We’ve learned some tragic news – legendary manga artist and creator Leiji Matsumoto has died at the age of 85.

The renowned creator passed away on February 13th at 11 AM from acute heart failure, as reported by multiple Japanese news outlets (NHK, etc). Matsumoto’s immediately family, including his fellow manga creator wife Miyako Maki have already head a mourning service in his honor since.

Matsumoto got his start in the 1950s after graduating high school making shojo manga, under a pen name. He then took on the name Leiji Matsumoto (his original given name was Akira) and started working on original works.

Notable series and works made by Matsumoto include iconic titles like Galaxy Express 999, Space Pirate Captain Harlock, Queen Emeraldas, and many more – several of which all spawned multiple anime or live-action adaptations.