John Romita Sr., co-creator of Wolverine, Kingpin, Mary Jane, and more Marvel characters, has passed away

It’s a sad day for the publishing world. John Romita Sr., highly praised comic book artist and co-creator of some of Marvel’s most iconic characters—including Wolverine, Mary Jane, Kingpin, and The Punisher—has passed away at the age of 93. This was announced on Twitter by his son John Romita Jr., also a renowned artist in this field.

“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 my 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 ever met.”

A life linked to art and comics, and a spectacular legacy

Romita was born in Brooklyn and studied at the Manhattan School of Industrial Art. He graduated in 1947 and at only 19 years old he began working in the comics world. During those early years, he participated in the works of the fledgling companies, Marvel and DC (then known as Timely Comics and National Comics). It was in the mid-60s when he began working with Stan Lee on The Amazing Spiderman, a period in which he helped create Mary Jane Watson and the Kingpin.

Later, he sketched the designs for Luke Cage, the Punisher, and Wolverine, already as Art Director in Marvel, a role he held for over two decades. Romita continued as a company employee until he decided to leave in 1996. It was publicly a retirement, but the reality is that he continued to be involved in Spider-Man projects for the now Disney company. He also drew a cover for Superman for DC Comics.

John Romita Sr. is survived by his two children (John Romita Jr and Victor Romita), as well as his wife Virginia Romita.

Source | The Hollywood Reporter