I was a fan of John Cassaday…then I got to know his work.

More than a decade ago I reached out to several comic book artists inviting them to join the Society of Illustrators. This was part of a campaign I was enacting as the membership chairman of the Society of Illustrators.

I had researched online and compiled a list of some of the most popular mainstream comic illustrators at that time. Along with others John Cassaday’s name kept coming up. I didn’t know him or his work. I was more of a fan of the older comic book artists that inspired me to draw as a boy.

Of course I researched John’s work and I could see that he had worked on many well known titles such as Planetary and the Astonishing X-men. I could also see that his work was strong, highly professional and good. Really good. I added John to my list.

My outreach campaign was a success. Many of the comic illustrators I approached replied and several joined.
John wasn’t one of them.

Some months had passed and one night while I was at Elaine’s, my regular spot on the Upper East Side, the bartender said to me: “Do you know who has been coming in here a lot lately… the comic book artist…John Cassaday.”

I met John at Elaine’s soon after and I was taken by his authentic smile, subtle drawl, intellect, sense of humor and genuine kindness. I reminded John that I had reached out to him about the Society of Illustrators. He was surprised but pleased to know that he was meeting the person who had approached him. He confessed that he was very honored to be asked to be part of the Society and said he’d soon join. And, true to his word, he did.

We became friends after that and we’d meet at Elaines and other New York City establishments including the Society where we’d discuss many subjects but invariably settle on illustration and storytelling. Over that time I got to know John’s artwork in more detail and I purchased his previous comic book work as well as anything new that he told me he was working on.

I was a fan of John as a friend and as a person…becoming a fan of his fantastic art afterwards made knowing him even richer.

He passed away suddenly and tragically here in the city he has called home for so many years. We have lost a member but I’ve lost a friend. Rest in peace, John. Thank you for the inspiration and the conversations.

John Cassaday was a member of the Society of Illustrators for over thirteen years. He truly appreciated our history and our mission.

He was best known for his acclaimed and award winning artwork on Planetary, Astonishing X-men, Captain America and Star Wars. He worked extensively on other titles for comic book publishers DC, Marvel, Dynamite and Humanoids. John’s inspiring biography and impressive accomplishments are easily found and listed abundantly.

John Cassaday was born on December 14, 1971 in Forth Worth Texas and passed in New York City on September 9, 2024.

– written by David Reuss, SI Board Member & Treasurer