The Legacy of John Romita Sr.: A Marvel Icon’s Enduring Impact

John Romita Sr., Creative Force at Marvel Comics, Is Dead at 93

A Look Back at the Life and Contributions of John Romita Sr.

By Derrick Bryson Taylor and George Gene Gustines | June 14, 2023

John Romita Sr., the influential comic book artist who helped define the look of Spider-Man and his alter ego, Peter Parker, and who helped create some of Marvel’s most beloved characters, including Mary Jane Watson and Wolverine, died on Monday at his home in Floral Park, N.Y., on Long Island. He was 93.

A Marvel Icon

John Romita Sr. leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the comic book industry. His unmistakable bold brushwork and attention to detail brought Marvel‘s characters to life, captivating millions of readers around the world. With his contribution to Spider-Man and other Marvel titles, Romita influenced the direction of storytelling and defined the aesthetics of the Marvel Universe for decades.

A Creative Partnership

Mr. Romita took over artistic duties on Spider-Man in 1966, after Steve Ditko, the character’s co-creator, left Marvel. Teamed up with writer Stan Lee, Romita’s artistry elevated Spider-Man‘s popularity to new heights. Within a year, Spider-Man became Marvel‘s top-selling title. Romita’s work on Spider-Man included memorable moments such as the introduction of Mary Jane Watson and the iconic image of her saying, “Face it, Tiger…you just hit the jackpot!”

Character Creation and Art Direction

John Romita Sr. played a vital role in expanding the Marvel Universe by contributing to the creation of numerous iconic characters and supervillains. He introduced villains like the Rhino, the Shocker, and the Kingpin, adding depth and complexity to Spider-Man‘s gallery of rogues. Additionally, Romita served as an art director for Marvel from 1973 until his retirement in 1996, further influencing the visual direction of the characters in international editions and merchandise.

An Artist’s Journey

John Victor Romita was born on January 24, 1930, in Brooklyn, and his artistic talents were nurtured both at home and in school. Romita’s interest in drawing began at an early age, and his passion for comic books led him to a career in commercial art. His chance meeting with Stan Lee and subsequent collaboration propelled his career forward, allowing him to work under his own name and contribute to the development of Marvel‘s unique visual style.

The Evolution of an Artistic Vision

Throughout his career, John Romita Sr. strived to leave his mark on the characters he worked with. He distinguished himself from Steve Ditko’s art by adopting a new approach, incorporating more solid black and detailed embellishments into his artwork. Romita’s artistic vision is best exemplified in his work on two issues of Spider-Man in the early 1970s, where he showcased his growth as an artist and his ability to make the characters his own.

Influential Designs and Contributions

John Romita Sr.’s contributions to Marvel extended beyond Spider-Man. He defined or refined the looks of many memorable Marvel characters, such as the Black Widow, Wolverine, and the Punisher. His designs brought these characters to life, contributing to their iconic appeal and making them integral parts of the Marvel Universe.

A Humble and Proud Legacy

John Romita Sr. was known for his humility and his pride in his work. Despite his immense success, he remained grounded and saw himself as someone who could improve upon the concepts of others. His dedication to collaboration and family is reflected in his collaborative efforts with his son, John Romita Jr., and the discussions they had about Spider-Man. Romita Sr.’s legacy extends beyond his artwork to the bonds he formed and the inspiration he left for future generations of comic book artists.

A Lasting Impact

John Romita Sr.’s impact on the comic book industry cannot be overstated. His artistic talent and contributions to the Marvel Universe have left an indelible mark on comic book storytelling and visual aesthetics. Through his work, he inspired countless artists and shaped the imaginations of millions of readers worldwide. Romita’s legacy will continue to be celebrated and cherished by fans of Marvel comics for generations to come.

Derrick Bryson Taylor is a general assignment reporter. He previously worked at The New York Post’s PageSix.com and Essence magazine. George Gustines is a senior operations manager at The Times. He began writing about the comic book industry in 2002.

A version of this article appears in print on [Date], Section A, Page 20 of the New York edition with the headline: John Romita Sr., 93; Defined or Refined Marvel Comics’ Heroes and Villains.