Tom Lyle, creator of the Scarlet Spider Costume, former artist of the Adjectiveless Spider-Man title, has passed away this morning. While unconfirmed as of this time, the artist had a brain aneurysm several weeks ago. Many of his friends and colleagues have expressed their sadness over this loss. He was 66. After completing his career in the Comics’ industry, he was helping aspiring artists as a professor. One of his former pupils has joined our discord community. Many of his friends have reached out, but one of the nicest tributes I saw was from fromer ASM writer Dan Slott.
Sorry to hear that legendary Spider-Man artist, Tom Lyle has passed away. Tom's work on both Spidey and the Scarlet Spider were epic. That Scarlet Spider design, Tom's design, will always be an amazing touchstone for Spidey fans like me and all generations past, present & future. pic.twitter.com/OBBagETU4u
— Dan Slott (@DanSlott) November 19, 2019
For me, Tom Lyle was a huge part in my Spidey fandom growing up. He drew a poster in the 1990s based on his cover to his first issue as the full time artist, issue 44. It hung on my wall for years and I wish I had framed it! It was awesome. Of course, I can’t go without mentioning the Scarlet Spider’s look. And he also wrote several issues of Spider-Man Unlimited. Despite the people on the site who irrationally hate Ben Reilly and especially his suit, it’s one of the most beloved alternate outfits in Spider-Man’s history. It’s been featured in nearly every Spidey video game that allowed Comic-based suits, collected in two different Marvel Legends by hasbro, an Alternate KB-Toys exclusive in the Spider-Man Classics line with Toy Biz, a 3.5 inch version by Hasbro, and many, many, many more. I own a lot of them. I can’t do anything more but say Thank you Mr. Lyle. You brought a lot of joy to many people. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time.
-Zach.
Below is scans from the 1994 Spider-Man Collectors Special. It goes into the process that created the Clone’s look.
Special Thanks to Alex for the scans. (got them from Spidey-Dude.com have you checked it out?)
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Rest in peace, Mr. Lyle. I’m always sad to hear when a Spider-Man writer or artist passes away.
Rest in Peace Tom Lyle. Whilst not as celebrated as other Spider-man artists, he was an important part of my, and I think many other people’s, initial love for Spidey and comic books.