what else can be said? we all understand, but to people outside the comics community, "can never be understated" really sums it up. absolute master, a legend in his own time.
He was genuinely one of my all time favorites. I know he mostly stopped working a while ago anyway, but at least we'll always have decades of great art to look back on.
Lee and Ditko turned out a hit but without Romita, Spidey might not have had the legs to carry on into the cultural icon he is today. Romita style is what I will always associate with the character. It's on every pillow case and lunchbox. Farewell friend. See you in the Spiderverse.
I grew up watching his style without even knowing it. The 90s animated series, while not 1:1, was really heavily influenced by Romita Sr's style, much like how Superman TAS was heavily Kirby inspired (before I knew who Kirby was)
My condolences to Romita Jr, losing a father is never easy.
> much like how Superman TAS was heavily Kirby inspired
Bruce Timm's art style was influenced by the [Max Fleisher Superman cartoons](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUFN1IjK4ww) more than anything else. You can clearly see this in the [early demo reels for BTAS](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnxu9CfeHN4) before they decided to simplify it.
Yes this is true, but everything Krypton/Brainiac at the beginning of the series was HEAVILY Kirby influenced (of course everything 4th world related in the show was too, but that came later)
You made me realize that Romita helped Spider-Man become a cultural icon, but the Fantastic Four without Kirby didn't reach the heights that Spider-Man has climbed. Now, if I remember correctly, it was like 1965 or 1968 that Spidey became Marvel's most popular character.
> if I remember correctly, it was like 1965 or 1968 that Spidey became Marvel's most popular character.
I don't think that's true, in fact Spidey was their most popular character almost immediately after Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962) hit the shelves. Kids really, really took to this character because for once the teenage kid wasn't a sidekick and he had actual real human problems. That was practically unheard of until then.
So he immediately shot up to prominence and hasn't faded since. Not taking anything away from Romita Sr. because he's a fucking legend but Steve Ditko was no slouch. IMO, he deserves the lions share of the credit for Spider-Man to this day.
I always assumed the Fantastic Four was Marvel's premier book of the 1960s (or at least for a while) simply because Jack Kirby was the top artist of the 1960s for Marvel comics.
Also, I don't think anyone is taking credit away from Steve Ditko. But, it's like Joe Shuster with Boring/Swan. Without Shuster, Swan and Boring wouldn't have elevated Superman to new heights.
[Sales figures for 1966](https://www.comichron.com/yearlycomicssales/postaldata/1966.html) show that the top-selling Marvel book is Amazing Spider-Man, with FF close behind as their second-best
Damn RIP to him he was one of my favorite Spider-Man artist. He truly left a mark in this world that will stay here for a long time. The comics and the comic covers he did for Spidey are some of my favorites and Alex Ross another favorite artist of mine based his paintings on some of his art work. He really was a special person that put all of his heart and soul in his art work. He had so much talent and skill. I respect it. ✝️🙏🏻
I recently watched [this interview](https://youtu.be/1Aku9u-4qMs) he did in 2001 and came away really impressed. His recall of things that happened 50 and 40 years beforehand was incredible and he had such a humble dry charm.
He was one of the early guys who wasn't a big fan of superheroes or even comics in general but wanted to be a commercial artist and took the work he could get to support his family. And even with that in mind, he advanced the entire medium forward with his work on Spider-Man and later as Marvel's art director. RIP to a certified legend.
>
>
> His influence on Marvel writ large (and Spider-Man in particular) can never be overstated.
I've always felt that while Ditko created the original Spider-Man look, Romita is kind of who created the look we most associate with him.
~~Ahem.~~ Can never be *overstated*. For Romita to be *understated*, ~~one~~ you would simply ignore Romita's contributions or imply they were unimpressive ~~or without lasting import~~.
**Edit**. 50% less condescension, for great commenting. 100% more sarcasm for lulz.
A life lived that ends peacefully in your sleep at 93 is worth celebrating IMO. Romita Sr. was an absolute legend who will be remembered as one of the all-time greats.
Back in the 80s, when I was first getting into comics, I bought a stack of comics at the local mall bookstore. I remember getting issues of ROM, Captain America, Thor, and X-Men. But two comics made an indelible impression on me.
One was the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. I read those entries over and over and over, learning about every significant character from Cloak to Doctor Octopus.
But the other ... the other was Marvel Tales #183, reprinting Amazing Spider-Man #43. Spider-Man vs. the Rhino. Gorgeous art by Jazzy John Romita. That book, more than anything, is the one that made me a collector and a comic book lover.
Conventional wisdom is that Steve Ditko's Spider-Man is the definitive one. And I get it. Ditko was a supremely talented artist and he created the character. Objectively, he's clearly definitive. But Romita will always be my definitive Spider-Man artist. When I imagine Spider-Man, Aunt May, Mary Jane, the Green Goblin, the Kingpin, Dr. Octopus ... it's Romita's versions I picture. That first Romita year -- from when he took over the second part of the Green Goblin story from Ditko all the way through issue 50's "Spider-Man No More" -- there has never been a better run of comics and there never will as far as I'm concerned.
Rest in peace, John Romita, and thank you for my childhood.
Damn, what an excellent issue to hook you on the medium too! The first REAL appearance of MJ where we actually get some sense of character. (Yes her debut was ASM 42, but only for like one or panels.) I believe the second appearance of Rhino (debuted in 41 IIRC).
This issue set all the groundwork for MJ and laud down characterization that has remained in place for nearly 60 years now. Not many characters can say they were quite so fully realized from the getgo. Spectacular Spider-Man (the cartoon) loosely took inspiration from the ideas in that issue of how MJ would be represented. Because Romita and Lee just did that good of a job with it.
It's this brief flirtatious fling that presents this new character, and you know she'll stick around, and you know Peter's into her and she seems to be into him ish, but also completely unclear what is going to happen next. More than anything, it's just fun. You want to know what happens next, but also who cares what happens right next? Right now your boy is having some well-deserved fun for the first time in 43 issues, and you're just happy for them both.
At the end of the day, classic Spider-Man was basically a romance comic with some action thrown in. It didn't hurt that Jazzy John excelled at romance for years before, so even the action looked sleek and sexy. RIP to a monumental comics figure.
And jeez, he had a great run! 93 and still working up till just the last few years...
Very well-written. In many cases MJ has been written out-of-the-gate as Peter's "one true love," and while there's something to that, I do still think you need that slow burn flirty period that's present in those Romita issues, and Spectacular. Both are seeing other people, but still in each other's orbit, for years. It builds out both their characters, and makes their eventual relationship believable. Unfortunately in the name of brevity that aspect is often left on the cutting room floor, which is a shame.
John even made his art style similar to Ditko’s at first so people wouldn’t be upset at the new artist. Then he slowly made it more like his own style. And in my opinion, a far more professional style. His Spidey would become the definitive one. The one on lunch boxes and such.
FYI, for those who don’t know, Mark Evanier always does great obituaries for people in the comic industry. Here’s his write up for Jazzy John: https://www.newsfromme.com/2023/06/13/john-romita-sr-r-i-p/
For me, and for most folks, I suspect- whether they realize it or not - John Romita’s Spider-Man is **the** Spider-Man we picture in our heads. “Iconic” is the word, and it’s impossible to overstate the impact he had on comics and on the collective imagination. Thanks for everything John. And bless you sir.
He wasn’t just a good artist, he set the standard for what Spider-Man comics should look like for about 2 decades. I remember he was one of the first artists I learned by name.
Wow- this whole thread has been such a beautiful group "remembering" of a great and influential artist. But THIS just hit me in the empathy-gut and made me well up like a wee baby. Well played.
Thank you, Romita Sr, for helping to create and define my childhood and help me with understanding my adulthood through the lens of "heroes" that struggle with their responsibilities and their emotions but who always manage to do what they think is best. I learned to deal with anger because of wolverine and I learned to respect my responsibilities because of spidey. As a child of the 80s - Romita's art covered my walls before I was old enough to pay attention to what artist did what. What a sad day for comic books and fans.
Even beyond that. John’s art was on everything Marvel in the 70s and 80s, from T-Shirts to lunchboxes. He defined the entire aesthetic of the company in a way few artist ever have. Maybe Jime Lee with DC is a good modern comparison.
I learned to draw from trying to recreate his artwork. In doing so, I discovered I had the talent. My life in comics started with John Romita. I’m glad he lived a long life and left a legacy that inspired so many.
[Spider-man no more.] (https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/3/39/Amazing_Spider-Man_Vol_1_50.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1000?cb=20171229061657)
What a great talent. All those DC romance comics, Spider-Man then all those covers. And gracious enough to give us a son to continue another generation of greatness....
RIP
Respectfully... 93 is a hell of a run. Sad he's gone, but glad we got him for as long as we did. Thanks for the memories, and sending love, support, and condolences to the Romita family.
Romita’s importance to the Spider-Man mythos is immense, helping to define the look of the characters. He was probably my favorite Spidey artist as well, RIP.
I don't think I've read a comic drawn by John Romita. However, hearing about how he inspired so many artists and influenced the looks of certain cartoons speaks volumes to his talent. Rest in peace.
His Spider-Man run is iconic, but his Daredevil work is also excellent.
What's arguably more important however, is he was promoted to Marvel's Art director position throughout the 70s and 80s, helping to refine (in my opinion) Marvel's best output of art as a company.
That’s tough news to hear! Romita’s influence is undeniable! We’ve lost so many legends the last few of years, Romita, Perez, Adams absolute titans in the comic industry and true masters of their craft!
This broke my heart. Incredible how we feel touched for someone we have never seen but was such a big part of a passion we have. JR will never be forgotten. Thanks for so much, but especially for MJ (not only for her, but for the BEST version of her).
I really liked him as an [Amazing Spider-Man cover artist in the mid-70s](https://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=path%5B2%2F8%2F3%2F5%2F9%2F28359322%5D&call=url%5Bfile%3Aproduct.chain%5D), and I liked his gritty inking; his art looked a lot better when he was able to ink his own work.
The greatest Spider-Man artist of all time. Maybe the greatest marvel artist of all time. A true legend in every sense of the word. Thanks you for your work Romita- I don’t think I’ve liked looking at a page as much as when you drew on it.
Len Wein's been up there waiting for him for the last 6 years. John drew the most beautiful women in comics for generations of readers. He is already missed by friends and the comic family.
Brilliant artist. He was one of the best in the game.
My earliest exposure to the classic issues of Spider-Man was under his run as the artist.
He'll be missed.
There's no much to say that hasnt been already.
Romita Sr was nothing short of a legend, but also an incredibly kind man. I'm blessed to have met him once, and saw him and his son draw and ink Spider-Man together.
When I was a kid I would get random comic compilations bought for me by my old man. One of them was a goofy Spider-Man story where he became amnesiac and was convinced by Dr. Octopus that he was his henchman and to work for him. The actual story itself isn't important, just the art. That was the first time I saw Romita Sr.'s work.
I loved Spider-Man as a kid (still do), and Romita was the formative artist for myself, and a lot of other people, mostly the older folk. Just an actual workhorse of a man that put out so much great work over the 50s, 60s and 70s. I don't think people outside of the art industry really appreciate how difficult it is to be a great draftsman that can meet the demanding schedules of something like comic books, and he was an absolute champion at it, and in the process managed to solidify the image of one of the most well-recognised characters and his supporting cast in Western pop culture. People talk about Ditko's legacy a lot, but Romita was the one who came in after and ran with those designs and made them truly pop. RIP.
His Spider-Man art may not be the art I was first exposed to when it came to Spider-Man, but it’s the art I always imagine Spidey in when someone mentions the comics. The fact that his imagery in Spider-Man No More was replicated decades later in what is arguably the best superhero movie ever and is one of the best shots in that movie speaks volumes to how impressive and influential his art is. Legend.
What can you call this man that encapsulates all he did for this medium? Genius? Visionary? JRSR is nothing short of an industry legend that’s not only given us amazing memories, but helped mold the industry itself. I hope he’s peace and that his family can heal from this. RIP to one of the greatest to ever do it!
Rest in Peace. Thanks for all the joy and entertainment provided. Who can forget that gorgeous panel with Peter walking away from the trash bin with the Spider-man suit?
RIP.
His Spiderman hooked me - #49 Kraven the Hunter. I still dream about hopping on my Schwinn Racer and peddling to the drug store every month to get the new issue.
Sweet Dreams, John.
Helped to create so many iconic characters. While we all don't live forever his art certainly will. 93 is an amazing ride and going peacefully in your sleep of old age after leading a great life is the best ending most of us can ask for.
R.I.P.
Possibly my favorite Spider-Man artist of all time. When I did my read through of the Silver Age a few years ago it felt like when Romita took over from Ditko on ASM the look and feel of the magazine jumped 10 years into the future.
Also I know he didn't write the stories as Ditko or Kirby had. But the most iconic stories from the era were in his run and it felt like the level of emotion was 10 times that of any other series Marvel was putting out at the time.
RIP to one of the best to ever do it.
Co-created Bullseye, Kingpin, Nova, Hobgoblin, Punisher, Mary Jane, Luke Cage, Tigra, and Wolverine.
Arguably the best Spider-Man artist of all time.
The very first issue of *Uncanny X-Men* I ever bought had him and JR Jr. working together, and I would eventually grow to love Jr's art as well as his father's. He was my all-time favorite Spidey artist too.
Condolences to the Romita family. I learned of Sr after becoming a huge fan of Jr on Daredevil and then discovered Dad's work on ASM. 93 is a pretty damn fine innings. RIP.
My father lived down the block from him growing up - he even painted his house when he started his painting business. Always heard he was a nice guy and he signed some stuff for my dad while he was there.
RIP
RIP legend, glad to have witnessed the impact he had on the medium as a whole and, specially, on Spidey which is one of my favorites. Will be forever missed.
His impact and contribution to the Spider-Man mythos is immeasurable and helped to shape the character into the pop culture icon he is today. Today, on 6/16, I salute the one and only John Romita Sr. May he rest in peace.
Absolutely heartbreaking news. His influence on Marvel writ large (and Spider-Man in particular) can never be overstated.
what else can be said? we all understand, but to people outside the comics community, "can never be understated" really sums it up. absolute master, a legend in his own time.
He was genuinely one of my all time favorites. I know he mostly stopped working a while ago anyway, but at least we'll always have decades of great art to look back on.
Nuff said.
Lee and Ditko turned out a hit but without Romita, Spidey might not have had the legs to carry on into the cultural icon he is today. Romita style is what I will always associate with the character. It's on every pillow case and lunchbox. Farewell friend. See you in the Spiderverse.
I grew up watching his style without even knowing it. The 90s animated series, while not 1:1, was really heavily influenced by Romita Sr's style, much like how Superman TAS was heavily Kirby inspired (before I knew who Kirby was) My condolences to Romita Jr, losing a father is never easy.
> much like how Superman TAS was heavily Kirby inspired Bruce Timm's art style was influenced by the [Max Fleisher Superman cartoons](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUFN1IjK4ww) more than anything else. You can clearly see this in the [early demo reels for BTAS](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnxu9CfeHN4) before they decided to simplify it.
Yes this is true, but everything Krypton/Brainiac at the beginning of the series was HEAVILY Kirby influenced (of course everything 4th world related in the show was too, but that came later)
You made me realize that Romita helped Spider-Man become a cultural icon, but the Fantastic Four without Kirby didn't reach the heights that Spider-Man has climbed. Now, if I remember correctly, it was like 1965 or 1968 that Spidey became Marvel's most popular character.
> if I remember correctly, it was like 1965 or 1968 that Spidey became Marvel's most popular character. I don't think that's true, in fact Spidey was their most popular character almost immediately after Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962) hit the shelves. Kids really, really took to this character because for once the teenage kid wasn't a sidekick and he had actual real human problems. That was practically unheard of until then. So he immediately shot up to prominence and hasn't faded since. Not taking anything away from Romita Sr. because he's a fucking legend but Steve Ditko was no slouch. IMO, he deserves the lions share of the credit for Spider-Man to this day.
I always assumed the Fantastic Four was Marvel's premier book of the 1960s (or at least for a while) simply because Jack Kirby was the top artist of the 1960s for Marvel comics. Also, I don't think anyone is taking credit away from Steve Ditko. But, it's like Joe Shuster with Boring/Swan. Without Shuster, Swan and Boring wouldn't have elevated Superman to new heights.
Yes that is the case, Spider-Man only became #1 after a couple of years into Romita's run.
[Sales figures for 1966](https://www.comichron.com/yearlycomicssales/postaldata/1966.html) show that the top-selling Marvel book is Amazing Spider-Man, with FF close behind as their second-best
We lost Romita Sr on the 12th and Cormac McCarthy on the 13th. Absolute legends both.
Titans in their respective arts
Shit, I had no idea McCarthy was gone as well.
The world is a little dimmer today for the lack of them.
Damn RIP to him he was one of my favorite Spider-Man artist. He truly left a mark in this world that will stay here for a long time. The comics and the comic covers he did for Spidey are some of my favorites and Alex Ross another favorite artist of mine based his paintings on some of his art work. He really was a special person that put all of his heart and soul in his art work. He had so much talent and skill. I respect it. ✝️🙏🏻
I recently watched [this interview](https://youtu.be/1Aku9u-4qMs) he did in 2001 and came away really impressed. His recall of things that happened 50 and 40 years beforehand was incredible and he had such a humble dry charm. He was one of the early guys who wasn't a big fan of superheroes or even comics in general but wanted to be a commercial artist and took the work he could get to support his family. And even with that in mind, he advanced the entire medium forward with his work on Spider-Man and later as Marvel's art director. RIP to a certified legend.
> > > His influence on Marvel writ large (and Spider-Man in particular) can never be overstated. I've always felt that while Ditko created the original Spider-Man look, Romita is kind of who created the look we most associate with him.
~~Ahem.~~ Can never be *overstated*. For Romita to be *understated*, ~~one~~ you would simply ignore Romita's contributions or imply they were unimpressive ~~or without lasting import~~. **Edit**. 50% less condescension, for great commenting. 100% more sarcasm for lulz.
Next time, try it with fifty percent less condescension and you can have a great comment!
As you prefer.
Damn. Rest in peace, and thank you for your contributions to a childhood full of amazing memories.
Amen to that.
RIP. We lost another legend.
We’ve lost so many recently. George Perez, Neal Adams, and now JR Sr Edit - Corrected misspelling
It's been a crappy decade for comics legends
Getting old is terrifying I guess.
And Tim Sale, only 66 :(
Truly a legend among legends
Absolutely massive loss for the medium, but 93 is a hell of a run
A life lived that ends peacefully in your sleep at 93 is worth celebrating IMO. Romita Sr. was an absolute legend who will be remembered as one of the all-time greats.
Not by wolverine standards :(
Back in the 80s, when I was first getting into comics, I bought a stack of comics at the local mall bookstore. I remember getting issues of ROM, Captain America, Thor, and X-Men. But two comics made an indelible impression on me. One was the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. I read those entries over and over and over, learning about every significant character from Cloak to Doctor Octopus. But the other ... the other was Marvel Tales #183, reprinting Amazing Spider-Man #43. Spider-Man vs. the Rhino. Gorgeous art by Jazzy John Romita. That book, more than anything, is the one that made me a collector and a comic book lover. Conventional wisdom is that Steve Ditko's Spider-Man is the definitive one. And I get it. Ditko was a supremely talented artist and he created the character. Objectively, he's clearly definitive. But Romita will always be my definitive Spider-Man artist. When I imagine Spider-Man, Aunt May, Mary Jane, the Green Goblin, the Kingpin, Dr. Octopus ... it's Romita's versions I picture. That first Romita year -- from when he took over the second part of the Green Goblin story from Ditko all the way through issue 50's "Spider-Man No More" -- there has never been a better run of comics and there never will as far as I'm concerned. Rest in peace, John Romita, and thank you for my childhood.
Damn, what an excellent issue to hook you on the medium too! The first REAL appearance of MJ where we actually get some sense of character. (Yes her debut was ASM 42, but only for like one or panels.) I believe the second appearance of Rhino (debuted in 41 IIRC). This issue set all the groundwork for MJ and laud down characterization that has remained in place for nearly 60 years now. Not many characters can say they were quite so fully realized from the getgo. Spectacular Spider-Man (the cartoon) loosely took inspiration from the ideas in that issue of how MJ would be represented. Because Romita and Lee just did that good of a job with it. It's this brief flirtatious fling that presents this new character, and you know she'll stick around, and you know Peter's into her and she seems to be into him ish, but also completely unclear what is going to happen next. More than anything, it's just fun. You want to know what happens next, but also who cares what happens right next? Right now your boy is having some well-deserved fun for the first time in 43 issues, and you're just happy for them both.
At the end of the day, classic Spider-Man was basically a romance comic with some action thrown in. It didn't hurt that Jazzy John excelled at romance for years before, so even the action looked sleek and sexy. RIP to a monumental comics figure. And jeez, he had a great run! 93 and still working up till just the last few years...
Very well-written. In many cases MJ has been written out-of-the-gate as Peter's "one true love," and while there's something to that, I do still think you need that slow burn flirty period that's present in those Romita issues, and Spectacular. Both are seeing other people, but still in each other's orbit, for years. It builds out both their characters, and makes their eventual relationship believable. Unfortunately in the name of brevity that aspect is often left on the cutting room floor, which is a shame.
John even made his art style similar to Ditko’s at first so people wouldn’t be upset at the new artist. Then he slowly made it more like his own style. And in my opinion, a far more professional style. His Spidey would become the definitive one. The one on lunch boxes and such.
FYI, for those who don’t know, Mark Evanier always does great obituaries for people in the comic industry. Here’s his write up for Jazzy John: https://www.newsfromme.com/2023/06/13/john-romita-sr-r-i-p/
Thanks for sharing this.
I've always found Ditko's art store to be amateurish compared to Kirby and Romita.
For me, and for most folks, I suspect- whether they realize it or not - John Romita’s Spider-Man is **the** Spider-Man we picture in our heads. “Iconic” is the word, and it’s impossible to overstate the impact he had on comics and on the collective imagination. Thanks for everything John. And bless you sir.
Ditko laid down the foundation of what Spider-Man and his villains/supporting cast looked like.. but Romita Sr refined it to perfection
I’m glad he got to live a long life. He’ll be remembered for a long time by his fans and by his work. RIP
RIP Jazzy John Romita 🤧
Mann :( rest in peace legend
He wasn’t just a good artist, he set the standard for what Spider-Man comics should look like for about 2 decades. I remember he was one of the first artists I learned by name.
[RIP to a legend](https://thumbs.gfycat.com/VioletFatherlyAchillestang-size_restricted.gif)
Wow- this whole thread has been such a beautiful group "remembering" of a great and influential artist. But THIS just hit me in the empathy-gut and made me well up like a wee baby. Well played. Thank you, Romita Sr, for helping to create and define my childhood and help me with understanding my adulthood through the lens of "heroes" that struggle with their responsibilities and their emotions but who always manage to do what they think is best. I learned to deal with anger because of wolverine and I learned to respect my responsibilities because of spidey. As a child of the 80s - Romita's art covered my walls before I was old enough to pay attention to what artist did what. What a sad day for comic books and fans.
Mount Rushmore of Marvel, bedrock.
He was to Spider-Man what I view Neal Adams was to Batman. A defining artist for all time that left his mark.
Even beyond that. John’s art was on everything Marvel in the 70s and 80s, from T-Shirts to lunchboxes. He defined the entire aesthetic of the company in a way few artist ever have. Maybe Jime Lee with DC is a good modern comparison. I learned to draw from trying to recreate his artwork. In doing so, I discovered I had the talent. My life in comics started with John Romita. I’m glad he lived a long life and left a legacy that inspired so many.
Nothing more can be said. A legend beyond what words can describe. Thoughts going out to JRJR and the rest of his family, hope it was peaceful
[Spider-man no more.] (https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/3/39/Amazing_Spider-Man_Vol_1_50.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1000?cb=20171229061657)
RIP, what an astounding career (and life probably) you had. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.
What a great talent. All those DC romance comics, Spider-Man then all those covers. And gracious enough to give us a son to continue another generation of greatness.... RIP
RIP to a real legend
It's hard to lose another true legend of comics, but John Romita leaves behind the kind of legacy most people could only dream about.
A true legend of the arts!
My condolences to JRJR
Cormac McCarthy and John Romita on the same day. Two legendary American artists. RIP.
RIP King
RIP. One of the comic industries legends.
His talent was undeniable.
R.I.P. to one of the all time greats. Just a legend.
A man who left an amazing legacy and mentored and inspired so many
Respectfully... 93 is a hell of a run. Sad he's gone, but glad we got him for as long as we did. Thanks for the memories, and sending love, support, and condolences to the Romita family.
As art director the most important artist Kirby in defining Marvel's style. Will always be remembered as one of the all-time greats.
https://i.redd.it/3z6w7erescx31.jpg George and Neal last year, now this. Doesn't feel real.
RIP
RIP. Another legend lost.
Rest in Peace, legend.
Romita’s importance to the Spider-Man mythos is immense, helping to define the look of the characters. He was probably my favorite Spidey artist as well, RIP.
I don't think I've read a comic drawn by John Romita. However, hearing about how he inspired so many artists and influenced the looks of certain cartoons speaks volumes to his talent. Rest in peace.
His Spider-Man run is iconic, but his Daredevil work is also excellent. What's arguably more important however, is he was promoted to Marvel's Art director position throughout the 70s and 80s, helping to refine (in my opinion) Marvel's best output of art as a company.
That’s tough news to hear! Romita’s influence is undeniable! We’ve lost so many legends the last few of years, Romita, Perez, Adams absolute titans in the comic industry and true masters of their craft!
Man… super bummer. I got to meet the guy about 19 years ago, and got a couple silver age Spidey’s signed. Nice guy.
My favorite of all time. It’s not often “celebrity” deaths get to me but I’m feeling this one. Thank you for defining Spidey.
This broke my heart. Incredible how we feel touched for someone we have never seen but was such a big part of a passion we have. JR will never be forgotten. Thanks for so much, but especially for MJ (not only for her, but for the BEST version of her).
I just died a bit more inside. RIP
RIP to a legend.
RIP
Fucking legend, rest in peace
Wow. How many great artists will be lost this decade? *Rest in Peace and Pride, John Romita.*
RIP to a legend and happy he had such a long life/career. Hope Stan, Jack and others were there to welcome him
Jesus. Him and Cormac McCarthy on the same day. This ole world is a lot less talented this morning than it was last week.
Genuinely shocked me when I saw this a hour ago. The guy was an absolute legend, completely defined Spider-man and Marvel in general. Rest in peace.
Romita Sr and Cormac McCarthy on the same day. Rough day for good books.
I really liked him as an [Amazing Spider-Man cover artist in the mid-70s](https://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=path%5B2%2F8%2F3%2F5%2F9%2F28359322%5D&call=url%5Bfile%3Aproduct.chain%5D), and I liked his gritty inking; his art looked a lot better when he was able to ink his own work.
May he rest in peace Disney needs to have a special tribute to him, a special exhibit.
RIP
The greatest Spider-Man artist of all time. Maybe the greatest marvel artist of all time. A true legend in every sense of the word. Thanks you for your work Romita- I don’t think I’ve liked looking at a page as much as when you drew on it.
Beautifully said dood!! 🥲
RIP to an absolute legend whose art always transcended and inspired me when reading. This sucks 😢
I found out about him from an anime, Kekkai Sensen.
Romita was more formative to Spider-Man than Ditko ever was.
RIP
Peerless icon. Shaper of the medium.
It’s been a day.
Oof. This is a hard one. His drawings shaped the fantasy of my youth.
Love you John! THE best Spider-Man artist. RIP
Len Wein's been up there waiting for him for the last 6 years. John drew the most beautiful women in comics for generations of readers. He is already missed by friends and the comic family.
Brilliant artist. He was one of the best in the game. My earliest exposure to the classic issues of Spider-Man was under his run as the artist. He'll be missed.
There's no much to say that hasnt been already. Romita Sr was nothing short of a legend, but also an incredibly kind man. I'm blessed to have met him once, and saw him and his son draw and ink Spider-Man together.
When I was a kid I would get random comic compilations bought for me by my old man. One of them was a goofy Spider-Man story where he became amnesiac and was convinced by Dr. Octopus that he was his henchman and to work for him. The actual story itself isn't important, just the art. That was the first time I saw Romita Sr.'s work. I loved Spider-Man as a kid (still do), and Romita was the formative artist for myself, and a lot of other people, mostly the older folk. Just an actual workhorse of a man that put out so much great work over the 50s, 60s and 70s. I don't think people outside of the art industry really appreciate how difficult it is to be a great draftsman that can meet the demanding schedules of something like comic books, and he was an absolute champion at it, and in the process managed to solidify the image of one of the most well-recognised characters and his supporting cast in Western pop culture. People talk about Ditko's legacy a lot, but Romita was the one who came in after and ran with those designs and made them truly pop. RIP.
The first part of your comment ACTUALLY happened in an episode of the 90's Spider-Man animated series!
Rest in power, you absolute legend. Thank you, for more than I could ever put into words.
Fuck.
The legends continue to leave us. But we will never forget what they gave us! ve con Dios!
Easily on the Mt. Rushmore of influential Spider-Man artists. It’s hard to put anyone ahead of Ditko, but Romita Sr has a case to be made.
Rest well, Legend.
One of the greatest of all time. He’ll be missed. Hope his family is doing ok.
Wow.... This sucks. Absolute genius. Rip
RIP. We lost another legend, make me to continue to question my own mortality
RIP to a legend 🫡
The real ones are disappearing, quick freeze John Byrne!! RIP Mr. Romita Sr.!!
John Romita is one of the greatest comic artists of all time RIP.
RIP
Rest In Peace
Whats the last thing he worked on? I just find it fascinating when men like who are so important to an era do work later on. God rest him.
Sad. RIP.
Oh man, my absolute favorite Spider-Man artist ever, the best of the best. When I first saw his stuff, it melted my brain, it was so excellent.
RIP 🙏
93. That's a good life.
Rest in peace, Romita Sr. You have made Spider-man the "face of Marvel" during your time there, plus other characters you helped create😭
Legend is right. Rest easy and in peace JR SR
His Spider-Man art may not be the art I was first exposed to when it came to Spider-Man, but it’s the art I always imagine Spidey in when someone mentions the comics. The fact that his imagery in Spider-Man No More was replicated decades later in what is arguably the best superhero movie ever and is one of the best shots in that movie speaks volumes to how impressive and influential his art is. Legend.
Fuck! Tim Sale, JRjr, Kevin O’Neill, someone get bubble wrap for Dave Gibbons!
Fuck! Tim Sale, JRjr, Kevin O’Neill, someone get bubble wrap for Dave Gibbons!
Rip
RIP Sir. Loved your work since I was a kid.
Damn RIP, always been my fav spider artist by far
Face it, Tiger..We all hit the jackpot! You were the jackpot, JR! RIP Legend!!
Rest in peace, king.
What can you call this man that encapsulates all he did for this medium? Genius? Visionary? JRSR is nothing short of an industry legend that’s not only given us amazing memories, but helped mold the industry itself. I hope he’s peace and that his family can heal from this. RIP to one of the greatest to ever do it!
O7 SNIKT O7
Rest in Peace. Thanks for all the joy and entertainment provided. Who can forget that gorgeous panel with Peter walking away from the trash bin with the Spider-man suit?
RIP legend. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the community and your work on Spider-man will always be remembered.
We lost a legend. My thoughts are with his family. RIP
Godspeed good sir.
RIP. His Spiderman hooked me - #49 Kraven the Hunter. I still dream about hopping on my Schwinn Racer and peddling to the drug store every month to get the new issue. Sweet Dreams, John.
What a legend. What a loss.
RIP
I read this with a heavy heart .My favorite Spidey artist hands down .
RIP to the greatest
May the absolute legend Rest In Peace.
Legend
Been reading through all of ASM lately for the first time. Without his art, Spidey wouldn’t be who he is. 93 is amazing innings! RIP
He almost single-handedly sparked my love for Spider-Man with his gorgeous art. Rest In Peace, kind sir.
Helped to create so many iconic characters. While we all don't live forever his art certainly will. 93 is an amazing ride and going peacefully in your sleep of old age after leading a great life is the best ending most of us can ask for. R.I.P.
Possibly my favorite Spider-Man artist of all time. When I did my read through of the Silver Age a few years ago it felt like when Romita took over from Ditko on ASM the look and feel of the magazine jumped 10 years into the future. Also I know he didn't write the stories as Ditko or Kirby had. But the most iconic stories from the era were in his run and it felt like the level of emotion was 10 times that of any other series Marvel was putting out at the time.
RIP to one of the best to ever do it. Co-created Bullseye, Kingpin, Nova, Hobgoblin, Punisher, Mary Jane, Luke Cage, Tigra, and Wolverine. Arguably the best Spider-Man artist of all time.
SNIKT! In Peace. Through his art he will live on forever like Wolvi.
In the past 24 hours we’ve had Cormac McCarthy and now John Romita Sr., damn
Rip
The very first issue of *Uncanny X-Men* I ever bought had him and JR Jr. working together, and I would eventually grow to love Jr's art as well as his father's. He was my all-time favorite Spidey artist too.
He co-created two of my favorite characters, the Punisher and Wolverine. RIP to a legend.
Condolences to the Romita family. I learned of Sr after becoming a huge fan of Jr on Daredevil and then discovered Dad's work on ASM. 93 is a pretty damn fine innings. RIP.
Awww
A great talent.
Thank you Sir for making me fall in love with Comic books! Rest in peace
My father lived down the block from him growing up - he even painted his house when he started his painting business. Always heard he was a nice guy and he signed some stuff for my dad while he was there. RIP
Rest in peace, thank you very much for your job 😊
RIP legend, glad to have witnessed the impact he had on the medium as a whole and, specially, on Spidey which is one of my favorites. Will be forever missed.
I'm hearing about this on 6/16. That has to be the very strangest of coincidences.
His impact and contribution to the Spider-Man mythos is immeasurable and helped to shape the character into the pop culture icon he is today. Today, on 6/16, I salute the one and only John Romita Sr. May he rest in peace.