Artist Jeffrey Huet, known for inking the fan-favorite story "Planet Hulk," has died due to complications with COVID-19.Marvel confirmed news of his death on Sept. 27, calling him a "talented inker, bringing some of the most iconic Marvel characters to life in stories including Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Fantastic Four, and beyond."Â Fellow Filipino comic artist Carlo Pagulayan, who penciled "Planet Hulk" and worked directly with Huet, was one of the first to post of Huet's death on social media.
"Today we lost an artist and a friend, Jeffrey Huet," Pagulayan wrote in a Facebook tribute posted Sept. 23. "Jeff was my partner in Fantastic Four and 'Planet Hulk,' and a few other books, but before that we went to the same school and had the same dream; to work in comics. And that we did. Rest in peace Jeff. I wish I could've been more help."
On his own Facebook page, Huet previously shared images of his hospitalization earlier in the month, as well as donation details for his family, who were struggling to pay for his COVID-19 treatment. "Being hit by COVID-19 is not an easy thing to experience that's why I'm asking for more help at this," Huet wrote. "Please we need all the help we can get. God bless you all."
Huet's Facebook page is currently filled with tributes from other comic artists hailing from the Philippines, including the likes of Mico Suayan (Bloodshot: Reborn, Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity) -- who called Huet a "super talented inker" -- and Leinil Francis Yu (Superman: Birthright, Silent Dragon), who offered "condolences to his family and friends."
"The cost of treatment for COVID-19 here in the Philippines is unfortunately too high, and burdens the family even after hospitalization, and that situation is inconsiderate even if you already suffered the loss of a loved one," Pagulayan wrote in a follow-up post, adding that he was also accepting PayPal donations for Huet's family. "So in behalf of the family, any help you can provide will be most appreciated."
"Planet Hulk," which ran primarily in the pages of The Incredible Hulk #92-105 in 2006 and 2007, might be Huet's highest profile project, but the inker also worked on a number of other Marvel titles, ranging from Deadpool and Nova to The Mighty Avengers. He also inked several issues of Animal Man and Birds of Prey during the early years of DC's New 52 initiative. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.