell, a brilliant independent, creator-owned series.

But there was much more to Alan. He was also kind enough to support new creators in their various paths into our industry, including me.

Back when I was starting out in comics, at one UKCAC event in London, for example, Alan very kindly took the time to comment on a story I’d written and offer general advice on comics writing. It was very much appreciated, and helped me on the way to my career. Such a small act, to him, but an important one to me and I will always be grateful for it.

These generous acts continued throughout his career, including the co-running of the small but perfectly formed Moniaive Festival, with Sue, for several years in his home town.

In 2013, he helped a young autistic fan fulfil a dream by making him the hero of his very own comic – Scott vs. the Zombies, set in Edinburgh and funded by Artlink Scotland. 

“Such a lovely, gifted, generous guy,” commented 2000AD writer Michael Carroll following Sue’s announcement, joining other creators such as Brian Bolland, Steve MacManus, Steve Pugh and Jenny O’Connor in early comisseration. “My heart goes out to you and your family.”

“Such a brilliant, inventive, hilarious creator who produced unforgettable work for 2000AD on characters such as Judge Dredd, Robo-Hunter, Ace Trucking Co. and Strontium Dog,” he also noted. “R.I.P., Alan. You will be greatly missed.”

“He was a genuine legend and much loved,” noted artist Leigh Gallagher.

“Everyone at 2000AD and Rebellion is devastated to hear of the passing of Alan Grant.” the publisher stated in an obituary to the creator.

“Grant was one of his generation’s finest writers, combining a sharp eye for dialogue and political satire with a deep empathy that made his characters seem incredibly human and rounded. Through his work he had a profound and enduring influence on 2000AD and on the comics industry.”

“Sad news. So many happy, funny stories about times spent with Alan,” said artist Frank Quitely. “He was an absolute treasure. A huge help to me in my career, and to many, many others. He’ll be greatly missed.”

“Alan was not only a brilliantly talented comics writer (what a legacy of work he leaves us) but was also an incredibly kind and generous soul,” commented audio drama producer and comics publisher Andrew Mark Sewell. “I treasured the times spent in his company. My heart goes out to his lovely wife Sue, his family and friends.”

“He’ll be missed by everyone who met him or simply enjoyed the huge amount of comics he gave us,” noted comic writer and publisher, Tim Pilcher.

“He was such a help to me as a young artist with his advice,” commented artist Dave Kendall. “I’ll never forget his help and encouragement. A great man.”

“Alan was such a generous man and if you had been lucky to be invited to Moniaive you will understand what he meant to his friends and the community,” noted writer and publisher George Lennox. “He always gave me kind advice about my writing and even went out his way to say kind words about my comics.

“I’m so sad, that I’m crying,” commented artist Dave Pugh. “I just wish that his journey to his next life will be blessed with the love he created in this one.”

“Alan Grant was a legend and legends never truly die,” feels artst and writer MontyNero. “He put the icon into iconoclastic with some of the funniest, fiercest, finest comics and books around. My heart goes out to Sue Grant, his family and close friends. Alan’s wit and hospitality made our trips to Moniaive some of our most treasured memories. Rest in Peace, Alan, you will be deeply missed.”

Thank you, Alan. You were, and still are, rightfully, a Comics Legend.

• Also on downthetubes: John McShane pays tribute to Alan Grant
Author, publisher, lecturer and film maker John McShane pays tribute to his friend

• 2000AD – Alan Grant Obituary

• BBC News – Tributes paid after comic book writer Alan Grant dies

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “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: 2000AD, British Comics, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Obituaries

Tags: 2000AD, Alan Grant, Dan Cornwell, downthetubes News, John Wagner, Judge Anderson, Rok of the Reds, SF Comics, Sue Grant