Joe Matt Death and Obituary: What Happened to Peepshow Creator Joe Matt? How did Joe Matt Die?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Sep 20, 2023
Who was Joe Matt?
Joe Matt was an American cartoonist who gained recognition and acclaim for his autobiographical comic series, Peepshow. Born on October 1, 1963, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Joe Matt became best known for his brutally honest and self-reflective portrayal of his life, thoughts, and experiences through his comics. Peepshow initially started as a series of comic strips and was later compiled and published as a comic book by Drawn & Quarterly, beginning in 1991.
The series delved into deeply personal and often controversial topics such as Matt's views on life, relationships, women, pornography, and his experiences within the cartoonist community. What set Joe Matt's work apart was its raw and unflinchingly critical examination of his own flaws, vulnerabilities, and insecurities. His willingness to share the most intimate and sometimes uncomfortable aspects of his life made Peepshow a groundbreaking and influential work in the world of autobiographical comics.
Joe Matt's contributions to the medium were widely recognized, and he received multiple awards, including Eisner Awards, for his work. His comics were part of a wave of successful slice-of-life comics that emerged during the same period, resonating with readers who appreciated the honesty and authenticity in his storytelling.
Name
Joe Matt
Gender
Male
Profession
Cartoonist, Writer, Artist, Colorist
Notable Works
Peepshow
Born
September 3, 1963
Birthplace
Lansdale, Pennsylvania, United States
Death Day
September 2023
Age at Death
60
Nationality
American
Marital Status
Unknown
Children
Unknown
Specifications
Details
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Joe Matt Death and Obituary
Joe Matt, the renowned comic book creator and cartoonist passed away on September 18, 2023. Joe Matt was best known for his groundbreaking autobiographical comic book series, Peepshow, which left an indelible mark on the world of comics. News of Joe Matt's death has sent shockwaves throughout the world, especially within the comics community, where he was highly regarded for his unique and candid storytelling style.
His work in Peepshow was celebrated for its unfiltered exploration of his own life, emotions, and experiences, and it resonated with readers who appreciated its raw and introspective nature. As tributes pour in from fans, fellow cartoonists, and the wider artistic community, it's evident that Joe Matt's contributions to the world of comics will be remembered and cherished for years to come. His willingness to share his vulnerabilities and personal struggles through his art made him a truly iconic figure in the medium.
Joe Matt's passing is a profound loss to the world of comics, but his legacy will live on through the pages of Peepshow and the impact he had on the art form. His work continues to inspire and challenge both aspiring and established cartoonists, and his memory will be honored by those who appreciated the honesty and authenticity he brought to the world of comics.
What Happened to Peepshow Creator Joe Matt? How did Joe Matt Die?
Peepshow creator Joe Matt tragically passed away due to a heart attack while he was at his drawing board. This unfortunate event took place as he was engrossed in his work, illustrating and crafting his distinctive brand of autobiographical comics. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the comics community and left a void in the world of cartooning.
Joe Matt's dedication to his craft was evident in the fact that he was at his drawing board, doing what he loved, at the time of his passing. His commitment to his work and his willingness to share his life experiences, vulnerabilities, and reflections through Peepshow had earned him acclaim and recognition within the industry.
The comics world mourns the loss of Joe Matt, a talented and influential creator whose contributions to the medium will be remembered and cherished by fans, fellow cartoonists, and all those who appreciated his unique storytelling style. His passing marks the end of an era but leaves behind a lasting legacy through the pages of Peepshow and the impact he had on the world of comics.
Joe Matt Family Background
Joe Matt's family background is characterized by a middle-class upbringing in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Joe Matt's parents played significant roles in his upbringing. His mother was a housewife, and his father held various jobs throughout his life. Notably, his father owned a carpet store at one point and had a long-term job working for Amtrak. It's mentioned that his father seemed to switch jobs frequently, indicating a certain degree of job instability.
Joe Matt had two siblings, although specific details about them are disclosed publicly. Joe Matt's childhood was marked by a lack of financial resources, which he credited with shaping his later habit of being "cheap" or frugal. This financial situation likely influenced his perspective on money and financial matters.
Joe Matt Education and Interest in Drawing
Joe Matt's education and early interest in drawing played a significant role in shaping his career as a cartoonist. Joe Matt attended Catholic school until the 12th grade. This formal education likely provided him with a strong foundation in basic academics and perhaps some exposure to art and creativity. Matt demonstrated his talent for drawing from a very young age, developing his skills as early as age five. This natural artistic ability set the stage for his lifelong passion for art.
Joe Matt's mother played a crucial role in nurturing his artistic interests. She herself had attended the Philadelphia College of Art before interrupting her education to raise her family. Her encouragement likely had a profound impact on his decision to pursue a career in art. During his formative years, Joe Matt drew inspiration from renowned comic strips like Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" and Al Capp's "Li'l Abner." He even collected these strips by clipping them from daily newspapers, which reflects his early immersion in the world of comics.
After completing his primary education, Joe Matt went on to earn a degree from the Philadelphia College of Art, where he majored in illustration. This formal training would have honed his artistic skills and provided him with a structured education in the field. While initially attempting to establish himself as a magazine illustrator in New York, Joe Matt transitioned to the world of comics in 1987. His career in comics began when he secured a job at the Philadelphia comic book store known as Fat Jack's Comicrypt. Additionally, he provided assistance to his friend and college classmate, Matt Wagner, who was the creator of popular comic series like "Grendel" and "Mage."
Joe Matt's educational journey, artistic talent, and early exposure to comics laid the foundation for his career as a cartoonist. His experiences and influences contributed to the unique style and content of his autobiographical comics, particularly in his critically acclaimed series, "Peepshow."
Joe Matt Career
Joe Matt's career as a cartoonist and comic book creator is closely tied to his autobiographical work, Peepshow, which explored deeply personal and often controversial themes. Here's a breakdown of Joe Matt's career based on the provided information:
Creation of Peepshow (1987)
Joe Matt began his career as a cartoonist in 1987 when he started creating Peepshow. This autobiographical comic series served as a platform for him to candidly explore and document various aspects of his life, including his social difficulties, addiction to pornography, complex relationship with his then-girlfriend Trish, and the enduring influence of his Catholic upbringing.
Serialization and Publication
In 1992, Joe Matt's Peepshow strips were serialized by Kitchen Sink Press under the title "Peepshow: The Cartoon Diary of Joe Matt." Subsequently, his work was published by the Canadian publishing house Drawn & Quarterly, where he gained recognition for his brutally honest and introspective storytelling.
Contribution to Autobiographical Comics
Joe Matt's work in Peepshow is a significant part of the autobiographical comics genre. This genre gained prominence through the confessional stories of artists like Harvey Pekar and Robert Crumb. Joe Matt's comics frequently featured soliloquies "to camera," providing readers with an intimate glimpse into his thoughts and experiences. His work also intersected with contemporaries like Chester Brown and Seth, who often included each other in their own works.
HBO Animated Series (The Poor Bastard)
In 2004, HBO began developing an animated series based on "The Poor Bastard," a collection of stories from Peepshow #1 to #6. The series was produced by Joe Matt and David X. Cohen. However, it appears that the project was later abandoned, as Joe Matt mentioned that HBO changed their plans.
Conclusion of Peepshow
The final issue of Peepshow, #14, was released in 2006, marking the conclusion of the series. A collection of Peepshow #11–14, titled "Spent," was published in 2007, allowing readers to revisit and reflect on Joe Matt's autobiographical journey.
Work as a Colorist
To support himself financially, Joe Matt worked as a colorist for other comics, including superhero comics, a genre he openly admitted to disliking. His colorist credits include notable titles like the Batman/Grendel limited series, "Fish Police," and "Jonny Quest."
Joe Matt's career is characterized by his willingness to delve into the most personal aspects of his life through his comics, making a significant impact on the autobiographical comics genre. His work is celebrated for its candid and self-reflective nature, even as he pursued other opportunities in the world of comics to make ends meet.
Joe Matt Achievements
Joe Matt received several nominations for the Harvey Awards, which are prestigious accolades in the world of comics. Here's a summary of his notable achievements and nominations:
Harvey Award Nominations for Peepshow
Harvey Award Nomination for Coloring Work (1989)
These Harvey Award nominations are a testament to Joe Matt's impact on the comics industry. They recognize his talent as a cartoonist and colorist and his ability to create comics that resonated with readers and peers alike. His work, particularly in Peepshow, left a lasting impression on the medium and solidified his place among the notable figures in the world of comics.
Joe Matt Personal Life
Joe Matt's personal life has indeed remained relatively private, and details about his relationship status, marital status, and whether he had children are not readily available in the public domain. This lack of information has contributed to a sense of mystery surrounding his personal life. One notable aspect of his personal life is his unconventional living situation. It's known that Joe Matt lived in Canada from 1988 to 2002, and during that period, he reportedly lived there illegally. The reasons for this choice are not known, but it suggests that he may have faced unique circumstances during that time.
After his stay in Canada, Joe Matt relocated to the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This move indicates that he experienced significant changes and transitions in his life, which could have influenced his work and experiences. Joe Matt's personal life remains enigmatic due to the limited public information available. His focus on self-exploration and introspection in his autobiographical comics, particularly in Peepshow, may have contributed to this deliberate decision to keep his personal life relatively undisclosed.
Joe Matt Age
Joe Matt died at the age of 60. He fearlessly delved into the most personal and often uncomfortable aspects of his life through his comics. His willingness to openly discuss topics like addiction, relationships, personal flaws, and inner struggles inspired others to confront their own experiences and emotions through their art. Joe Matt's work played a pivotal role in the development and popularization of autobiographical comics. He was part of a wave of artists, including Harvey Pekar and Robert Crumb, who used the medium to share real-life stories and reflections. His contributions expanded the boundaries of what comics could address.
Joe Matt Net Worth
Joe Matt generated income through various sources throughout his career as a cartoonist and comic book creator Joe Matt's primary source of income likely came from the sales of his comic books, particularly his autobiographical series, "Peepshow." His work was published by Drawn & Quarterly and Kitchen Sink Press, and he earned royalties from the sale of these comics.
In addition to individual comic book issues, Joe Matt's collected works, such as compilations of "Peepshow" strips, contributed to his income. These books were sold in comic book shops, bookstores, and online retailers. Some cartoonists and comic artists generate income by selling original artwork, sketches, or prints of their work. Joe Matt may have participated in art sales or exhibitions, which could have provided supplemental income.
Like many comic creators, Joe Matt might have earned income by attending comic conventions, where he could sell his comics, meet fans, and participate in panel discussions or signings. Joe Matt worked as a colorist for other comics, including superhero comics like the Batman/Grendel series, Fish Police, and Jonny Quest. This work would have provided him with additional income.
Name
Joe Matt
Net Worth
$1 million – $5 million
Profession
cartoonist
Joe Matt Net Worth
Joe Matt Death and Obituary - FAQs
Joe Matt passed away due to a heart attack. He was reportedly at his drawing board when the heart attack occurred.
Joe Matt passed away in September 2023. The exact date of his death was September 18, 2023.
Joe Matt was 60 years old when he passed away.
Joe Matt is best known for his autobiographical comic book series, "Peepshow," which gained critical acclaim and recognition within the comics industry.
Joe Matt's death sent shockwaves through the comics community, and tributes poured in from fans and fellow cartoonists. His passing marked the loss of a influential figure in the world of autobiographical comics, and his work continues to be celebrated for its honesty and authenticity.