Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko dies: Tom Holland, Marvel pay tribute

Ditko was found dead age 90 in his New York home, with news of his passing breaking on Friday.

He and Stan Lee were instrumental in the creation of the web-slinging hero back in the 1960s, and he also worked with Lee on Doctor Strange.

Holland, who plays Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, tweeted: “We all want to leave our mark on the world – this guy crushed it.

“He made so many people so happy and changed lives – most of all, mine!

“Thank you Steve – your life lives on man, thank you #SteveDitko.”

Marvel Studios’ Twitter account posted a photo of Spider-Man with the caption: “Thank you Steve. Rest In Peace.”

Among other tributes, Edgar Wright posted: “RIP to comic book legend Steve Ditko, beyond influential on countless planes of existence.

“He never truly profited from his comic creations that have lasted for decades, but his work will never be forgotten.”

Neil Gaiman tweeted: “Steve Ditko was true to his own ideals. He saw things his own way, and he gave us ways of seeing that were unique.

“Often copied. Never equalled. I know I’m a different person because he was in the world.”

DC Entertainment’s Jim Lee wrote: “Sad to hear of the passing of the legendary artist and creator Steve Ditko. Beloved for generations– his work was the Quirky to Kirby’s Majesty and helped provide the early visual vocabulary in counterpoint to Kirby’s power and influence.

“Of course, he is best known for co-creating Spider-Man but he also ushered in a slew of unique, very personal and eclectic characters for DC such as the Question, Blue Beetle, Hawk and Dove and more. I only met him once back in the hallways of Marvel when I worked there.

“Polite and unassuming–he never sought attention or the limelight but in many ways represented the hidden hero he saw in all of us. #RIPsteveditko.”