Tag Archives: john romita sr.

Mary Jane: Face it, Tiger #1 Celebrates 60 years of Mary Jane Watson and Sets the Stage for her Next Era!

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Sixty years ago, Marvel Comics hit the jackpot. In Amazing Spider-Man #42, Mary Jane Watson made her full debut, brought to life by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. and her luck has never run out! From Peter Parker’s true love to fashion model, super hero, and even symbiote host, MJ has done it all with style. This August, Marvel celebrates the character’s legendary legacy in Mary Jane: Face it, Tiger #1, a giant-sized one-shot with all-new stories spanning her most iconic eras, plus a glimpse at what’s next for the inimitable Mary Jane. August will also see the launch of all-new Mary Jane Watson Variant Covers, a runway-worthy collection of new Mary Jane artwork from today’s hottest artists.

Mary Jane: Face it, Tiger features a lineup of renowned writers including legendary Spider-Man scribes J.M. DeMatteis, J. Michael Straczynski, and Ann Nocenti, along with rising star Ashley Allen. They’re joined by an all-star group of artists, including Phil Noto, Alina Erofeeva, Andrea Broccardo, Luigi Zagaria—ensuring Mary Jane will look her very best!

Check out Jim Cheung’s main cover along with a variant cover by David Nakayama, which will also be available as a virgin variant cover. Preorder Mary Jane: Face it, Tiger #1 at your local comic shop, and stay tuned for the reveal of the Mary Jane Watson Variant Covers in the weeks ahead.

Check out all the covers for Captain America #1 by Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti

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Out of the ice and into the fire! Eisner-nominated writer Chip Zdarsky, superstar artist Valerio Schiti, and colorist Frank Martin launch an all-new run of Captain America this July, and today, fans can see all the covers for the highly anticipated debut issue.

The upcoming run opens with an adventure set just after Steve Rogers emerged from frozen suspended animation, but before he joined the Avengers. Returning to this pivotal moment in Marvel Comics history will reveal developments that will forever alter how the world views Captain America’s legacy. Following this game-changing arc, the series will shift to the present-day where Captain America will deal with a new threat tied to this earlier secret conflict.

Main covers come from acclaimed artist Ben Harvey while variant covers come from series artist Schiti, who also contributes a Design Variant Cover showcasing Cap’s new suit, along with superstar artists Frank Miller, and Pablo Villalobos. Series writer Chip Zdarsky also delivers a bold variant cover of his own.

In addition, get patriotic with a Hidden Gem cover featuring John Romita Sr.’s iconic artwork from Marvel’s 1976 Bicentennial Calendar as well as Luciano Vecchio’s recreation of the classic art in a 250th Homage Variant Cover. A Hidden Gem variant cover by John Romita Jr. is also available. Plus, Nick Bradshaw takes inspiration from a bygone era with one of the month’s eye-catching Retrovision Covers. And the latest Marvel Rivals Variant Cover by NetEase Games spotlights artwork of Captain America’s design from the hit game.

While Captain America slumbered in ice, the world changed – for better and for worse. Steve Rogers awakens to a reality where battles are fought in the shadows through secrets and subterfuge, and villains aren’t so easy to identify. When a fledgling dictator named Victor Von Doom conquers Latveria, Steve faces a critical decision: adapt to a new kind of warfare, or forge his own path? And what will the choice he makes in the past mean for his future? Experience the untold tale of Captain America’s first encounter with Doctor Doom!

Preorder Captain America #1 at your local comic shop today! It comes to shelves July 2, 2025.

Enjoy holiday hijinks with Marvel Holiday Tales to Astonish

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This December, get in the holiday spirit with a special new Marvel Comics one-shot: Marvel Holiday Tales to Astonish!

In the great Marvel tradition, behold the many ways your favorite heroes celebrate the season with stories starring the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and Spider-Man! Brought to you by a lineup of acclaimed Marvel talent, these three heartwarming, inspirational, and action-packed stories are suited for any reader to enjoy, making them the perfect gift for the Marvel fans in your life!  

Check out all four covers, including pieces by Luciano Vecchio and Leonardo Romero along with a wraparound homage cover by Lee Garbett and a hidden gem cover from industry legends Gil Kane and John Romita Sr. Plus check out a sneak peek at all three tales!

Here’s what fans can look forward to!

  • First, you’re invited to the Fantastic Four’s Holiday Party! But when an uninvited guest decides to spread doom instead of cheer, the FF jump into action in this delightful story from writer Gerry Duggan and artist Phil Noto.
  • Then, in a tale of Hanukkahs past, Kitty Pryde scrambles to save the day while shopping for gifts for her new teammates—the Uncanny X-Men! Daniel Kibblesmith and Pat Olliffe deliver this X-tra special adventure packed with merry mutant cameos and callbacks to classic X-Men stories! 
  • Can Spider-Man stick to his New Year’s resolution as well as he sticks to walls? Find out as Peter Parker and Miles Morales ring in the New Year as only Spider-Men can in a spectacular tale by Gene Luen Yang and Dylan Burnett.

Check out the artwork and preorder Marvel Holiday Tales to Astonish #1 at your local comic shop today!

Spider-Man returns to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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This Thanksgiving, Spider-Man makes his grand return to the streets and skies of New York City! Set to debut during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28th, Marvel and Macy’s will premiere an all-new Spider-Man balloon, inspired by and in honor of the iconic art style of comic book legend John Romita Sr.

For the first time in a decade, Spider-Man will bring Marvel back to one of New York City’s most iconic events, celebrating Marvel and Spider-Man’s roots in New York, the home of Marvel and its 85-year comic book history.

As an unparalleled Marvel artist and art director, John Romita Sr.’s art and creative vision of Spider-Man remains one of the most globally recognized versions of the character to date. While many incredible artists brought Peter Parker/Spider-Man to life over decades, John Romita Sr. created some of the most definitive eras Spider-Man, including many of Spidey’s classic cast, rogues gallery, and love interests like Mary Jane. For this iteration of Spider-Man, artisans from Macy’s Parade Studio collaborated closely with Marvel to bring John Romita Sr.’s iconic design to life.

Spider-Man was co-created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, first appearing in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962. After going on to headline his own comic book series, Amazing Spider-Man, and many others, Spider-Man became a cornerstone of the Marvel Universe. Since his first appearance, New York’s friendly neighborhood hero has gone on to become one of the most globally recognized characters in history, starring in comic book series, video games, films, television, animation, toys, and beyond. Amazing Spider-Man continues to be one of the top-selling comics in the comic book industry.

Spider-Man first debuted in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1981, later making his debut as Marvel’s first larger-than-life balloon in 1987. Spidey quickly became a favorite of Parade watchers and fans at other events for over a decade. After the original balloon was retired, Spidey made his return to the Parade in 2009, running as part of the Parade until 2014.

The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air Thursday, November 28th in the U.S. on NBC and stream on Peacock.

Daredevil #8 marks 60 years for the Man Without Fear

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In April 1964, fans witnessed the birth of a new super hero icon in Stan Lee and Bill Everett’s Daredevil #1, and in the six decades since, the Man Without Fear has headlined some of the most acclaimed runs in Marvel Comics history. This April, celebrate the character’s incredible legacy with Daredevil #8. In addition to ta main story continuing Saladin Ahmed and Aaron Kuder’s hit run, the special super-sized issue will be packed with guest talent, including legendary creators from Daredevil’s history!

Ahmed and Kuder’s Daredevil finds Matt balancing his new duties as a Catholic Priest with an ongoing war against mysterious demonic entities targeting those close to him. After discovering that the demons are the living embodiment of his own seven deadly sins, Matt and Elektra are ready to go on the offensive. In Daredevil #8, the duo finally confront the unsettling truth of the mysterious new gang terrorizing Hell’s Kitchen. In the midst of that chaos, an old foe with the blood of Matt’s closest allies on his hands returns and ushers in the next phase of what’s shaping up to be one of the most thought-provoking and pulse-pounding Daredevil eras ever!

Fans can also look forward to these other stories:

  • Ahmed teams up with rising star Tommaso Bianchi showcase why Elektra is truly a woman without fear as she single-handedly goes up against a whole army of the Heat on a daring rescue mission! 
  • Return to the 80s with visionary Daredevil scribe Ann Nocenti and acclaimed Marvel artist Stefano Rafaelle as they present a vintage flashback adventure of Daredevil taking down Turk and his fellow mobsters within the confines of a steamy bath house.
  • Daredevil: Gang War writer Erica Schultz and artist Jan Bazaldua spotlight Elektra’s current role as mentor to Alice, her young ward from Chip Zdarsky’s Eisner-nominated run!
  • Women of Marvel writer Elsa Sjunnerson and artist Erica Koda show how Matt Murdock inspires generations—both in and out of costume!
  • Daredevil: Black Armor writer D.G. Chichester and artist Ken Lashley bring you a never-before-told showdown between Daredevil and the Punisher set during Chichester’s landmark ‘90s run. 
  • And Ty Templeton delivers more of his iconic Daily Bugle funnies!

Featuring covers by John Romita Jr., Frank Miller, J. Scott Campbell, John Romita Sr., Simone Bianchi, and Stephen Segovia.

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Void Rivals #1

It was new comic book day yesterday! What did you all get? Like? Dislike? Sound off in the comments. While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to start the day.

Boing Boing – Check out this awesome video of John Romita Sr and Jr drawing together featuring Stan Lee – This is some cool history.

ICv2 – How Webtoons Are Changing the Comics Economy – How many of you read Webtoons?

Smash Pages – Nominees announced for the 2023 Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award – Congrats and good luck to all.

Reviews

Comicbook – Black Panther #1
Collected Editions – Harley Quinn Vol. 2: Keepsake
Atomic Junk Shop – Karman Line
Comicbook – Klik Klik Boom #1
Comicbook – Spirit World #2
CBR – Void Rivals #1

Legendary Artist John Romita Sr. has passed away

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Announced by his son late last night, John Romita Sr., the legendary comic artist has passed away at 93. Romita is considered one of the greats and helped co-create characters such as Wolverine, the Punisher, and Mary Jane Watson.

John Romita Jr., a comic artist as well, stated on Twitter:

I say this with a heavy heart, My father passed away peacefully in his sleep. He is a legend in the art world and it would be my honor to follow in his footsteps. Please keep your thoughts and condolences here out of respect for my family.
He was the greatest man I ever met.

Romita Sr. graduated from the Manhattan School of Industrial Art in 1947, served in the U.S. Army, and began working in comics by the age of 19.

Romita might be best known for his five-year run on The Amazing Spider-Man that began in 1961 taking over for Steve Ditko. The run introduced characters such as Mary Jane Watson and Kingpin. It was during Romita’s run that Spider-Man became the “face” of Marvel.

Romita became Marvel’s unofficial art director in 1972 and the role was formalized the next year. He helped design characters such as Luke Cage, the Punisher, and Wolverine. He served as the art director for more than two decades while still working on various comics.

Romita left Marvel in 1996 and went into semi-retirement. He still worked on projects featuring Spider-Man, Superman, and more.

Through his career, he worked on numerous comics for DC and Marvel and on series such as The Amazing Spider-Man, Daredevil, Fantastic Four, Battle, Girls’ Love Stories, Young Romance, and more.

Romita is survived by his wife Virginia as well as his sons John Romita Jr. and Victor.

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Static Team-up: Anansi #1

It’s new comic book day! What’s everyone getting? What are you excited for? Sound off in the comments below! Here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web while you wait for shops to open.

Comicbook – John Romita Sr., Legendary Marvel Comics Artist & Wolverine Co-Creator, Dead at 93 – Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fans. A legend.

ICv2 – Apple Entering Webtoon Business – Interesting.

The Beat – Dark Horse parent company the Embracer Group restructures, plans layoffs – Not surprising but not good.

Reviews

CBR – Static Team-up: Anansi #1
Atomic Junk Shop – War Birds

Marvel Celebrates Spider-Man’s New Launch with Variant Covers

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This year marks the 60th anniversary of Spider-Man and Marvel is celebrating its most iconic hero with a new volume of Amazing Spider-Man brought to life by two acclaimed comic book talents! Arriving in April, Amazing Spider-Man #1 will be written by Zeb Wells, known for his work on Hellions and Amazing Spider-Man’s current “Beyond” era and drawn by the legendary John Romita Jr. To celebrate this incredible launch, the debut issue will sport glorious variant covers by artists including Peach Momoko, InHyuk Lee, Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, Travis Charest, Humberto Ramos, a Hidden Gem cover by Mark Bagley and John Romita Sr., and many more!

Check out the first seven variant covers now and stay tuned for more Amazing Spider-Man #1 cover reveals in the coming weeks, including artwork by Russell Dauterman, Patrick Gleason, and more!

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