Acclaimed writer and novelist Peter David, known for his work on comics like The Incredible Hulk, Young Justice, and X-Factor, has passed away at age 68. His friend and colleague Keith R.A. DeCandido confirmed the news via Facebook.

David maintained a prolific decades-long career with both Marvel and DC. He is most highly regarded for his 12-year tenure on Marvel's The Incredible Hulk series—a landmark run that reshaped the dynamic between Bruce Banner and his alter ego, earning David and artist Dale Keown an Eisner Award in 1992. Much as Frank Miller is considered the definitive Daredevil writer/artist and Chris Claremont the definitive X-Men writer, David is widely viewed as the most significant and influential writer in Hulk history.

David also co-created Spider-Man 2099 and helmed two different periods of X-Factor. His initial X-Factor run reimagined the team—originally composed of the founding X-Men members—as a government-authorized mutant strike force. His later X-Factor run again transformed the team, this time into a detective agency led by Madrox the Multiple Man.

At DC, David made a lasting impact with celebrated runs on Aquaman, Supergirl, and Young Justice. Beyond comics, he contributed frequently to the Star Trek franchise in comic and novel forms, most notably authoring the 1994 novel Q-Squared.

In television, David contributed to series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, and Ben 10: Alien Force, and he wrote for video games including Shadow Complex and Spider-Man: Edge of Time.

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David faced ongoing health challenges in recent years, starting with a stroke in 2012. Family friend Graham Murphy organized GoFundMe campaigns in 2022 and 2025 to assist with his medical expenses.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen O’Shea David, and their four children.