Dave Stevens, best known for being the creator of The Rocketeer passed away March 10, 2008, following a lengthy battle with Leukemia. The artist was 52 years old at the time.

Stevens' creation, the Rocketeer, was first published by Eclipse comics in 1982. The character migrated from Eclipse to Comico, and finally ended up at Dark Horse Comice. Later, the character was transformed into a 1991 Disney film The Rocketeer, which starred Bill Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin and Timothy Dalton.

Stevens was also known for his renditions of famed pin-up and fetish model Bettie Page.

Comic Book Resources received a statement from Dark Horse Comics Publisher Mike Richardson regarding the passing of Dave Stevens:

I am devastated by the news of Dave Stevens' passing. He was a major talent and a huge influence in the comics industry and beyond. More importantly, he was a friend. Dave was a sweet and thoughtful man who rarely accepted help from others and kept his illness to himself. Those of us who knew him will miss him greatly. This one really hurt.

Additionally, Stevens' long-time friend Mark Evanier has written an obituary for Stevens on his blog. You can read Evanier's touching words here.