Marvel Comics paid tribute to the late John Romita Sr. (co-creator of Wolverine and Mary Jane Watson) in several of its new comics on August 9, 2023.
Romita, one of Marvel’s most iconic artists and father of John Romita Jr., passed away on June 12, 2023. And, this week, the publisher honored the creator with a corner box image that featured his cover from Spider-Man: No More! along with the words “Marvel Remembers John Romita” on several of its ongoing comics. This can be found on Silk #4, Red Goblin #7, Miles Morales: Spider-Man #9, Captain Marvel: Dark Tempest #2, Guardians of the Galaxy #5 and Avengers #4. Each of these comics also has a three-page spread dedicated to the artist.
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The tribute spoke of Romita’s influence and legacy at Marvel Comics. It stated “John Romita wore many hats at Marvel. His most famous contribution was his run on Amazing Spider-Man.” It continued “His association with the character would include drawing the cover of the famed wedding of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21, seen opposite top right. With Stan Lee, he started the Spider-Man newspaper strip, including the sequence with Kingpin from Sept. 25, 1977, seen opposite center. Behind the scenes, Romita was responsible for designing many of Marvel’s most famous characters. At bottom opposite are Romita’s costume designs for Black Widow and Wolverine.”
The eulogy also included words of sentiment from several Marvel staff members. The publisher’s CCO Kevin Feige, Editor in Chief C.B. Cebulski, editor Nick Lowe and President of Marvel Entertainment Dan Buckley all spoke highly of Romita in their respective accolades.
C.B. Cebulski reminisced about his memories of the artist, “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. 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.”
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Dan Buckley also recalled his experiences both professional and personal with Romita. “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. It was one of the rare moments where you meet one of your heroes and he exceeds your expectations in every possible way. His contributions to Marvel’s pantheon and culture are immense, and he will be sorely missed. He was a great and kind man who truly made the world a better place. My deepest condolences to Virginia, Johnny and the Romita family.”
Nick Lowe spoke of his admiration for the creator “When you close your eyes and picture Spider-Man, you’re probably picturing a John Romita Sr. Spider-Man. From his debut of the character in Amazing Spider-Man #39, the subsequent fifty issues of art, more than a hundred covers and the work he did on the newspaper strip, John defined Spidey for generations of people around the world. That would be enough for anyone else, but John was also an excellent art director, a fantastic father, a doting grandfather and a gentleman. All of us making Spider-Man comics, and Marvel Comics in general, work in his shadow and strive to live up to the example of the legend, Jazzy John Romita.”
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Kevin Feige also praised him “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. 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.”
Pick up Silk #4, Red Goblin #7, Miles Morales: Spider-Man #9, Captain Marvel: Dark Tempest #2, Guardians of the Galaxy #5 and Avengers #4 in stores now and celebrate the life of John Romita Sr.
Source: Marvel Comics
This week Marvel Comics honors the legacy of John Romita Sr. in its new releases. Read More