Last year, fans noticed the absence of comic book writer Donny Cates from several major Marvel Comics series, including Hulk and Thor. He also seemed to step back from his Image Comics and Substack projects like Crossover and Vanish. Rumors circulated within the comic book creator community, but the real reason for Donny Cates’ reduced presence was revealed by the writer himself at San Diego Comic-Con.
Speaking with the Comic Pop Returns YouTube channel, Donny Cates shared the details of a serious car accident that occurred last year. According to Comic Pop Returns, “Donny Cates apparently was involved in an automobile accident. He was severely injured, he has actually the scars to prove it; he broke a bone near his ocular area and went through a severe period of Rehabilitation and is now trying to essentially recover the pieces of his life and so he doesn’t remember the last, at least, six months.”
Cates described the incident in detail, stating, “I was in the backseat of a car pulling off the highway when we were hit by a truck from behind, sending my head into not just the middle console but also my open laptop. The result of which shattered my orbital socket, sliced my head open like a grape, and caused a not-insignificant amount of bleeding on my brain.” The accident resulted in significant injuries, requiring Donny Cates to undergo a challenging rehabilitation process.
The impact was severe, leaving Donny Cates with memory loss and physical challenges. As he explained, “for me, I was in a car heading to the airport and then boom.. kinda…. teleported to a hospital ER with no real idea what the hell had happened or who I was or… yeah. Not my favorite thing that’s happened this year. And it’s been… a weird year.” He also acknowledged the ongoing effects of the accident, mentioning that his stutter, which he had previously managed, has become “a little bit more pronounced nowadays.”
Despite the severity of the accident and the difficulties of recovery, Donny Cates expressed a determination to return to his work and reconnect with his audience. “I’d like to say I’m sorry to all my fans and friends and YouTube trolls and whoever else if it’s seemed like I’ve just disappeared,” he said. He further reassured fans, “I assure you, a little brain damage won’t stop me from doing….whatever it is that I do that you all seem to enjoy so much.” While the road to full recovery is still ongoing, Donny Cates’ openness about his accident provides clarity to his absence and offers hope for his eventual return to creating the comics his fans love.
