Creator of Incredible Hulk, X-Factor Writer Peter David Dies

Peter David, the celebrated novelist and acclaimed writer of comics including The Incredible Hulk, Young Justice, and X-Factor, has passed away at the age of 68. The news was shared on Facebook by David's friend and colleague Keith R.A. DeCandido.

David had a long and prolific career spanning decades, working extensively with both Marvel and DC. He is particularly remembered for his 12-year run on Marvel’s The Incredible Hulk series. This ambitious storyline transformed the dynamic between Bruce Banner and his alter ego, earning David and artist Dale Keown an Eisner Award in 1992. Just as Frank Miller is seen as the definitive Daredevil writer/artist and Chris Claremont the definitive X-Men writer, Peter David is widely considered the most significant and influential writer in the history of The Hulk.

David is also renowned for co-creating Spider-Man 2099 and for his two separate runs on X-Factor. In his first stint on X-Factor, he reshaped the original five X-Men members into a government-authorized mutant strike team. His later X-Factor run reinvented the team once more, this time as a detective agency headed by Madrox the Multiple Man.

At DC, David contributed influential runs on titles such as Aquaman, Supergirl, and Young Justice. He also frequently contributed to the Star Trek franchise, both in comics and novels, with his most recognized Trek work being the 1994 novel Q-Squared.

Beyond books and comics, David contributed to television series like Babylon 5, Young Justice, and Ben 10: Alien Force, and wrote for video games including Shadow Complex and Spider-Man: Edge of Time.

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In his later years, David faced significant health challenges, beginning with a stroke in 2012. These ongoing health issues led family friend Graham Murphy to initiate GoFundMe campaigns in 2022 and again in 2025 to help cover his medical expenses.

David is survived by his wife, Kathleen O'Shea David, and his four children.