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Sam Kieth, the comic artist who created The Maxx and co-created and pencilled the opening issues of The Sandman, died on March 15, 2026, aged 63. His longtime friend Scott Dunbier announced the death on behalf of Kieth’s family. Obituaries reported that Kieth had battled Lewy body dementia; they did not establish a more specific cause of death.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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The Maxx #1 | $22.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Maxx: Maxxed Out Volume 1 | $1,299.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Maxx, Edition# 5 | $4.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Maxx, Edition# 1 | $20.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What is known about Kieth’s death
The Comics Beat and ComicBook.com reported that Kieth died on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at age 63. The Comics Beat said the announcement came from Dunbier, Kieth’s longtime friend. The reports described a battle with Lewy body dementia, rather than specifying a separate cause of death.
How Kieth shaped The Sandman and The Maxx
The Sandman’s opening chapter
Kieth co-created The Sandman with writer Neil Gaiman and pencilled its first five issues. DC’s career profile also credits him with illustrating the series. His contribution belongs to the beginning of a collaborative work, rather than to sole authorship of the larger series.
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Readers looking for those opening issues can find them in DC’s listed collection The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes.
A series of his own
Kieth created The Maxx for Image Comics in 1993. The Comics Beat reports that the comic ran from 1993 to 1998. DC dates an animated adaptation to 1995, when it appeared on MTV’s Liquid Television.
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For a print entry point, DC lists The Maxx Book 1 and other collected volumes on Kieth’s talent page. The Comics Beat also notes the later publication of The Sam Kieth Sketchbooks by IDW.
A career across publishers and styles
Kieth’s professional work extended well beyond the two series most closely associated with his name. The Comics Beat records early inking on Mage, Robotech and Fish Police, followed by work at DC, Marvel, 2000 AD, IDW and other publishers. DC’s profile lists projects including Zero Girl, Batman titles, Lobo and Epicurus the Sage.
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In his COMICON obituary, writer Richard Bruton draws attention to the contrast between Kieth’s work on The Sandman and the comedy of Epicurus the Sage, and characterizes The Maxx as surreal and introspective. Those are Bruton’s critical assessments; the range of titles and formats in Kieth’s career is the underlying record.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The family’s memorial request
In the family announcement reproduced by COMICON, Dunbier wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sam Kieth on Sunday March 15, 2026.” The statement added: “As per Sam’s wishes, there will be no memorial service.” Instead of flowers, the family requested donations in Kieth’s name to Hero Initiative, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, or Lewy Body Dementia Association.
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The family’s statement did not provide donation links. To ensure a gift reaches the intended organization, use that organization’s official website and donation page.
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