Alan Grant dead: Batman and 2000 AD comic writer dies aged 73 after five decade career

BATMAN and Judge Dredd comic book writer Alan Grant has tragically died aged 73.

Tributes poured in for the “unsung hero of UK comics” – with friends and family sharing fond memories.

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Alan Grant has tragically died aged 73Credit: Wikipedia

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Tributes poured in Alan, the ‘unsung hero of UK comics’Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk

His wife Sue confirmed the devastating news on Facebook.

She wrote: “I have no words. Alan died this morning.”

Alan, from Bristol, was best known for his work on Batman and the 2000AD series – in which he invented the fictional character Judge Dredd.

The comic book writer first entered the comics industry in 1967 when he became editor for D.C. Thomson in Dundee.

From there, he partnered up with John Wagner – another former D.C. Thomson editor – and the pair began a long-running partnership from then.

He worked on several comics throughout his career including the Batman/Judge Dredd crossover comics.

While working on the Batman series in the 1980s and 1990s, the writer co-created characters Anarky, Victor Zsasz and the Ventriloquist.

Pals said the legend was “ill for some time” when he died aged 73.

Heartbroken friends and loved ones alike took to social media to share their tributes to Alan.

Ivor Davis wrote: “Alan Grant died this morning.

“My thoughts are with his wife Sue, first of all, then his extended family, but thousands upon thousands of people the world over will be saddened and shocked as the news ripples out.

“For, you see, not only was Alan a lovely guy, a pillar of the local community in Moniaive for several years, but also for at least a couple of decades, Alan was THE Batman writer, and, with John Wagner, THE writer on Judge Dredd.

“He did so so much more too.”

Ivor added: “Please take a moment today to think of Sue, and, if you ever read a Judge Dredd Comic Book from the late 70s onwards, or a Batman issue from the late 80s ( Batman the Scottish Connection comes to MY mind), dig it out or seek out online and revisit the moments of joy Alan A. Grant brought to this world and your life.

“R.I.P Alan, you were one of a kind.”

Reuben Willmott wrote: “It may sound strange, but I think Alan Grant was one of the unsung hero of UK comics.

“An amazing body of work and offering early writing advice to the likes of Alan Moore and Mark Millar.

“His influence and talent was immense.”