After a protracted illness, famed comic book artist Jose Delbo, who had a spectacular 70-year career and was a beloved NFT artist in his later years, passed away on February 5, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy that cuts across generations, influencing both the burgeoning NFT art scene and conventional comic book readers.

An Ilustrated Comics Career

In the comic book industry, Delbo was well-known for his work on Marvel’s “The Transformers” and DC Comics’ “Wonder Woman.” He was a key figure in the heyday of comics thanks to his widely recognized artistic talent and storytelling skills.

A pioneer of NFT in his 80s

Unexpectedly, in his late 80s, Delbo became involved in the NFT world and was named one of nft now’s NFT100 honorees in 2022. As early as 2020, he started minting NFTs on sites like MakersPlace and Nifty Gateway, demonstrating a forward-thinking mentality and agility that belied his age.

Nick Frontera, his grandson, announced the news of Delbo’s passing on the artist’s X account on February 5. Frontera, a lawyer and fan of NFT, conveyed the family’s sorrow and emphasized Delbo’s rich legacy. Even at his advanced age and with his health issues, Delbo enjoyed making NFT art so much that he worked on a new collection right up until his last moments.

Warm Recollections and Condolences from the Public

Delbo had a significant influence on the web3 creative community. Social media was inundated with condolences from coworkers, artists, and collectors who remembered him for his passion, curiosity, and pioneering attitude. Collector Giannis Sourdis offered his sorrow, recalling Delbo as one of the first artists he purchased in the NFT gallery.

Famous artist duo Hackatao talked about their experience working with a legend after collaborating with Delbo in 2020. Delbo’s zeal and dedication forever changed them, inspiring them to pursue art-making with the same zeal for the rest of their lives.

On social media, several well-known personalities in the crypto art community, including Panter Xhita and collector Pablo Fraile, expressed their condolences. Delbo was thanked for his contributions to the digital sphere and his influence on the history of crypto art.

MakersPlace: A Great Artist’s Sorrow

Delbo’s multiple NFT collections were released on MakersPlace, a platform that posted a statement expressing profound regret at his demise. They expressed their condolences to the Delbo family and the larger artistic community, highlighting his greatness as a person and an artist.

Jose Delbo’s path from the height of comic book popularity to the forefront of NFT art is a perfect example of a lifetime commitment to artistic expression. He was a real pioneer and an ongoing inspiration, and his legacy endures in the minds of many who appreciated his work, both in print and digital media.