YouTube star dies after “unfortunate accident”: Ben Potter was 40

Potter discussed comics and superhero movies on his Comicstorian account, and his wife vowed to continue the account “to keep the memory of our own superhero alive.”

YouTube star Ben Potter, better known as Comicstorian to his over 3 million subscribers, has died. The internet personality died on Saturday, June 8, “in an unfortunate accident,” his wife Nathalie confirmed in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter). Potter was 40 years old.

“To many of you, he was a comic storyteller who told stories from many different mediums. To his loved ones, he was one of the best and most supportive people anyone could ask for,” wrote Nathalie. “To his loved ones, he was one of the best and most supportive people anyone could ask for. As a husband, son, brother, friend, or even just a stranger, Ben was loving and genuine. He was someone who listened and made time for his loved ones. He did his best to make everyone laugh and make sure they were OK. He was our rock, reassuring his loved ones whenever they needed it.”

Potter rose to internet stardom through his Comicstorian account, where he created audio dramas based on comics and regularly spoke about the Marvel and DC universes. His account had more than 3 million subscribers, with Potter uploading his last video, “Why DC’s Reboots Beat Marvel,” on Friday, June 7, just one day before his death. In total, Potter posted nearly 4,000 YouTube videos, with his wife noting that “his channel was one of his greatest achievements, and while we all need our time to mourn him, I know he would not have wanted it to end this way.”

“Ben has spent over 10 years spreading his love and appreciation for his hobbies. His love of engaging stories and well-written characters is what drew him to YouTube,” she said. “The team and I want to keep that going. We want to honor him by continuing to tell great stories about great people and keep the memory of our very own superhero alive.”

Amid the news of his death, comic book writer Scott Snyder posted a touching tribute to Potter, writing: “Completely stunned and deeply saddened to hear this. Benny’s love of comics was infectious and he was great to be around. My sincere condolences to his family.”

Straight from Compton Star O’Shea Jackson Jr., the son of Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff, added: “Rest in peace comicstorian. I am deeply saddened to hear this news. One of my favorite followers on YouTube, thank you for your work man I was a huge fan. Prayers for his loved ones. Long live Ben Potter.”

In her emotional post, Nathalie called Potter her “world,” adding, “I need time to be with friends and family. I have so many things to sort out, but first I need to grieve.” She asked for privacy and shared, “Right now, my priority is to preserve everything he has built and I have no further plans.”