Jim Shooter, the legendary Marvel comic book Editor In Chief, who was responsible forsome of its most iconic characters has died at the age of 73. His death on June 30 followed a long battle with esophageal cancer. The legend was behind Avengers: Secret Wars which is due to hit the big screen in December 2027.

The news was confirmed by comic book writer Mark Waid, who paid tribute to the legend in a heartfelt Facebook post. "I've just received word that Jim Shooter passed away of esophogeal cancer, which he's been battling for some time. I regret that I didn't get a chance to say goodbye, but I'm glad he's finally at peace after years of suffering. Godspeed, Jim," he wrote. Other tributes quickly flooded in as the news broke. "RIP Jim Shooter. A towering figure in comics-literally and creatively-who helped shape the modern Marvel Universe. As Editor-in-Chief in the late '70s and '80s, he raised storytelling standards, instituted fill in issues to keep the books out on time, and oversaw iconic runs like Claremont & Byrne's X-Men, Simonson's Thor, Miller's Daredevil, and events like Secret Wars (my understanding was that he was, in fact, the Beyonder). A pretty damn magical time if you were a fan like me," one fan gushed on Facebook.

"I grew up with comics from the Jim Shooter era of Marvel and it had a profound impact on me. The idea that all these comics were interrelated and they were telling these fascinating stories introduced me to this idea of collective world building. Artists and writers were building a universe of stories together was a novel idea, at least to me, and it engaged me in the process of storytelling. RIP Jim Shooter," another wrote.

A third chimed in: "This is very sad news. Of course when I was little reading comics I heard about the thirteen year old who wrote comics. At eight in 1980 reading about this kid who wrote comics was inspiring...He was an original and I don't know that we will ever get another like him in the industry again."

"Say what you will about Jim Shooter, but what he has done for Marvel, Valiant, and comics as a whole, is undeniable. Rest in Peace," a fourth wrote.

"A pure legend that made our lives better. He will be missed. God rest his soul and bless his family," a fifth penned. Meanwhile a sixth shared: "I'm heartbroken. I have watched ours upon hours of his interviews (including my favorites...yours). Absolutely underrated and a true master. He made comics great."

Jim Shooter was first professionally published as a comic book writer at the age of fourteen, working for Marvel rivals DC Comics. He penned both Superboy and Supergirl comic books and also wrote for both Action Comics and Adventure Comics.

Although he briefly left comics to work in advertising, he returned to the business with an editorial role at Marvel later becoming Editor-In-Chief for nine years.

This was a period of huge growth for the company where he helped the brand transition from mass market newsstand distribution to direct market sales to comic shops and began the concept of selling to and developing stories for long-time fans rather than casual consumers.

He also wrote the hugely influential series, Secret Wars, which introduces Spider-Man's black costume. A big screen version Avengers: Secret Wars is set to hit cinemas in December 2027.