The Marvel Comics community is mourning the death of acclaimed comic book artist Joshua Cassara, who died on September 22, 2026, at the age of 46.
Cassara was widely recognized for his work on major Marvel titles, particularly X-Force, X-Men, and Deadpool/Wolverine. His detailed and energetic artwork made him an important contributor to the modern X-Men era, including the period associated with the Krakoa storyline.
His death was announced by his wife, Martha Cassara, who shared the news on social media. She said Joshua died from heart complications and remembered him not only as a talented artist but also as a husband, father, friend and deeply loved family member.
Rather than focusing on condolences, Martha asked people who knew Joshua or were touched by his work to remember the happiness he brought them.
Joshua Cassara’s Marvel Career
Cassara built a career that eventually made him one of the recognizable artists associated with Marvel’s modern X-Men books.
Before becoming established at Marvel, he worked on projects for Titan Comics, including The Troop, Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook, Doctor Who and Dark Souls. He made his Marvel debut in 2016 with New Avengers #7 and went on to contribute to titles including Falcon, Sentry, Venom and Marvel Comics #1000.
His breakthrough association with the X-Men franchise came through X-Force, where he worked with writer Benjamin Percy during the Krakoa era. He later contributed to X Lives of Wolverine and the main X-Men series.
Marvel also selected Cassara as one of its Stormbreakers in 2020, a program designed to recognize promising artists and showcase emerging creative talent.
His more recent credits included the Deadpool/Wolverine series, along with other Marvel projects and covers. Marvel’s own creator database lists numerous Cassara credits across the company’s titles.
A Distinctive Voice in the X-Men Era
Cassara’s work became particularly associated with the visual identity of the Krakoa era of the X-Men franchise.
His collaboration with Benjamin Percy on X-Force produced artwork that combined detailed character work with the intense action and darker themes often associated with the series. Fellow creators have since shared memories of working with him and praised both his artistic ability and personality.
Benjamin Percy described Cassara as a close creative partner, recalling their shared work, friendship and plans for future stories. Other creators also paid tribute to the artist following news of his death.
Marvel Pays Tribute to Joshua Cassara
Marvel expressed sadness following Cassara’s death, describing him as a gifted artist whose work on X-Force, X-Men and other projects brought energy, detail and emotion to the page.
The company also remembered him as a friend and collaborator whose kindness extended beyond his professional work.
His passing has prompted tributes from artists, writers and fans across the comics community, many of whom have highlighted the influence his work had on the modern X-Men era.
Family and Legacy
Joshua Cassara is survived by his wife, Martha, and their children.
While his professional legacy is closely connected to Marvel, his family’s statement emphasized the person behind the artwork. Martha described him as a loving husband, father and best friend and asked those remembering him to share stories about the happiness he brought into their lives.
For Marvel readers, Cassara’s legacy will remain visible through the many comics he helped create, including his work on X-Force, X-Men, Deadpool/Wolverine, Venom and other Marvel publications.
His September 22 death marks the loss of an artist whose work became an important part of one of the most significant eras in modern X-Men publishing.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from the comics press, Marvel’s published creator information, and a statement attributed to Joshua Cassara’s wife. His reported cause of death was heart complications. Funeral or memorial arrangements may be announced separately by his family.