Art director John Romita “Jazzy” Sr. has died, Marvel confirmed Tuesday on its website.
The artist was known for his work on characters such as Wolverine, Black Widow, the Punisher, Kingpin, Luke Cage, Spider-Man, and Mary Jane.
“Millions came to know Marvel through his art, and millions more came to know Peter Parker through the unmistakable bold brushwork Romita brought to his pages,” the company said in its tribute to him on its website.
It was Romita’s work that Marvel fans came to love for decades, the company said.
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Romita was a ‘legend,’ Marvel executives say
Calling him a legend and a creative giant, Marvel executives said Romita was kind, graceful and had a vision that will be etched into Marvel fans’ and artists’ memories forever.
It’s his work that most people picture when they think of Spider-Man, said Nick Lowe, executive editor at Marvel Entertainment.
Among Romita’s portfolio is the1969 “The Amazing Spider-Man #39” and more than 100 covers, Lowe said.
Even an online listing of the comic sings Romita’s praises, noting that “Peter Parker never seems to catch a break, at least not under the pencils of legendary artist John Romita.”
And the penciler was more than an artist. Lowe said he also a “fantastic father, a doting grandfather, and a gentleman,” he recalled.
Meeting Romita left one Marvel exec. starstruck
Dan Buckley, president of Marvel Entertainment, reflected on what it was like to meet Romita and be in awe of his talent and reputation.
“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,” Buckley said in a news release.
According to Buckley, Romita was just as much of a hero as the ones he drew and brought to life.
“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,” Buckley said.
Others who reflected on his work said his linework was “timeless” and innovative, much different from anything that had been printed before he came along.
According to C.B. Cebulski, editor-in-chief of Marvel Entertainment, this innovation made Romita nervous but it’s his willingness to try something different that solidified him as a legend in Marvel’s history.
“The same was true for every Marvel character John designed, penciled and inked,” Cebulski said. “Whether as an artist or art director, John’s work influenced generations of comic book artists. With his passing, the comic industry loses a true legend, but just like his artwork, his legacy will remain timeless.”
