John “Jazzy” Romita Sr., who was best known for his iconic work on The Amazing Spider-Man comics and was a titan in the comic book industry, died on Tuesday. He was 93.
Romita Sr.’s death was confirmed by his son, fellow comics artist John Romita Jr., in a post on Twitter Tuesday evening.
“I say this with a heavy heart,” Romita Jr. wrote. “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.”
Romita Sr. was born on January 24, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York. His artistic talents were evident from an early age, and he began his professional career in the comic book industry in the 1950s. He initially worked for several publishers, including Atlas Comics, where he contributed to various genres such as romance, war, and horror comics.
In 1965, Romita joined Marvel Comics, which was then known as Timely Comics. His first major assignment at Marvel was taking over the artistic duties for “The Amazing Spider-Man” series, following the departure of the character’s co-creator, Steve Ditko. Romita brought a dynamic and polished style to the series, which quickly became a fan favorite.
During his tenure on The Amazing Spider-Man, Romita co-created numerous memorable characters, including Mary Jane Watson, the Kingpin, and the Rhino. He also redesigned the iconic Spider-Man costume, giving it a sleeker and more modern appearance that remains a definitive version of the character’s look to this day.
Romita’s artistic contributions were not limited to Spider-Man alone. He also worked on other Marvel titles, such as Daredevil and The Avengers, leaving his mark on these series as well. His clean lines, attention to detail, and ability to convey emotion through his art made him a highly sought-after artist in the industry.
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In a 2020 SyFy interview, Romita said he never truly felt at home on “The Amazing Spider-Man” until his second stint on the book.
“I always felt like a visitor on Spider-Man, like I was always doing Ditko somehow,” he said. “I was trying to keep the characters consistent. So I didn’t plunge in there as John Romita, I was doing my duty as Spider-Man. So all the early [issues], I’m doing duty. But by the time [Issues] 108 and 109 [came] around, when I’m doing my second turn on Spider-Man, then I’m different. I’m a different person.”
In addition to his penciling work, Romita also served as Marvel’s art director from 1973 to 1976, where he played a key role in developing the overall visual direction of the company’s comics. He mentored and influenced many aspiring artists, helping to shape the next generation of talent in the industry.
Romita’s artistic legacy extends far beyond his time at Marvel Comics. His contributions to the world of comic books have earned him numerous accolades and awards, including induction into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2002. His work continues to inspire and resonate with fans and artists alike, and his influence can still be seen in the portrayal of beloved characters on the page and the big screen.
Dan Buckley, President, Marvel Entertainment, added”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.”
Romita retired in 1996, but carried on working on certain projects for both Marvel and DC.
“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.” shared Kevin Feige, President, of Marvel Studios.
Mr. Romita told The Comics Reporter in 2002 that he regretted not being in the first generation of professional cartoonists and that he thought of himself as following the lead of others.
In addition to his son, John Romita Jr., Romita Sr. is survived by his wife, Virginia, his childhood sweetheart who served as Marvel’s traffic manager, and a son named Victor.
