Legendary comic book creator and Marvel artist has passed away.
John Romita Sr., the mastermind behind several iconic Marvel comic books and characters, died at the age of 93, his son confirmed in a heartbreaking Twitter statement.
Romita Jr. also revealed that his father, whom he dubbed the “greatest man” he’d ever met, died “peacefully” in his sleep.
“I say this with a heavy heart, My father John Romita passed away peacefully in his sleep this Monday morning. He is a legend in the art world and it would be my honor to follow in his footsteps,” he wrote.
Romita Sr. was best known as a Spider-Man artist and the creator/co-creator of many iconic Marvel characters including Wolverine, the Punisher, Black Widow, Luke Cage, Kingpin, Mary Jane, and more.
“John Romita Sr. was an incomparable artist who brought so many iconic Marvel characters to life on the page and set the tone and look of Marvel’s comics for decades,” Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said in a tribute to the legendary comic book creator.
“His version of Spider-Man has inspired so many of us at Marvel Studios. Our thoughts are with his family, and the generations of artists and fans who fell in love with the characters he drew.”
Marvel Entertainment Editor-in-Chief C.point 307 |
B.point 2 | Cebulski added: “I was recently able to fawn over some of John Romita Sr.point 64 | ’s original Spider-Man pages, and the word that kept popping into my mind as I marveled over his linework was ‘timeless.point 168 | ’ His style was such a departure from what had come before, which John did say made him nervous, but one that came to define the look of Peter, Spider-Man, MJ, Gwen and everyone else in their orbit.point 331 | 1
“And the same was true for every Marvel character John designed, penciled and inked. Whether as an artist or art director, John’s work influenced generations of comic book artists. With his passing, the comic industry loses a true legend, but just like his artwork, his legacy will remain timeless.”
Paying a tribute to the iconic artist and writer was also Marvel Entertainment President Dan Buckley who remembered Romita Sr. not only as a talented creator but also as a “great and kind” man.
“One of the highlights of my career was working with John Romita Sr. I couldn’t believe that my 25-year-old self was working and interacting with him, and what made it even better was that he was so considerate and kind – something that has stuck with me ever since, among many other memories with him,” he said.
“It was one of the rare moments where you meet one of your heroes and he exceeds your expectations in every possible way.point 214 |
His contributions to Marvel’s pantheon and culture are immense, and he will be sorely missed.point 81 | He was a great and kind man who truly made the world a better place.point 135 | My deepest condolences to Virginia, Johnny, and the Romita family.point 192 | ”point 195 | 1
Our thoughts remain with John’s loved ones during this challenging time.