John Romita Jr.
John Romita Jr. | |
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Eisner Award (2002) |
John Salvatore Romita
Early life
John Romita Jr. was born August 17, 1956,[2] the son of Virginia (Bruno) and comic book artist John Romita Sr., one of the signature Spider-Man artists since the 1960s.[3][4] He studied advertising art and design at Farmingdale State College in East Farmingdale, New York, graduating in 1976.[5]
Career
Romita Jr.'s first contribution to Marvel Comics was at the age of 13 with the creation of the original Prowler, a sketch of which Romita had produced. Editor Stan Lee liked the name but not the costume; Romita combined the name with a design that he had previously intended for a character called the Stalker that was intended for the never-published The Spectacular Spider-Man #3.[6] Inspired by Romita's drawing, Lee, John Buscema and Jim Mooney created the Hobie Brown version of the character that would debut in The Amazing Spider-Man #78 (Nov. 1969).[7]
Romita Jr. began his career at Marvel UK, doing sketches for covers of reprints. His American debut was with a six-page story entitled "Chaos at the Coffee Bean!" in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #11 (1977).[1][8]
Romita's early popularity began with his run on
After he ended his first run on The Uncanny X-Men, Romita was assigned to
Stan Lee interviewed Romita and his father in Episode 8 of the 1991–1992 documentary series The Comic Book Greats.
He worked on a host of Marvel titles during the 1990s, including a return to
Romita contacted Frank Miller and told him that he wanted to collaborate on a graphic novel, suggesting they work on Wolverine. Miller dismissed this, saying that too many other creators were producing books featuring that character, and instead sent Romita a rejected 64-page film treatment for what was essentially a "Daredevil Year One"-type story. After Romita completed adapating the story into comics form, Miller told him that he had written an addendum to be set in between Pages 17 and 18, which ended up adding 84 more pages to the book, changing its format. The result was the 144-page, 5-issue miniseries Daredevil: The Man Without Fear,[17][18] which was published in 1993,[22] The book was a retelling of the character's origin, which reunited Romita with Williamson on inks.[18] In a 2017 interview, Romita said that in terms of storytelling, he thought that Man Without Fear was the best work he had ever done,[17][18] due to the strong storytelling and the quality of the story.[3][17] Elements from the storyline were adapted into the 2015 Netflix series Daredevil.[17]
In July 1998 Dan Jurgens and Romita Jr. relaunched the Thor series.[23]
A January 1999 reboot of Peter Parker: Spider-Man was handled by Howard Mackie and Romita Jr.[24]
In 2001, Romita returned to Spider-Man for a collaboration with writer
In 2006, Romita collaborated with writer
In 2008, Romita again returned to The Amazing Spider-Man.
On April 9, 2011, Romita was one of 62 comics creators who appeared at the IGN stage at the Kapow! convention in London to set two Guinness World Records, the "Fastest Production of a Comic Book" and "Most Contributors to a Comic Book". With Guinness officials on hand to monitor their progress, writer Millar began work at 9 a.m. scripting a 20-page black-and-white comic book of his character Superior, with Romita and the other artists appearing on stage throughout the day to work on the pencils, inks, and lettering, each drawing a panel.[33][34] The book was completed in 11 hours, 19 minutes, and 38 seconds, and was published through Icon on November 23, 2011, with all royalties being donated to Yorkhill Children's Foundation.[33]
On May 4, 2012, Romita set out to break his own record for continuous cartooning, to support the charity
In 2014, Romita Jr. became the penciller of the DC Comics flagship title
In 2020, Romita drew Kelly Sue DeConnick's story "Fore" for Detective Comics' 1027th issue.[44]
Influences and techniques
Romita's art influences include his father
Having illustrated both gritty street-level stories of characters such as Spider-Man and Daredevil and cosmic stories such as those starring Thor, Romita says he prefers the former, because "that is where I grew up. I use the same approach to each of the different story types – the story tells me what to do."
Awards
John Romita Jr. received an Inkpot Award in 1994.[45]
With writer
Bibliography
DC Comics
- Action Comics #1017–1028 (2019–2020)
- All-Star Batman#1–5 (2016)
- Batman vol. 3 #80–81 (2019)
- Batman Black and White vol. 5 #6 (among other artists, 2021)
- Dark Days: The Casting #1 (one-shot, with Jim Lee and Andy Kubert, 2017)
- Dark Days: The Forge #1 (one-shot, with Lee and Kubert, 2017)
- Dark Knight III: The Master Race#3 (backup story, 2016)
- Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade (one-shot, 2016)
- Detective Comics #1027 (among other artists, 2020)
- The Silencer #1–3 (2018)
- Suicide Squad vol. 4 #11–15 (2017)
- Superman vol. 3 #32–44 (2014–2015)
- Superman: Year One #1–3 (2019)
Image Comics
- The Gray Area #1–3 (2004)
- Kick-Ass#1–6 (2018)
Marvel Comics
- The Amazing Spider-Man #208, 210–218, 223–227, 229–236, 238–250, 290–291, 432, 500–508, 568–573, 584–585, 587–588, 600, 692, Annual #11, 16 (1980–1984, 1987, 1995, 1998, 2003–2004, 2008–2009, 2012)
- The Amazing Spider-Man vol. 2, #22–27, 30–58 (2000–2003)
- The Amazing Spider-Man vol. 6 #1-5, 7-8, 11-13, 21-26 (2022-)
- The Avengers vol. 3 #35 (2000)
- The Avengers vol. 4 #1–12, 14, 16–17 (2010–2011)
- Black Panthervol. 3, #1–6 (2005)
- Cable: Blood and Metal #1-2 (miniseries, 1992)
- Captain America vol. 7, #1–10 (2013)
- Daredevil #250–257, 259–263, 265–276, 278–282, Annual #5 (1988–1990)
- Daredevil: The Man Without Fear #1-5 (1993–1994)
- Dark Reign: The List – Punisher #1 (2009)
- Dazzler #1–3 (1981)
- Eternals vol. 3 #1–7 (2006–2007)
- Fall of the Hulks: Gamma #1 (2010)
- Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America #4 (2007)
- Fantastic Four vol. 6 #35 (2021)
- Free Comic Book Day 2010: Iron Man/Thor #1 (2010)
- Ghost Rider/Wolverine/Punisher: Hearts of Darkness #1 (1991)
- Heroes for Hope Starring the X-Men #1 (1985)
- The Incredible Hulk vol. 3 #24–25, 27–28, 34–39 (2001–2002)
- Iron Man #115–117, 119–121, 123–128, 141–150, 152–156, 256, 258–266 (1978–1982, 1990–1991)
- The Last Fantastic Four Story (2007)
- Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions #1-3 (1982)
- Marvel Super Special #5 (Kiss) (1978)
- The Mighty Avengers #15 (2008)
- Peter Parker: Spider-Man #57, 64–76, 78–84, 86–92, 94–95, 97–98 (1995–1998)
- Peter Parker: Spider-Man vol. 2, #1–3, 6–12, 14–17, 19 (1999–2000)
- The Punisher War Zone #1–8 (1992)
- Scarlet Spider #2 (1995)
- Sentry vol. 2 #1–8 (miniseries, 2005–2006)
- The Spectacular Spider-Man #50, 121 (1981, 1986)
- Spider-Man: The Lost Years #0, 1–3 (miniseries, 1995)
- Star Brand #1–2, 4–7 (1986–1987)
- Thor vol. 2, #1–8, 10–13, 16–18, 21–25 (1998–2000)
- Ultimate Vision #0 (2007)
- Uncanny X-Men #175–185, 187–197, 199–200, 202–203, 206–211, 287, 300–302, 304, 306–311, Annual #4 (1980–1986, 1992–1994)
- Wolverine vol. 3, #20–31 (2004–2005)
- World War Hulk #1–5 (2007–2008)
- X-Men: Legacy #208 (2008)
- X-Men Unlimited #7 (1994)
Icon Comics
- Hit-Girl #1–5 (2012–2013)
- Kick-Ass #1–8 (with writer Mark Millar2008–2010)
- Kick-Ass 2#1–7 (2010–2012)
- Kick-Ass 3#1–8 (2013–2014)
Marvel Comics / DC Comics
- intercompany crossover, 1994)
- Thorion of the New Asgods #1 (1997)
References
- ^ a b "John Romita Jr". Lambiek Comiclopedia. June 3, 2012. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012.
- ^ a b Miller, John Jackson (June 10, 2005). "Comics Industry Birthdays". Comics Buyer's Guide. Iola, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on February 18, 2011. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Andreasen, Henrik; Keller, Katherine (November 19, 2007). "Like Father Like Son: John Romita Jr". SequentialTart.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015.
- ISBN 978-1933305271. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
- ^ "Farmingdale State College To Hold Alumni Awards Dinner Next March 31". East Farmingdale, New York: Farmingdale State College. December 10, 2015. Archived from the original on January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
- ISBN 978-1605490557.
- ISBN 978-0756641238.
Future Marvel artist John Romita, Jr. – who was thirteen years old at the time- came up with a character called the Prowler and sent a drawing to Stan Lee.
- ^ a b c d John Romita Jr. at the Grand Comics Database
- ^ Sanderson, Peter "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 187: "In December [1978], co-plotters David Michelinie and Bob Layton, and penciler John Romita Jr....came up with Bethany Cabe, a highly capable professional bodyguard and a different sort of leading lady."
- ^ Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 189: "Tony Stark's billionaire nemesis Justin Hammer made his first appearance in The Invincible Iron Man #120 by writer David Michelinie and artist John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton. "
- ISBN 978-0756692360.)
Writer Denny O'Neil's newest contribution to the Spider-Man mythos would come in the form of psychic Madame Web, a character introduced with the help of artist John Romita Jr.
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has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - ^ Manning "1980s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 118: "In this issue, award-winning writer Denny O'Neil, with collaborator John Romita Jr., introduced Hydro-Man."
- ^ DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 208: "Plotted by Mark Gruenwald, Steven Grant, and Bill Mantlo, and penciled by John Romita Jr., Contest of Champions eventually saw print in June 1982"
- ^ Manning "1980s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 133: "Writer Roger Stern and artists John Romita Jr. and John Romita Sr. introduced a new – and frighteningly sane – version of the [Green Goblin] concept with the debut of the Hobgoblin."
- ^ DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 218: "A brilliant weapons inventor Forge was the man the government hired when Tony Stark stopped building munitions."
- ^ a b Gagnon, Mike (August 2008). "The X-Traordinary John Romita, Jr". Back Issue! (29). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 73–77.
- ^ )
- ^ a b c d e Cordier, Philippe (April 2007). "Seeing Red: Dissecting Daredevil's Defining Years". Back Issue! (21). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 33–60.
- ^ DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 237: "Mary was first introduced in Daredevil #254 by [writer] Ann Nocenti and artist John Romita Jr."
- ^ Manning, Matthew K. "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 258: "The third ongoing series to star vigilante Frank Castle was The Punisher: War Zone, written by Chuck Dixon and with art by John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson."
- ^ Manning "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 260
- ^ Manning "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 264: "Comic legends Frank Miller and John Romita Jr. united to tell a new version of Daredevil's origin in this carefully crafted five-issue miniseries."
- ^ Manning "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 289: "Thor thundered into his new ongoing series by writer Dan Jurgens and artist John Romita Jr."
- ^ Cowsill, Alan "1990s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 246: The second new Spidey title of the month featured a tale written by Howard Mackie and drawn by John Romita Jr."
- ^ Cowsill "2000s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 262: "J. Michael Straczynski and artist John Romita Jr. took the helm in this issue to create some of the best Spider-Man stories of the decade."
- ^ Cowsill "2000s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 265: "The most powerful Spider-Man comic of the year was Straczynski and Romita Jr.'s response to the horrific events of 9–11...Spider-Man's 9-11 story was a highly charged, beautifully produced tribute to the heroes and victims of the attack."
- ^ Richards, Dave (June 9, 2006). "Following in the Footsteps: Romita Talks Eternals". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 15, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
- ^ MacQuarrie, Jim (August 3, 2007). "CCI XTRA: Spotlight on Neil Gaiman". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
- ^ Manning "2000s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 336: "Writer Greg Pak teamed up with legendary artists John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson for the largest crossover event of 2007, World War Hulk."
- ^ Ong Pang Kean, Benjamin (September 14, 2006). "John Romita Jr.: Returning to and with the Hulk". Newsarama. Archived from the original on March 20, 2007.
- ^ Cowsill "2000s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 314
- ^ Weintraub, Steve (2010). "John Romita Jr. Interview: Kick-Ass". Collider.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
- ^ a b Butler, Tom (April 14, 2011). "Kapow! '11: Comic History Rewritten On The IGN Stage". IGN. Archived from the original on January 19, 2014.
- ^ "Guinness World Records at Kapow! Comic Con". Guinness World Records. April 9, 2011. Archived from the original on April 15, 2011.
- ^ Wright, Eddie (April 26, 2012). "John Romita Jr. to Break Guinness World Record for Heroes for Jordan". MTV. Archived from the original on May 22, 2013.
- ^ Johnston, Rich (February 4, 2014). "Scoop: The New Look For John Romita Jr's Superman – And Confirmation That Geoff Johns Will Be Writing It". Bleeding Cool. Archived from the original on February 6, 2014.
- ^ McMillan, Graeme (February 4, 2014). "John Romita Jr. Signs with DC for Superman with Geoff Johns". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 6, 2014.
- ^ Khouri, Andy (February 4, 2014). "Geoff Johns Returns To Superman In Collaboration With John Romita Jr". ComicsAlliance. Archived from the original on February 6, 2014.
- ^ Gaudette, Emily (August 11, 2016). "In All-Star, Batman Has 'A Target on Him, Nowhere to Go'". Inverse.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2016.
DC has just released All-Star Batman, a dark road-trip story in the American midwest. The superhero-horror comic, created by beloved DC heavyweights Scott Snyder and John Romita Jr., is the freshest and scariest Batman story since 1988's The Cult.
- ^ Marston, George (March 29, 2016). "Scott Snyder: All-Star Batman Is 'My Long Halloween'". Newsarama. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016.
- ^ Gerding, Stephen (April 21, 2017). "Exclusive: John Romita Jr. Discusses Dark Matter Work, Influences". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on June 14, 2017.
The artist described his and writer Dan Abnett's Silencer title as something akin to 'a female John Wick.'
- ^ Arrant, Chris (July 22, 2017). "Superman: Year One By Frank Miller & John Romita Jr". Newsarama. Archived from the original on July 23, 2017.
- ^ Johnston, Rich (July 20, 2018). "Sneak Peek Inside DC Black Label's Batman: Damned and Superman: Year One". Bleeding Cool. Archived from the original on August 20, 2018.
- ^ Dominguez, Noah (September 13, 2020). "Detective Comics #1027". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ "Inkpot Award Winners". Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012.
- Comic-Con International. December 2, 2012. Archived from the originalon October 6, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
Further reading
- Anderson, Chris (2015). "Superman redrawn". Book Club. SciFiNow. 104: 100–103.
External links
- John Romita Jr. at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
- John Romita Jr. on Marvel.com
- John Romita Jr. at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
- John Romita Jr. at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators
- John Romita Jr. at IMDb