Comic editors and historians KC Carlson He died on Saturday at the age of 68. Carlson has been suffering from cancer and Alzheimer’s. His wife survived Johanna Draper Carlson.
Carlson is best known as the editor of the famous legion of superheroes, but he has many other characters in the comics: working for the capital city, publisher, and later at the comic shop, and writing about comics. Brigid Alverson has a thorough prose here.
I know KC is a friend who married one of my best friends, a gentle, lovely person with an encyclopedia with comic knowledge. His last published work is actually in Beat, which is the oral history of JLA/Avengers Crossover, originally for the series but never printed because… well, KC tells like it it.
John Jackson Miller noted that KC was the first editor of Comics Retailer Magazine and released KC’s first editorial:
KC’s memories on social media remind you of a decent person, KC as a colleague and friend.
Wayne Markley: It’s a pity to hear the death of my long-time friend KC Carlson. When we worked together at DC, we had lunch together almost every day. A few years later, while working in Westfield, we chatted in the store almost every weekend, talking about comics, history and life. He is one of the kindest, kindest people I know. There is also an amazing storyteller, printed and in person. Words cannot describe his losses. Goodbye my friend. May your memories be blessings. 
Kelley Jones: No one goes anywhere by themselves, but you have to be your own person to get there. KC Carlson, who died today, told me. He, like anyone, plays a big role in my creativity like a person. He served as editorial skills for my Deadman “Love After Dead” and made my career my career. I tell him, now I tell you. Goodbye KC.
Steve Saffel: It’s a pity to hear that KC Carlson is past. It’s easy to be one of the best people in comics and one of the people he shouldn’t face health challenges in recent years.
Fabio Marques: RIP KC Carlson (1956-2025) KC Carlson’s time as Superman Comics editor was not just a job, but a labor of love. From August 1995 to September 1996, he helped Iron Man through his most memorable moments, making sure every story is filled with heart, heroism, and hopes to define Superman.
Personally, I will always remember when I won the first bald prize in issue 719, he was the editor of action comics. After Clark Kent died, he was the editor during Superman’s trial. He played a key role in directing iconic storylines like Zero: Crisis of Times!, which reshapes DC continuity. His editorial leadership is not just about following comics, it is about ensuring Superman’s legacy is as powerful as ever.
Karl Kesel: Sad to hear the death of KC Carlson, I was lucky enough to work with DC when he was editing Superman comics. A gentle, kind person with his eyes flashing and his voice burst into laughter. I was shocked to discover-Today! – He is actually 2 years older than me! He always seems to be much younger. My heart Johnna.
and Jurgens: Very sad to learn about my old editors and compatibility KC CarlsonDied. KC At Superman and Zero, we are a valuable guide and friend. I do best with Johanna and all his family and friends. RIP, good friend.
Ed Douglas: The tragic news heard former DC editor KC Carlson passed away. Superheroes fans remember the excellent work he did in his role in the 90s, where he also led the Legion chat on AOL, which brought many Legion fans together. RIP: (Most people will remember the management of his Legion managers, who made many things to promote fanatics, including much-needed flowcharts (It definitely needs something like this to be a Legion fan.)
KC also wrote a long-running column for Westfield Comics, full of knowledge and love for comics. I was sad to lose such a huge source of knowledge about comic history…but it was even sad to lose such a friend. The beat pays deepest condolences to Johanna Draper Carlson.
