Comic book writer Gerry Conway, creator of Marvel and DC characters, dies aged 76

Comic book writer and editor Gerry Conway has died at the age of 76 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, his wife confirmed. He passed away at his home in Thousand Oaks.

Marvel Comics confirmed the news in a statement, describing Conway as a major creative force in the industry.

The company said, “Gerry was a tremendous icon in comics who shaped pop culture itself. He was a dear friend, partner, and mentor, and our hearts are with his family and the millions he touched through his work.”

Born on September 10 1952, in Brooklyn, Conway began writing comics at a young age and sold his first story to Marvel at just 15 years old, although it was published later.

He went on to write extensively for both Marvel Comics and DC Comics, contributing to major titles including Spider-Man, the Avengers, Iron Man and Captain Marvel.

One of his most notable storylines was the death of Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man issue No. 121, a decision that reshaped the direction of Spider-Man narratives.

Conway later explained, “There was a transition going on in the comic book field of trying to make things more real, emotionally and realistically,” adding, “I wanted these stories to fuel Peter’s pain.”

He also co-created the character Frank Castle, known as The Punisher, who first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man issue No. 129. The character became one of Marvel’s most recognisable anti-heroes.

Conway contributed to DC Comics as well, co-creating characters such as Firestorm and Power Girl, and writing for Justice League of America over several years.

His final credited work for Marvel came in 2023 on the Disney+ series What If…, where he co-wrote an alternative storyline involving Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy.

Conway is survived by his wife, two daughters from previous marriages, a grandson and a sister.