Legendary Marvel artist and comics creator John Romita passed away at the age of 93 on June 12, 2023.
He was responsible for the art style of Marvel comics during the 1970s and 1980s and co-created some of Marvel’s most iconic characters, including Wolverine, The Punisher, and Mary Jane Watson.
His son, John Romita Jr., said in a tweet: “I say this with a heavy heart, my father passed away peacefully in his sleep. He is a legend in the art world and it would be an honor to follow in his footsteps. Please keep your thoughts and condolences here out of respect for my family. He was the greatest man I have ever met.”
Romita began his career at Marvel in 1965 by creating the 23rd issue of The Avengers comic as a freelance journalist. He soon became a full-time artist for the company, working extensively on Daredevil and then The Amazing Spider-Man.
Romita quickly developed his own style, which would define the style of Marvel comics throughout the 1970s and 1980s when he became art director in 1973.
Here he played a major role in creating and designing The Punisher, Wolverine, Luke Cage, Bullseye, Tigra and Brother Voodoo. In fact, it was Romita who created the iconic design for The Punisher’s skull logo, using his tool belt to create the now famous skull teeth.
As a result of his hard work, Romita was awarded the Inkpot Award in 1979 and was inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 2002.
Romita Sr. was married to his childhood sweetheart, Virginia Bruno. They had two sons, one of whom was John Jr. who also became a famous artist for Marvel comics.
