Comics Legend Gerry Conway Passes Away At 73
by Tony Thornley
Early yesterday morning, Marvel Comics announced via their social media channels that comics legend Gerry Conway passed away at age 73 after an extended illness.
Conway began writing comics at age 16, contributing to DC Comics’ House of Secrets #81. He then wrote for Marvel and DC regularly a few years later, before eventually settling at Marvel for several years, eventually becoming the publisher’s editor-in-chief. His career spanned across both of the big two though, with extended runs on virtually every major hero and team, most notably Spider-Man and the Justice League. He also wrote Marvel and DC’s first ever crossover: Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man.
One of Conway’s most notable writing achievements was succeeding Stan Lee as writer on the Amazing Spider-Man. His run included multiple key moments and milestones, such as the death of Gwen Stacy, the introduction of the Punisher, and more.
Conway was the creator or co-creator of multiple key characters who still maintain popularity and prominence today, such as Punisher, Power Girl, Firestorm, Vixen and Carol Danvers. Conway also wrote extensively for television, including episodes of Law & Order, Batman: The Animated Series and Columbo.
I’ve always enjoyed Conway’s work. Without him, Spider-Man wouldn’t be the character he is today, and he always had a remarkably entertaining and readable quality to his work, no matter the story.
We extend our condolences to Conway’s family and friends.
