X-Men Illustrator Dies at 63 Wearing Superman Pajamas

X-Men illustrator, Dave Cockrum died Sunday at age 63 from complications of diabetes.  In the 1970s Dave Cockrum's artwork made the X-Men popular in comic books around the world, which later lead to a film franchise.  Cockrum and writer Len Wein were given the failure comic, X-Men, with hopes that the duo could fix it up and make it a sensation.  The pair added their own heroes, who we know today as Storm, Mystique,  Nightcrawler, and Colossus - and published it as "Giant-Size X-Men No. 1" in 1975.

Even though Cockrum's artwork turned a dead comic from 1963 into a viable money-maker, Cockrum received no royalties from the X-Men films.  Family friend Clifford Meth helped Cockrum and his family during his illness.  Cockrum's artistic interest began while he was in the Navy, serving in Vietnam.  After Cockrum left the Navy, he moved to New York and got his break with DC Comics, illustrating the Legion of Super-Heroes.  He later moved to Marvel Comics where he provided his skill for making X-Men a success.

Mr. Cockrum died in his favorite chair at his home in South Carolina, wearing Superman pajamas, covered up with his Batman blanket.  His wife, Paty, was present.  Cockrum will not have a public memorial service, and will be cremated in a Green Lantern shirt.  His ashes will be spread on his property.  

Friend Clifford Meth recalls Mr. Cockrum weeping while watching an X-Men film starring Halle Berry and Hugh Jackman.  Mr. Cockrum wasn't crying because he was bitter about not receiving royalties for the film, he was crying because his characters were now living.