RIP

Gerry Conway, Co-creator of The Punisher and influential Spider-Man writer, dies at 73

Marvel confirmed the passing of the legendary comic book writer, who had been battling cancer.

Update: Apr 28th, 2026 00:55 CEST

Comic book writer Gerry Conway, best known as the co-creator of The Punisher, has died at the age of 73. Marvel confirmed his death on its official website. Although no cause of death has been given, THR reports that the writer had been battling cancer.

Conway entered the comic book industry at a young age, at 16, writing short stories that would be published in comic books. His big break came at age 19 when he became the writer for 'The Amazon Spider-Man,' replacing Stan Lee in the role. His run on the comic lasted from 1972 to 1975, during which time he had a major impact on Spider-Man. In issue #121, Conway wrote the death of Gwen Stacy, an event that left a lasting mark on Peter Parker. Later, in issue #129, he introduced The Punisher alongside John Romita, Sr. and Ross Andru—a vigilante who has become a key character in the Marvel universe. Eventually, he also wrote for Daredevil, Iron Man, and The Incredible Hulk, as well as co-creating other characters such as Ben Reilly and Man-Thing, and reintroducing Ms. Marvel.

On behalf of his family, we are sad to share that Gerry Conway has passed away. Gerry was a tremendous icon in comics who shaped pop culture itself. He was a dear friend, partner, and mentor, and our hearts are with his family and the millions he touched through his work. pic.twitter.com/jwUgdSdvnt
— Marvel Comics (@MarvelComicsHQ) April 27, 2026

“From Spider-Man to the Avengers, Iron Man to Captain Marvel, Gerry Conway has deftly written almost every character in the Marvel Universe,” reflects Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski. “He thrilled us with new characters like the Punisher and broke our hearts in emotional tales like ‘The Night Gwen Stacy Died,’ a story that affects Spider-Man to this day. Gerry Conway’s legacy has made an undeniable and indelible impact on the Super Hero stories we know and love. He will be dearly missed.”

Beyond Marvel

Conway’s impact extended well beyond Marvel. At DC Comics, he played a major role in revitalizing the Justice League and co-created characters such as Firestorm, Vixen, Killer Croc, and Jason Todd, the second Robin.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Conway transitioned into television, working as a writer and producer on series including Law & Order, Batman: The Animated Series, Matlock, Perry Mason, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Despite this shift, he continued to return to comics, contributing to later projects such as Carnage and The Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows.