In what is a shock, influential artist and writer Neal Adams has passed away at the age of 80. Adams’ influence is massive having created iconic characters like Green Lantern Jon Stewart, Ra’s al Ghul, and Man-Bat. Adams died Thursday in New York of complications from sepsis, his wife, Marilyn Adams told The Hollywood Reporter.

Adams’ impact goes beyond his creations as he was a champion of the rights of creators as well. He fought for better working conditions and compensation. He was an early advocate for the unionization of writers and artists with hopes of getting better benefits and ownership on their behalf. He pushed against Marvel in the late 1970s as the publisher attempted to get freelancers to not asser their rights over their creations.

Adams was instrumental in helping comic creators get their original art returned to them influencing policy at various publishers. Marvel return pages of art to Jack Kirby due to this battle.

Adams also fought on behalf of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and their greater recognition for their creation, Superman. The two creators are now acknowledged as well as receive a pension for their work.

Adams was born on June 15, 1941 in New York City and attended the School of Industrial Art in Manhattan. He went on to work for Marvel, DC, Archie, and more becoming a force in the industry whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

In addition to his wife of 45 years, survivors include three sons, Josh, Jason and Joel; daughters Kris and Zeea; grandchildren Kelly, Kortney, Jade, Sebastian, Jane and Jaelyn; and great-grandson Maximus.