Carmine Infantino, legendary comic book artist and former DC Comics editorial director, passed away today. He was 87. He started his comics career in the 1940s, and one of his earliest jobs came when he and friend Frank Giacoia drew Jack Frost, with Giacoia penciling and Infantino inking. Infantino worked for several publishers during the 40’s, drawing Airboy and The Heap for Hillman, working for the low page rates of the Jack Binder shop (supplying Fawcett Comics ), stopping briefly at Holyoke, then landing back at DC where he became a regular on the Golden Age Black Canary, Green Lantern, Justice Society of America and the Flash.

Read CBR’s brief look back at his career here. DC Comics co-publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio as well as DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson have expressed their thoughts about Infantino’s passing, below.

“Carmine was a legend. The number of classic covers he created are innumerable. His influence, reach and impact is humbling and will always live on.” – Jim Lee

“There are few people in this world that have had as much of an impact on the industry as Carmine. He bridged both the Golden and Silver Ages of comics, shepherding in some of the most successful periods in our history and setting the course of our characters that is still seen today. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will remain forever.” – Dan DiDio

“The entire DC Entertainment family is saddened by the loss of Carmine Infantino. His contributions to the comics industry and to DC Comics in particular are immense and impossible to quantify. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans during this difficult time.” – Diane Nelson