Influential comics legend Gerry Conway, whose writing made an impact on key characters at both Marvel and DC Comics, has died. Across his long career, he co-created the Punisher—a very active character in the current Marvel TV realm—as well as Peter Parker’s clone, Ben Reilly, and the first Ms. Marvel. He also penned the memorable “The Night Gwen Stacy Died” story arc in The Amazing Spider-Man.
His accomplishments don’t stop there. At DC, he co-created Firestorm, Vixen, alt-universe Supergirl variant Power Girl, Robin successor Jason Todd, and Batman baddie Killer Croc.
Marvel Comics announced the news on social media on behalf of Conway’s family, remembering him as “a tremendous icon in comics who shaped pop culture itself,” as well as “a dear friend, partner, and mentor.” He was 73 years old.
On behalf of his family, we are sad to share that Gerry Conway has passed away. 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. pic.twitter.com/jwUgdSdvnt
— Marvel Comics (@MarvelComicsHQ) April 27, 2026
In recent years, Conway maintained a Substack, “Conway’s Corner.” In an August 2024 post, he wrote that he’d intended to use the blog “to comment on current politics, pass on random insights about the art and business of writing, specifically writing for comics and TV, and maybe trick myself into producing a first draft of my long-intended memoir,” and apologized to readers for the lack of fresh content—revealing that he’d recently undergone treatment for cancer.
In addition to the social media post, Marvel Comics’ website shared a longer tribute. Marvel Comics president Dan Buckley called Conway “a gifted writer” who was “thoughtful, deeply attuned to the emotional and moral core of storytelling, and a wonderful and articulate advocate for comics and creators.”
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige also remembered Conway’s impact.
“Gerry Conway brought real stakes to his writing, able to weave together sensational super heroics with the human and relatable, and in doing so created some of the most memorable stories and characters of all time,” Feige said. “His writing has been hugely impactful across our comics, but it has also inspired so much of what we’ve done on screen, from Werewolf by Night to Daredevil to Spider-Man and Punisher. Gerry was a wonderful collaborator and friend to so many and will be dearly missed.”
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