TALKING WITH JOHN ROMITA SR.

[MattBrady]

With the recent announcement that John Romita Sr. would be pulling together all the characters he designed for Marvel Comics over his 50 year career in comics into one lithograph, it was set to be a crowded picture from the start.

After years of being begged by Alex Ross and Dynamic Forces’ Nick Barrucci to do such a project, Romita finally and good-naturedly gave in, though he’s claiming it’ll be his last work of this magnitude. We caught up with Romita while he was visiting the Dynamic Forces offices, finalizing the lithograph sketch, and readying it to be shipped to Ross.

“I’ve been avoiding work, actually,” the senior Romita chuckled. “Nick and Alex came up with this angle that was so good, that it triggered me so that I had to do it - it was such a good idea that I couldn’t resist it. It came out of me with a little pain, like a mild childbirth.

“Or so I hear…”

“They gave me the idea three years ago, and I tried time and time again, but couldn’t come up with a concept that made me feel satisfied. I kept coming up with a mishmash of characters that just looked like chaos. Once Alex did a rough sketch with Mary Jane in the center and other characters fanning out from her, that helped, and then when I added in the Spider-Man eyes, that’s when it all suddenly clicked into place. I thought I had it solved, but then realized it needed three weeks worth of long hour days. Alex and Nick want another one, and it may take another three years. But it’s the last Marvel lithograph I’m doing…voluntarily. Alex is big and scares me, and Nick could probably talk me into it, though.”

The focus of the piece is the character the elder Romita is probably best known for creating Mary Jane Watson, the girlfriend and now wife of Peter Parker. Speaking of Spider-Man’s civilian cast, they were an early bone of contention between Romita and then Spider-Man writer, Stan Lee.

“I made them all a little bit too good looking for Stan, I remember that,” Romita confessed. “Stan wanted them a little bit offbeat. Spider-Man was supposed to be the offbeat hero, and everyone was to follow along those lines. Every time I made Peter Parker handsome, Stan got mad. He wanted it to not be like the classic super-hero and alter ego. No matter what I did, I couldn’t help it - I told him that my heroes had to be fairly good looking. He finally threw up his hands after a year, and said ‘The hell with it, do it the way you want.’”

One character that escaped Lee’s admonition that she had to be offbeat from the start was Mary Jane. “Oh, Stan loved her from the beginning,” Romita said. “It was a cute idea – he and Steve Ditko were dangling the girl in front of the readers for about six months before I got on the book, teasing them as to whether she was beautiful or not. He asked me what I though, if we should make her plain or beautiful, and I said beautiful. He’d forgotten that he’d already insinuated that she was beautiful in a previous issue. It’s a good thing we didn’t make her plain – that’s all I can say.”

Using the lithograph sketch as a history guide of sorts, Romita stuck with Peter Parker’s influences for the center – Mary Jane, Captain Stacy, and Robbie Robertson.

The latter, was one of the first African American characters in comics to be shown as a professional, a very well-educated man who played a role in the life of the title’s lead character.

“Robbie was Peter’s Aunt May when she couldn’t be there,” Romita said. “He was also a buffer against Jonah Jameson. Stan asked me to create a night editor for the Daily Bugle and make him black. I built up a whole story around him too – I wanted to make him a former Golden Gloves champion from upper Manhattan who had pulled himself up by his bootstraps, and even had him with a cauliflower ear on the first sketch of him.”

Best laid plans and all of that…

“Stan said we couldn’t do that because readers would think that I just forgot how to draw ears. So I had to give up the whole idea of him being a former boxer. But from the start, I wanted to make him dignified and paternal, and I nailed it with the white hair and the fact that he was never rattled – he was always the calming influence. I loved that. There’s a character in comics right now, the grandfather in Boondocks is exactly the way I envisioned Robbie Robertson – a paternal figure with a steadying influence.”

Continuing on, with the litho as the guide, the Punisher and Wolverine are featured, and for good reason. “I created the original costume for Wolverine, as well as the original look of the Punisher,” Romita said. “Together with the Kingpin, those three are my favorite, and highest profile characters…well, not counting Mary Jane.

“Then we came up with a couple of interesting villains who became heroes, like Luke Cage. I created the second costume of the Falcon. Going back to what I said about Robbie, I really enjoyed doing black characters. When I got the chance, I enjoyed making them heroic looking and beautiful. A lot of guys working back then had trouble with black characters.”

Moving on from the major characters represented on the litho, the image gets a little…crowded. When originally conceived, Romita planned for the piece to include 23 characters. And then he head from Ross and Barrucci.

“Alex and Nick’s first list staggered me,” Romita said. “They came up with over 100 characters, and I went through that, and realized that many of them were characters that Alex and Nick had seen my covers with them, and assumed that I’d created them. A lot of times, I was usually doing the first cover of a new series, or the issue where a new character appears. Alex did prove to me though, that there were at least a dozen characters that I didn’t think I created, but was wrong. At least a half a dozen I had forgotten that I’d even done at all, so I had to defer to Alex’s memory. He has a better memory about my stuff than I do.”

Romita wasn’t about to pretend – he did need reference for more than a few, but still, after all these years, some characters flow from his pencil with barely a thought.

“The Kingpin of course, is a snap to draw, but I can also draw the Punisher and the Prowler just about with my eyes closed,” Romita said. “The Prowler…I remember creating that costume like it was yesterday.

“The interesting thing was the female characters – I’d done about half a dozen designs for Ms. Marvel over the years, and I had to pick the one that was considered the ‘original’ sketch, because I’d done six or so other designs before I reached the one that was used. So yeah – all of the characters had some little twist that I had forgotten. I spent most of the two weeks I worked on this going crazy and digging through my files for references. On some, I finally had to defer to Alex’s e-mailed pictures of characters that I couldn’t find.”

And there were a few characters that Ross and Barrucci wanted to see on the litho that, had he had his druthers; Romita’s pride wouldn’t have allowed them in. Putting it delicately, there are some characters over the years that are a little less than iconic.

“There’s a character called the Gibbon – he was a young fellow who had an ape-like face and was made fun of, who later got a job dressed in a gibbon suit for some carnival or circus,” Romita said. “He was very strong, and volunteered to help Spider-Man, but Spider-Man laughed at him, so of course, it led to a battle. It was one of those very thin excuses for a battle scene.

“But he was a very pathetic looking character, just a guy in an ape suit. I asked Alex and Nick not to have me draw the Gibbon, but he made the list. Although, I found some sillier characters as well – the Kangaroo was a pretty silly character. He could leap and land on you with your feet. Sometimes, even today at a show, I’ll start to rant and rave about a character that I’m ashamed of, and more often than not, a kid will come up and tell me that their favorite character was the Gibbon…or the Kangaroo. So I have to keep my complaints down, I guess.”

Another character that Romita will admit to drawing, although the costume wasn’t too complicated, was Firestar, which he originally designed for the NBC animated series, Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends.

One that almost ended with Romita and Ross getting into a fight though, was Medusa. When he saw the Inhuman on the list, Romita was quick to complain, pointing out to Ross that he didn’t create her or design her costume.

“But that was another case of Alex telling me I was wrong,” Romita said. “I told him that I didn’t create Medusa, and I wasn’t going to draw her on the piece, but he reminded me that I put her a green costume for one issue of Amazing Spider-Man when she guest-starred where she became a cosmetics model. Okay – she stayed.

“But I don’t like to take the credit. I don’t want people saying that I’m claiming that I created Medusa or something like that. Alex asked me to put her in, and pointed out that I did design that look for her – but I’m going to come crying to Nick and Alex the first time someone writes an article and says that I claimed I created Medusa.”

Sharp-eyed Romita aficionados will recognize a familiar face in the upper left hand corner of the image, although fans of just Romita’s Marvel Universe work won’t have a clue as to who the smiling character is.

“I’ve got a character that never appeared in a Marvel comic in there called Stripes – it’s Linda McCartney in a superhero costume,” Romita said. “She came about when Stan sent me over to take a gift to Paul McCartney at Linda’s fathers’ law office about 35 years ago – it was a drawing of Paul McCartney as Titanium Man. While I was there, presenting the drawing, Linda McCartney asked me if I would do a comic book if she created a singing group called The Stripes. Of course, I told her I would love to do it.

“So I ran back to the offices after talking to them, and started doing character sketches, and they loved it. But she never did get the group together, so we never made a comic book. I just put her in there, because it’s one of my favorite episodes in my 50 years of comics – spending an afternoon with Paul and Linda McCartney. They were so sweet to me. I was even thinking of putting Titanium Man in the piece with Paul’s face in this piece, but thought that would be too much of a name drop, so I left him out.”

Some characters, though Romita won’t deny he designed them, were left off the piece. One such character, the Masked Marauder.

“I always thought he was a second rate character – he looked too much like Baron Zemo, and really seemed derivative,” Romita explained. “That was the biggest challenge when I was asked to create a new character. Stan and all the editors would come in to my office with a name and ask me to put a costume with it. That’s the biggest problem. I have to think functionality and difference. I was always looking for a different silhouette and a different function. For instance, Wolverine needed retractable claws, but the Prowler, who also was supposed to have claws, could have his out all the time. I could get away with a similarity, as long as it wasn’t too derivative. It was a balancing act – I was always on a tightrope, usually with very little time to do it.

“Although, the dumbest thing that I ever did in trying to avoid similarity – I put chicken like claws and even a few hen style feathers on the Falcon’s boots, but I left them out here. I didn’t want to admit my stupidity.”

There have been a couple of characters over the years that, had Romita listened to those around him, would’ve ended up on the scrap pile of dumb ideas, but thankfully, the creator opted to follow his own drummer.

Drumbeat one: the six-armed Spider-Man. “Putting that in the piece was Alex again,” Romita said. “I don’t want Ditko thinking that I’m claiming I created Spider-Man. But that story was my idea, and I took a lot of kidding about it. I got laughed out of the office on that one. I thought it was a natural idea for a character named ‘Spider-Man,’ and at the very least it was attention-getting, but some people…they thought otherwise.

“When Gil Kane did the first drawing of my sketch for it, he misunderstood my sketch, and gave him an extra set of legs. There was an extra set of arms under his ribs, and an extra set of legs growing out of his thighs. Now that was awkward looking. Everyone at the office then said it served me right, because the whole idea was goofy.

“Marie Sevrin was my conscience in the office, and would always catch me if I made a silly character – she thought the Rhino was a silly character. To make up the fact that she laughed at the Rhino, she did a very quick action drawing of him charging at someone, but seeing her sketch made me believe that the character could work. She left it on my table at lunchtime, and I then told her that she was right, it wasn’t a bad idea for a character, and I was going to go through with it. But – she has a point – he’s a one trick pony. Most of the villains have a bag of tricks, but the Rhino has one. Charge you with his horn.”

Another fact on the Rhino’s look – the original face of the character: one Nikita Khrushchev. “As soon as Stan told me the character was going to be an escaped Russian agent who was coming to America, and got in trouble, I put Kruschev in there, from the eyes to his uneven teeth.”

Characters aside, the original penciled piece is now with Ross, who will paint it, as he did on an earlier collaboration with Romita, of a Spider-Man/Green Goblin battle above New York City. “That one was fun for him, but this one is going to be hard labor,” Romita joked. “He asked for this, and he’s going to get it. But the end result - it’s a wonderful idea to merge out styles, and gets it out there quicker since it would probably take me two years to do the painting if I were to do it myself.”

And while he’s not hanging up his pencils for good, Romita is serious about cutting back. Besides, if he wants to see comics work with the name “Romita” attached, all he has to do is look for his son’s – John Romita Jr.

“He’s made me very proud,” Romita said. “He’s a special artist, because he’s always been a great storyteller form the time that he was about 20 years old. He’s an instinctive storyteller, and that’s because we’re both movie buffs. The beautiful part of it all is that he can do pyrotechnics as well as James Cameron and human interest angles as well. He can do them all. Pardon me for going on and on about my son, but he makes me proud – I could look at his work all day.

“Joe [Kubert] and I are the luckiest old farts in the world – we’ve got talented sons who’ve followed in our footsteps, and we can never have enough time to tell them thanks for making us so proud.”

[tralfaz]

so he's not gonna sue Marvel? thank god

[The_Adventurer]

This is one of the few times I wish Ross wouldn't be doing the inks and color. JR is so good on his own.

[amazingdavidman]

Originally posted by MattBrady
“I’ve got a character that never appeared in a Marvel comic in there called Stripes – it’s Linda McCartney in a superhero costume,” Romita said. “She came about when Stan sent me over to take a gift to Paul McCartney at Linda’s fathers’ law office about 35 years ago – it was a drawing of Paul McCartney as Titanium Man. While I was there, presenting the drawing, Linda McCartney asked me if I would do a comic book if she created a singing group called The Stripes. Of course, I told her I would love to do it.

“So I ran back to the offices after talking to them, and started doing character sketches, and they loved it. But she never did get the group together, so we never made a comic book. I just put her in there, because it’s one of my favorite episodes in my 50 years of comics – spending an afternoon with Paul and Linda McCartney. They were so sweet to me. I was even thinking of putting Titanium Man in the piece with Paul’s face in this piece, but thought that would be too much of a name drop, so I left him out.”

Holy cow. Comic creators giving presents to and hanging out with the Beatles. Different times, I guess. But wow--what an awesome time to be working at Marvel that must have been. It seems so surreal. Just imagine, CIRCA 1993, Jim Lee heading to Kurt Cobain's house to deliver a drawing he did of Cobain as that robot guy from WildCATS.

What an amazing life. This goes without saying, but JRSR is an amazing credit to the industry. Thanks for all the characters. Except the Gibbon. You can have him back.

[Aquaboy]

romita's women were always breathtaking. how i wished we could've had his rendition of Gwen in there as well!

[JonHook]

I absolutely LOVE JRSR's work.

The characters are in retro costumes, the print should be penciled and inked by John and colored in the style the older comics were colored in.

[Michael P]

*applause*

Y'know, it strikes me that MJ's immortal opening line, "Face it, Tiger, you just hit the jackpot!" could also apply to Peter (and the readers) hooking up with the good Mr. Romita. John, you're one of the good ones. Thanks.

[livewyrz]

WOW. The nostalgic memories it brings back. His art style is still great. He was one of my influence. Nice to see the characters all in one page, or two.


www.brightanvil.com

[Rawle Austin]

Just had to post to praise one of the true greats.

A cornerstone of creativity for the whole superhero genre.

John Romita Sr, you are a LEGEND!!


Growler

[xdemon]

For me, John Romita Sr is the best comic book artist EVER! And a class act, too.

[Len Cage]

I am awestruck. Mr. Romita, you are what comics are all about. Thanks for your gift to all of us True Believers!!!

[Starpilot]

That is going to be one stunning lithograph. I have to get one!

I've always been in love with John Romita Sr.'s art. Such a clear, crisp line to all his illustrations. Every time Marvel releases a new Marvel Masterworks edition, I hope for a new Spider-Man release simply for the fact that they're now deep into the Romita issues. His work is so reminiscent of the 60's and yet it holds up so well today.

And he's always seemed like a great guy to boot!

[choisez]

A great article on one of Marvel's true talents!

I loved all the anecdotes too, including MJ, Robbie Robertson and even the Gibbon.

Romita also comes off as a very humble artist, but I'm sure a lot of people really appreciate all the work he's done over the many years.

This print's worth every bit of begging and pleading by Ross & Barrucci.

Thanks!

-Eddy

[blind3rdeye]

One word.

Legend.


'Nuff said

[Gail Simone]

What a pleasure it is to see this guy's work.

Great, great stuff.

Gail

[jewpower311]

i'm astounded at mr. romita's work. he has such a classic style, yet it holds up just as well today as it did in the sixties. i couldn't begin to tell what an inspiration he has been to aspiring artists like myself. i could go on and on about that man's work.

so i'll stop now with a thank you to one of my biggest inspirations, and this will be my first litho.

-wil

[eldavo]

this is what I call fine arts, pity Mr Romita won´t paint it himself.
By the by, is anyone else looking forward at work by JR III?, I mean, they seem to improve generation after generation... even if it seem imposible to improve...

[KyleV]

This is one of the few times I wish Ross wouldn't be doing the inks and color. JR is so good on his own.

I couldn't agree more. Having Ross paint it instead of having JR finish it on his own has me on the fence on whether or not to buy it -- JR alone would be have been a done deal.

[AlexLothos]

I've never bought a lithograph before, but this could possibly be my 1st...

[Studio D Comics]

I've really gotten into John Romita Sr.'s art the last couple years. He's now one of my fave Spidey artists.


later
don

[Lobok]

Even as a punk kid, and now a 20-something, some might think I'd say Romita's stuff is dated or what have you, but no way. His stuff on Spidey just blows me away, and when I go see the movie on Wednesday, I know that it'll be his work Raimi is bringing to life.

Edit: Then again, I was also raised on the 90's cartoon, which is influenced by Romita Sr., so maybe it's not such a crazy notion.

[kurtcobain731]

great article, i think to most of us old fogeys, the definitive spider-man was drawn by Mr Romita.
why do you think Tobey looks so much like pete parker?

imagine down the road, the definitive spider-man to kids would be John romita jr, or maybe mark bagley...

spider-man = romita

[Ectomorph]

Originally posted by Lobok
Then again, I was also raised on the 90's cartoon, which is influenced by Romita Sr., so maybe it's not such a crazy notion.

If that's true, then godbless the man.
The 90's Spider-Man cartoon rocked hard!

[The Mirrorball Man]

Hmm... I didn't know that Romita created the Prowler. So basically, it means that he's the one to blame for Spawn, right?

[gatchafan]

I am in awe of JRSR's work. This piece is amazing. I'd buy this work without the inking and painting.