Marvel and DC Comics writer Gerry Conway passes at 73

American comic book writer, editor, and producer Gerry Conway, known for co-creating iconic characters like “The Punisher” and “Ms. Marvel,” passed away on April 27 at the age of 73. 

Marvel Comics shared a statement honoring Conway, announcing his passing with deep sadness on behalf of his family. “Marvel extended its sincerest condolences to all who knew and loved him.”

Marvel executives also reflected on Conway’s impact across the industry, praising his ability to bring emotional depth and real stakes to superhero storytelling.

President of Marvel Comics and Franchise Dan Buckley noted that Conway had a unique talent for grasping what made stories connect emotionally with people, while also strongly supporting creators and the comic book industry as a whole. Buckley added that Conway’s impact “continues to inspire writers, artists, and readers” across generations.

Editor-in-chief C. B. Cebulski pointed to Conway’s wide-reaching impact across the Marvel Universe, having written for nearly every major character, from Spider-Man and the Avengers to Iron Man and Captain Marvel. 

He highlighted how Conway introduced unforgettable characters like the Punisher and crafted emotionally powerful stories such as “The Night Gwen Stacy Died.” Cebulski added that Conway’s work left a lasting mark on superhero storytelling.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said that Conway brought a sense of realism and consequence to his writing, blending larger-than-life action with deeply relatable human experiences. 

His work not only helped define Marvel’s comics but also influenced several film and TV projects, including those featuring Daredevil, Werewolf by Night, and the Punisher. Feige described him as “a wonderful collaborator and friend.”

President and  chief creative officer of DC Comics Jim Lee, also paid tribute to Conway on his Instagram, recognizing his lasting influence on the comic book industry and his contributions across both Marvel and DC.

“Thank you, Gerry, for the worlds imagined and the heroes created. What an incredible legacy you leave behind. Rest in peace,” he wrote.

While he was at DC Comics, Conway wrote Justice League of America for 8 years. He also wrote other DC superhero stories and penned the first modern day inter-company  crossover, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man.

In his later years, Conway faced health challenges, having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022. He was later declared cancer-free in 2023. No official cause of death has been announced.