Gerry Conway
Gerard Francis Conway[2] (born September 10, 1952)[3] is an American comic book writer, comic book editor, screenwriter, television writer, and television producer. He is known for co-creating the Marvel Comics vigilante antihero the Punisher as well as the Scarlet Spider (Ben Reilly), and the first Ms. Marvel, and also writing the death of the character Gwen Stacy during his long run on The Amazing Spider-Man in the story arc, "The Night Gwen Stacy Died". At DC Comics, he is known for co-creating the superheroes Firestorm and Power Girl, the character Jason Todd and the villain Killer Croc, and for writing the Justice League of America for eight years. Conway wrote the first major, modern-day intercompany crossover, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man.
| Gerry Conway | |
|---|---|
Conway at the 2019 Phoenix Fan Fusion | |
| Born | Gerard Francis Conway September 10, 1952 New York City, U.S. |
| Area(s) | Writer, Editor |
Notable works | Punisher, Spider-Man, Justice League of America, Firestorm the Nuclear Man, Batman, Jason Todd, Killer Croc |
| Awards | Inkpot Award (2013)[1] |
| Spouse(s) | Carla Conway (divorced) Karen Laura Conway |
| Children | 2 |
Early life
Born in Brooklyn, New York, New York,[3] Conway grew up a comic fan; a letter from him appears in Fantastic Four #50 (May 1966), written when Conway was 13.[citation needed]
He attended New York University for a time.[3]
Career
He published his first professional comic book work at 16,[4] with the 61⁄2-page horror story "Aaron Philips' Photo Finish" in DC Comics' House of Secrets #81 (Sept. 1969). He continued selling such anthological stories for that series and for Marvel's Chamber of Darkness and Tower of Shadows through the end of 1970, by which time he had also published one-page text short stories in DC's All-Star Western #1 (Sept. 1970) and Super DC Giant #S-14 (Oct. 1970). He published his first continuing-character story in DC's semi-anthological occult comic The Phantom Stranger #10 (Dec. 1970).[5]
Conway recalled breaking into Marvel Comics through Marvel editor Roy Thomas:
I'd been writing for DC Comics for two or three years...but to paraphrase the joke about the actor's ambitions to be a director, what I really wanted to do was write superheroes – specifically Marvel heroes. Through friends I'd become acquainted with Roy Thomas, who was Stan Lee's right-hand man at the time, and Roy offered me a shot at the Marvel 'writing test.' Stan wasn't impressed, but Roy liked what I did, and began throwing some short assignments my way, including scripting over his plot on an early Ka-Zar [story].[6]
Following his first continuing-character story for Marvel, with his script for the jungle lord Ka-Zar in Astonishing Tales #3 (Dec. 1970), Conway began writing superhero stories with Daredevil #72 (Jan. 1971). He quickly went on to assignments on Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, and both "The Inhumans" and "The Black Widow" features in the split book Amazing Adventures. He scripted the first Man-Thing story, in 1971,[7] sharing co-creation credit with Stan Lee and Roy Thomas.[5] Conway eventually scripted virtually every major Marvel title, and co-created (with writers Roy & Jean Thomas and artist Mike Ploog) the lycanthropic lead character of the feature "Werewolf by Night", in Marvel Spotlight #2 (Feb. 1972);[8] he also wrote the premiere issue of Marvel's The Tomb of Dracula, introducing the longstanding literary vampire into the Marvel universe.[9]
Spider-Man and intercompany rotation
At 19, Conway began scripting The Amazing Spider-Man, succeeding Stan Lee as writer of one of Marvel's flagship titles.[10] His run, from issues #111–149 (August 1972 – October 1975), included the landmark death of Gwen Stacy story in #121 (June 1973).[11][12][13] Eight issues later, Conway and Andru introduced the Punisher as a conflicted antagonist for Spider-Man, as well as the Jackal.[14] The Punisher became a popular star of numerous comic books and has been adapted into three movies and a live action television series. Conway additionally wrote Fantastic Four, from #133–152 (April 1973 – Nov. 1974).[5]
Conway in 2009 reflected on writing flagship Marvel characters at a very young age:
Precocity is a well-known curse; most of the pressure I felt as a younger writer was self-imposed. I wanted to be accepted by other writers and artists as an equal, which put me in some awkward situations — pretending to be more mature than I was, emotionally and professionally. As it happened, I was pretty good at faking a maturity I didn't have, which had advantages and, obviously, some disadvantages. I think people often forgot how young I was, and expected me to perform at a level that was actually beyond me. The result was, I was pretty stressed for most of my early career as a writer, and I often felt like I had no idea what I was doing —which was true. I wrote instinctively and from the gut; when those instincts were appropriate to the material I was writing – for example, when I was writing [The Amazing] Spider-Man — the results were something I was quite proud of, then and now. When my instincts were off, I didn't have the experience to either recognize it, or to compensate for it, with results that were more uneven.[15]
In late 1972, Conway and writers Steve Englehart and Len Wein crafted a metafictional unofficial crossover spanning titles from both major comics companies. Each comic featured Englehart, Conway, and Wein, as well as Wein's first wife Glynis, interacting with Marvel or DC characters at the Rutland Halloween Parade in Rutland, Vermont. Beginning in Amazing Adventures #16 (by Englehart with art by Bob Brown and Frank McLaughlin), the story continued in Justice League of America #103 (by Wein, Dick Dillin and Dick Giordano), and concluded in Thor #207 (by Conway and penciler John Buscema). As Englehart explained in 2010, "It certainly seemed like a radical concept and we knew that we had to be subtle (laughs) and each story had to stand on its own, but we really worked it out. It's really worthwhile to read those stories back to back to back – it didn't matter to us that one was at DC and two were at Marvel – I think it was us being creative, thinking what would be really cool to do."[16][17][18]
Conway returned to DC Comics in mid-1975, beginning with three books cover-dated Nov. 1975: Hercules Unbound #1, Kong the Untamed #3, and Swamp Thing #19. He wrote a revival of the Golden Age comic book series All Star Comics[19] which introduced the character Power Girl.[20][21] Shortly afterward, he was chosen by Marvel and DC editors to script the historic intercompany crossover Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man #1, a 96-page, tabloid-sized, $2 one-shot, at a time when comic books sold for 25 cents.[5][22]
He continued writing for DC, on titles including Superman, Detective Comics (starring Batman), Metal Men, Justice League of America, 1st Issue Special #11 starring Codename: Assassin,[23] and that of the licensed character Tarzan.[5] Conway briefly returned to Marvel where he succeeded Marv Wolfman as editor-in-chief in March 1976,[24] but held the job only "about a month-and-a-half,"[25] relinquishing the post and being succeeded by Archie Goodwin.
For a time, a confluence of publishing schedules resulted in Conway stories appearing in both Marvel and DC comics in the same month: The prolific Conway's comic books with January 1977 cover-dates alone, for example, are Marvel's The Avengers, The Defenders, Captain Marvel, Iron Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man,[26] and the premiere issues of Ms. Marvel and Logan's Run, and Superman and Action Comics.[5]
DC Comics and later career
After leaving Marvel's editorship, he again wrote exclusively for DC for the next decade writing both major and lesser titles – from those featuring Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Legion of Super-Heroes to such books as Weird Western Tales, Atari Force and Sun Devils. He had an eight-year run on Justice League of America, writing most issues from #151–255 (Feb. 1978 – Oct. 1986)[27] including the double-sized anniversary issue #200 (March 1982).[28] Conway wrote two additional Superman projects in the oversized tabloid format, Superman vs. Wonder Woman, drawn by José Luis García-López,[29] and Superman vs. Shazam, drawn by Rich Buckler.[30]
He co-created the characters Firestorm with artist Al Milgrom[31] and Steel, the Indestructible Man with artist Don Heck[32] in the premiere issues (both March 1978) of the respective titular comics.[5] Two other Conway co-creations, the Deserter (with artist Dick Ayers)[33][34] and the Vixen (with artist Bob Oksner)[35] were scheduled to receive their own series as well but were canceled before any issues were published. He additionally co-created the characters Vibe and Gypsy.[36] As writer of Batman #337–359 (July 1981 – May 1983) and the feature "Batman" in Detective Comics #497–526 (Dec. 1980 – May 1983),[37] he introduced the characters Killer Croc[38] and Jason Todd,[39] the latter of whom became the second Robin, succeeding original sidekick Dick Grayson.[5] With artist Gene Colan, Conway revived the Golden Age supervillains Doctor Death in Batman #345 (March 1982)[40] and the Monk in Batman #350 (Aug. 1982).[41]
Conway was a frequent collaborator with Roy Thomas. Together they wrote a two-part Superman–Captain Marvel team-up in DC Comics Presents #33–34 (May–June 1981); the Atari Force and Swordquest mini-comics packaged with Atari 2600 video games; and three Justice League of America-Justice Society of America crossovers.[42][43] Conway contributed ideas to the talking animal comic Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew!, created by Thomas and Scott Shaw.[44] Thomas and Conway were to be the co-writers of the JLA/Avengers intercompany crossover,[45] but editorial disputes between DC and Marvel caused the project's cancellation.[46] Conway was one of the contributors to the DC Challenge limited series in 1986.[47]
He returned to Marvel in the 1980s and served as the regular writer of both The Spectacular Spider-Man and Web of Spider-Man from 1988 until 1990.[5] Conway stated in 1991 that "I understand the character a lot better now than I did when I was nineteen. And one of the nice things about the Marvel characters is that you can keep them fresh by changing them just a bit."[48] His run on Spectacular included such story arcs as the "Lobo Brothers Gang War".[49] He relinquished writing duties on both titles when he became the story editor of the television series Father Dowling Mysteries.[citation needed] Conway's last recorded comic credits for many years were Topps Comics' "Kirbyverse" NightGlider[50] #1 (April 1993), scripting from a Roy Thomas plot, and a story for Disney Adventures, published in 1995.
Conway returned to comics in 2009 and wrote DC Comics' The Last Days of Animal Man, with artist Chris Batista.[51] In 2011, he wrote the DC Retroactive: Justice League – The '80s one-shot.[52] Also for DC, he wrote the Firestorm feature in Legends of Tomorrow #1–6 in 2016.[53]
In 2015, he returned to Spider-Man by writing a story in Spider-Verse Team Up #2, and the "Spiral" storyline in The Amazing Spider-Man #16.1–20.1. He returned to work as a series' regular writer that same year with Carnage which ran for 16 issues until 2017. In 2016, he returned to his creation the Punisher by writing The Punisher Annual #1. From 2016 to 2017, he wrote The Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1–9, followed by What If? Spider-Man #1 in 2018 and the oneshot The Amazing Spider-Man: Going Big, penciled by Mark Bagley, in 2019.
Books, comic strips, screenplays
In addition to comics, Conway published two science-fiction novels: The Midnight Dancers[54] and Mindship (originally published as a short story in the science fiction anthology "Universe 1.")[55] He also wrote the February 14–December 3, 1983 dailies of the syndicated newspaper comic strip Star Trek, based upon the 1960s TV series.[56]
Conway as well moved into screenwriting in the 1980s, starting with the animated feature Fire and Ice (1983), co-written with Roy Thomas, based on characters created by Ralph Bakshi and Frank Frazetta. Conway and Thomas wrote the story basis for Stanley Mann's screenplay for the film Conan the Destroyer (1984). Afterwards, Conway and Thomas also worked on the script of a live-action X-Men film for production company Nelvana that wasn't produced because of distributor Orion Pictures' financial troubles and subsequent bankruptcy.[57]
Conway wrote, and later produced, such TV series as Father Dowling Mysteries, Diagnosis: Murder, Matlock, Jake and the Fatman, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Baywatch Nights, Pacific Blue, Silk Stalkings, Perry Mason telefilms, Law & Order, The Huntress, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and an episode of Batman: The Animated Series ("Appointment in Crime Alley").[58] Conway frequently referenced his comic book connections during his stint on Law & Order by naming characters on the show after comic book creators such as John Byrne.
Personal life
Conway's first wife was comic-book writer Carla Conway.[59][60] The couple have a daughter, Cara.[59] His second wife, Karen, is a psychologist who works with autistic children.[4] They married in 1992 and have a daughter, Rachel.[59] As of 2015, he and his wife Laura live in Thousand Oaks, California.[4]
Conway's ancestral family background is Irish, as he described in his blog:
In my case, on my mother's side, I'm a second-generation immigrant. My grandparents were born in Ireland. They came to America in the late 'teens of the last century and lived a life not very different from the life my housekeeper and her husband live today. My grandfather was a day laborer in the Brooklyn ship yards. My (step)-grandmother washed floors at Hunter College in Manhattan. (My biological grandmother died when my mother was eight years old, so I've no idea what she did to earn a living, but I assume it was either piece work or domestic work of some kind.) Because they were lower-class Irish, they were the Hispanics of their day – tolerated, but not embraced, by the larger society, and viewed with scorn by the WASP upper class. ... Even my father felt that anti-Irish prejudice, real or imagined. In the 1950s he once spoke, rather bitterly, about being one of the two 'token Irishmen' working at his company.[61]
Conway was raised a Christian, but stated in a 2013 interview that he does not "have any religious belief at this point".[62]
Comics bibliography
Atlas/Seaboard Comics
- Destructor #4 (1975)
- Targitt #3 (1975)
- Tiger-Man #2–3 (1975)
DC Comics
- 1st Issue Special #11–13 (1976)
- Action Comics #457, 467, 477–479, 486, 517–523 (1976–1981)
- Adventure Comics #444, 459–460, 463–464 (1976–1979)
- All-New Collectors' Edition #C-54, C-58 (1978)
- All Star Comics #58–62 (1976)
- All-Star Squadron #8–9 (1982)
- The Amazing World of DC Comics #11 (1976)
- Arak, Son of Thunder #7 (1982)
- Atari Force #1–5 (1982–1983)
- Atari Force vol. 2 #1–13 (1984–1985)
- Batman #295, 305–306, 337–346, 348–359 (1978–1983)
- Batman Family #17 (1978)
- The Brave and the Bold #158, 161, 171–174 (1980–1981)
- Cancelled Comic Cavalcade #1–2 (1978)
- Challengers of the Unknown #81–87 (1977–1978)
- Cinder and Ashe #1–4 (1988)
- DC Challenge #8, 12 (1986)
- DC Comics Presents #17–18, 21, 30–33, 40, 45, 53, 68 (1980–1984)
- DC Retroactive: Justice League of America - The '80s #1 (2011)
- DC Special #28 (1977)
- DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #5 (1980)
- DC Special Series #1, 6, 10, 16 (1977–1978)
- DC Super-Stars #18 (1978)
- Detective Comics #463–464, 497–499, 501–513, 515–526 (1976–1983)
- Doorway to Nightmare #2 (1978)
- Firestorm #1–5 (1978)
- The Flash #289–299, 301–304 (Firestorm backup stories) (1980–1981)
- Forbidden Tales of Dark Mansion #8 (1972)
- Freedom Fighters #1–2 (1976)
- The Fury of Firestorm #1–53, 100 Annual #1–4 (1982–1986, 1990)
- Hercules Unbound #1–6 (1975–1976)
- Heroes Against Hunger #1 (1986)
- House of Mystery #188, 193, 196, 199–200, 202, 292–294, 296–297, 300 (1970–1982)
- House of Secrets #81, 83, 85–86, 88–89, 94, 111–112, 140, 150 (1969–1978)
- House of Secrets: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 2 (story "Night of the Rat", originally intended for publication in House of Secrets #141) (2019)
- Jonah Hex #40–41, 45–47 (1980–1981)
- Justice League of America #125–127, 131–134, 151–216, 219, 221–223, 228–230, 233–239, 241–255, Annual #2 (1975–1986)
- Kamandi #39–44 (1976)
- Kong the Untamed #3–5 (1975–1976)
- Last Days of Animal Man #1–6 (2009)
- Legends of Tomorrow #1–6 (Firestorm feature) (2016)
- Legion of Super-Heroes vol. 2 #259–278 (1980–1981)
- Man-Bat #1 (1975)
- Metal Men #46–48, 54–56 (1976–1978)
- Mystery in Space #114 (1980)
- New Gods #12–19 (1977–1978)
- The New Teen Titans #16 (Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew! insert) (1982)
- Phantom Stranger vol. 2 #10–11 (1970–1971)
- Secret Hearts #143, 147, 149 (1970–1971)
- Secret Origins vol. 2 #4, 17 (1986–1987)
- Secret Society of Super Villains #1–2, 8–14 (1976–1978)
- Star Spangled War Stories #193 (1975)
- Steel, The Indestructible Man #1–5 (1978)
- Sun Devils #1–9 (1984–1985)
- Super-Team Family #11–15 (1977–1978)
- Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #227, 232, 234–235, 248–249, 252–258 (1977–1979)
- Superman #301, 303–304, 307–309, 345–348, 350–351, 407 (1976–1985)
- The Superman Family #175, 184, 186–193, 195–202, 206–211 (1976–1981)
- Swamp Thing #19–20, 23–24 (1975–1976)
- Swordquest #1–3 (1982)
- Tarzan #250–254 (1976)
- The Unexpected #221 (1982)
- Weird Western Tales #45–58, 60–70 (Scalphunter feature) (1978–1980)
- The Witching Hour #10, 14, 27, 38 (1970–1974)
- Wonder Woman #233–241, 259–285, 329 (1977–1986)
- World's Finest Comics #245–254, 256–259, 261–262, 268–270, 272, 274–275 (1977–1982)
- Young Love #122 (1976)
- Zatanna Special #1 (1987)
DC Comics and Marvel Comics
- Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man #1 (1976)
Disney Comics
- Disney Adventures v5 #4 (1995)
Eclipse Comics
- The Unknown Worlds of Frank Brunner #2 (1985)
First Comics
- Hawkmoon: The Jewel in the Skull #1–4 (1986)
- Hawkmoon: The Mad God's Amulet #1–4 (1987)
Marvel Comics
- Adventure into Fear #10 (1972)
- Amazing Adventures #7, 9–11, 18–19 (1971–1973)
- The Amazing Spider-Man #111–149 (1972–1975), Annual #23 (1989)
- The Amazing Spider-Man vol. 3 #16.1–20.1 (2015)
- The Amazing Spider-Man: Going Big #1 (2019)
- The Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1–9 (2016–2017)
- Astonishing Tales #3–8 (1970–1971)
- The Avengers #151–157, Annual #6 (1976–1977)
- Black Widow the Coldest War GN (1990)
- Captain America #149–152 (1972)
- Captain Marvel #22, 47–48 (1972–1977)
- Carnage #1–16 (2015–2017)
- Chamber of Chills #1 (1972)
- Chamber of Darkness #3 (1970)
- Conan the Barbarian #226–231 (1989–1990)
- Creatures on the Loose #18 (1972)
- Daredevil #72–98, 118 (1971–1975)
- Daredevil Annual #5 (1989)
- Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #1, 3–4 (1974)
- Defenders #42–45, 57 (1976–1978)
- Dracula Lives #1, 3–5, 7, 9, 12–13 (1973–1975)
- Fantastic Four #134–152, 179 (1973–1977)
- Ghost Rider #21–23 (1976–1977)
- Giant-Size Fantastic Four #2–3 (1974)
- Giant-Size Spider-Man #3–5 (1975)
- Giant-Size Super-Heroes #1 (Spider-Man) (1974)
- Giant-Size Super-Stars #1 (Fantastic Four) (1974)
- Haunt of Horror #1–2, 4 (1974)
- The Incredible Hulk #146–147 (1971–1972)
- Iron Man #35–44, 91–97 (1971–1977)
- Justice #9–11, 13 (1987)
- Ka-Zar vol. 2 #6–10 (1974–1975)
- Kull and the Barbarians #2 (1975)
- Kull the Conqueror #4–7, 9–10 (1972–1973)
- Legion of Monsters #1 (1975)
- Logan's Run #1 (1977)
- Marvel Comics #1000 (2019)
- Marvel Comics Presents #101–109 (1992)
- Marvel Graphic Novel: Conan:The Horn of Azoth GN (1990)
- Marvel Graphic Novel: The Amazing Spider-Man: Parallel Lives GN (1989)
- Marvel Point One #1 (Carnage) (2015)
- Marvel Preview #2 (1975)
- Marvel Spotlight #2–4 (1972)
- Marvel Super-Heroes vol. 2 #4 (1990)
- Marvel Team-Up #2–12, 28–37, 52 (1972–1976)
- Monsters on the Prowl #13 (1971)
- Monsters Unleashed #1–2, 6–7, 11 (1973–1975)
- Ms. Marvel #1–2 (1977)
- Our Love Story #15 (1972)
- Planet of the Apes #1 (1974)
- The Punisher Annual #1 (2016)
- Punisher Bloodlines #1 (1992)
- Savage Sword of Conan #166–169, 174 (1989–1990)
- Savage Tales #2, 6–10 (1973–1975)
- Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #86, 117–119 (1971–1974)
- The Spectacular Spider-Man #1–3, 137–174, Annual #8–11 (1976–1977, 1988–1991)
- Spider-Man/Dr. Strange: The Way to Dusty Death #1 (1993)
- Spider-Man: Fear Itself GN (1992)
- Spider-Verse Team-Up #2 (2015)
- Spitfire and the Troubleshooters #1–6 (1986–1987)
- Sub-Mariner #41–49 (1971–1972)
- Tales of the Zombie #4, 10 (1974–1975)
- Thor #193–238 (1971–1975)
- ThunderCats #7–12, 24 (1986–1988)
- The Tomb of Dracula #1–2 (1972)
- Tower of Shadows #5 (1970)
- Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction #1–4 (1975)
- Vampire Tales #3, 8–10 (1974–1975)
- Visionaries #3–6 (1988)
- Web of Spider-Man #35–36, 47–48, 50–70, Annual #5–6 (1988–1990)
- Werewolf by Night #1–4, 9–10 (1972–1973)
- What If Spider-Man #1 (2018)
- Worlds Unknown #1–2, 4, 6 (1973–1974)
Papercutz
- Nancy Drew: Girl Detective - The New Case Files #3 ("Together with the Hardy Boys") (2011)
Skywald Publications
- Nightmare #3 (1971)
Topps Comics
- NightGlider #1 (1993)
Warren Publications
Television and film credits
Television
- G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1985–1986)
- The Transformers (1986)
- The Centurions (1986)
- My Little Pony (1986–1987)
- Dinosaucers (1987)
- Spiral Zone (1987)
- Dino-Riders (1988)
- Monsters (1990)
- Father Dowling Mysteries (1990–1991)
- Jake and the Fatman (1992)
- Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride (TV movie) (1992)
- Matlock (1992–1993)
- Batman: The Animated Series (1992, 1994)
- Diagnosis: Murder (1993–1997)
- Diagnosis: Murder - A Twist of the Knife (TV movie) (1993)
- Perry Mason: The Case of the Killer Kiss (TV Movie) (1993)
- Spider-Man (1994)
- A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Jealous Jokester (TV movie) (1995)
- Two (1996)
- Pacific Blue (1996)
- Silk Stalkings (1996, 1998)
- Players (1997)
- Baywatch Nights (1997)
- Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1998–1999)
- Law & Order (1999–2000)
- The Huntress (2000)
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2003–2006)
Feature films
- Fire and Ice (1983)
- Conan the Destroyer (1984)
References
- ^ Inkpot Award
- ^ Thomas, Roy. "Roy's Rostrum" ("Bullpen Bulletins") in Marvel Super-Heroes #43 and other Marvel Comics cover-dated May 1974.
- ^ a b c . FOOM. No. 1. Spring 1973. p. 4. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019 – via Best, Daniel, ed., 20th Century Danny Boy.
- ^ a b c Conway, Gerry. . (biographical capsule) Gerry Conway. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Gerry Conway at the Grand Comics Database and Gerard F. Conway at the Grand Comics Database
- ^ Harvey, Allan (February 2008). "Black Widow: The Gloria Steinem of the Jump-Suit Set". Back Issue!. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing (26): 4.
- ^ Sanderson, Peter; Gilbert, Laura, ed. (2008). "1970s". Marvel Chronicle A Year by Year History. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 149. ISBN 978-0756641238.
[Savage Tales #1 was] notable for the debut of Marvel's mindless swamp monster, the Man-Thing, in an origin story written by Gerry Conway and illustrated by Gray Morrow.
{{cite book}}:|first2=has generic name (help) - ^ Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 154: "Roy Thomas came up with the idea for a series called 'I, Werewolf', narrated in the first person by a teenager who transformed into a werewolf. Stan Lee liked the concept but decided to name it 'Werewolf by Night'. The initial creative team on the series was scripter Gerry Conway and artist Mike Ploog."
- ^ Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 155: "Following the revision of the Comics Code, Stan Lee was eager to do a comics series about the archetypal vampire, novelist Bram Stoker's Dracula. Based on a few ideas from Lee, Roy Thomas plotted the first issue of The Tomb of Dracula, which Gerry Conway then scripted. The interior art was penciled by Gene Colan."
- ^ Manning, Matthew K.; Gilbert, Laura, ed. (2012). "1970s". Spider-Man Chronicle Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 62. ISBN 978-0756692360.
[The Amazing Spider-Man #111] marked the dawning of a new era: writer Gerry Conway came on board as Stan Lee's replacement. Alongside artist John Romita, Conway started his run by picking up where Lee left off.
{{cite book}}:|first2=has generic name (help) - ^ Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 159: "In June [1973], Marvel embarked on a story that would have far-reaching effects. The Amazing Spider-Man artist John Romita, Sr. suggested killing off Spider-Man's beloved Gwen Stacy in order to shake up the book's status quo."
- ^ Manning "1970s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 68: "This story by writer Gerry Conway and penciler Gil Kane would go down in history as one of the most memorable events of Spider-Man's life."
- ^ David, Peter; Greenberger, Robert (2010). The Spider-Man Vault: A Museum-in-a-Book with Rare Collectibles Spun from Marvel's Web. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Running Press. p. 49. ISBN 978-0762437726.
The idea of beloved supporting characters meeting their deaths may be standard operating procedure now but in 1973 it was unprecedented...Gwen's death took villainy and victimhood to an entirely new level.
- ^ Manning "1970s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 72: "Writer Gerry Conway and artist Ross Andru introduced two major new characters to Spider-Man's world and the Marvel Universe in this self-contained issue. Not only would the vigilante known as the Punisher go on to be one of the most important and iconic Marvel creations of the 1970s, but his instigator, the Jackal, would become the next big threat in Spider-Man's life."
- ^ . fantasticfourheadquarters.co.uk. 2009. Archived from the original on February 18, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^ Larnick, Eric (October 30, 2010). . ComicsAlliance.com. Archived from the original on January 11, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
- ^ Cronin, Brian (October 1, 2010). . ComicBookResources.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
- ^ Amazing Adventures #16 (Jan. 1973), Justice League of America #103 (Dec. 1972), and Thor #207 (Jan. 1973) at the Grand Comics Database
- ^ Thomas, Roy (April 2002). "All The Stars There Are in (Super-hero) Heaven!". Alter Ego. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing. 3 (14). Retrieved June 23, 2013.
- ^ McAvennie, Michael; Dolan, Hannah, eds. (2010). "1970s". DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. London: Dorling Kindersley. p. 169. ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9.
Along with artist Ric Estrada, [Gerry] Conway also introduced the DC Universe to the cousin of Earth-2's Superman, Kara Zor-L a.k.a. Power Girl.
- ^ Levitz, Paul (2010). "The Bronze Age 1970–1984". 75 Years of DC Comics The Art of Modern Mythmaking. Cologne, Germany: Taschen America. p. 527. ISBN 9783836519816.
The revived All-Star introduced Power Girl, conceived as Supergirl's Earth-Two counterpart. With Wallace Wood and his renowned skill at 'cheesecake' determining the finished art, her breathtaking buxomness and 'peek-a-boo' décolletage were perhaps inevitable.
- ^ McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 170 "The tale was written by Gerry Conway and drawn by Ross Andru, both among the few [at that time] to ever have worked on both Superman and Spider-Man...The result was a defining moment in Bronze Age comics."
- ^ Abramowitz, Jack (April 2014). "1st Issue Special: It Was No Showcase (But It Was Never Meant To Be)". Back Issue!. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing (71): 45.
- ^ Daniels, Les (1991). Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics. New York, New York: Harry N. Abrams. p. 176. ISBN 0-8109-3821-9.
- ^ "Gerry Conway on Englehart Leaving Marvel" (sidebar) in Riley, Shannon E. (September 2010). "The Man Who Saved the Justice League of America". Back Issue!. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing (45): 15.
- ^ Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 177: "Spider-Man already starred in two monthly series: The Amazing Spider-Man and Marvel Team-Up. Now Marvel added a third, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man, initially written by Gerry Conway with art by Sal Buscema and Mike Esposito."
- ^ Schweier, Philip (August 2012). "Justice League, Then and Now with Gerry Conway and Dan Jurgens". Back Issue!. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing (58): 65–70.
- ^ Sanderson, Peter (September–October 1981). "Justice League #200 All-Star Affair". Comics Feature. New Media Publishing (12/13): 17.
- ^ Mangels, Andy (December 2012). "Kryptonian and Amazonian Not Living in Perfect Harmony". Back Issue!. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing (61): 50–54.
- ^ Hamerlinck, P.C. (December 2012). "When Worlds Collide The Colossal-Sized Confrontation Between Superman and Captain Marvel". Back Issue!. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing (61): 65–68.
- ^ McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 177 "If inventiveness is the fusion of ideas, then Firestorm was one of the most original characters to emerge from a comic book in years. Penned by Gerry Conway and drawn by Al Milgrom, the Nuclear Man was a genuine sign of the times – the explosive embodiment of a nuclear world."
- ^ McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 177 "Thanks to scripter Gerry Conway and artist Don Heck, the red, white, and blue shone like never before – on the steel-alloyed suit of the World War II cyborg, Steel."
- ^ Wells, John (October 24, 1997). "'Lost' DC: The DC Implosion". Comics Buyer's Guide. No. 1249. p. 133.
The Deserter...was given his own ongoing title at the 11th hour, only to perish amidst the other cancellations. The origin of tormented Civil War deserter Aaron Hope (by Gerry Conway, Dick Ayers, and Romeo Tanghal) appeared only in Cancelled Comic Cavalcade #1.
- ^ Johnson, Dan (April 2014). "Showcase Presents Again". Back Issue!. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing (71): 54–55.
Gerry Conway's the Deserter, a Western adventure that would have featured interior art by Dick Ayers and Romeo Tanghal and a cover by Joe Kubert, was originally going to be a three-issue run in Showcase #107–109. Even before Showcase's cancellation, it was greenlit as an ongoing series until the DC Implosion killed it altogether.
- ^ Wells p. 134: "After being touted in house ads during the summer, details regarding The Vixen #1 appeared in a 'Daily Planet' text page in Batman #305 and The Flash #267. Ultimately, 'Who Is The Vixen?' was printed only in Cancelled Comic Cavalcade #2."
- ^ Manning, Matthew K. "1980s" in Dolan, p. 209 "The prestigious Justice League of America got a bit easier to join, thanks to writer Gerry Conway and artist Chuck Patton. Marking the debut of camouflaging hero Gypsy, the shockwave-casting Vibe, and the second generation hero Steel, this landmark comic saw many of the more famous League members step down in order to make way for a younger roster to carry on their legacy."
- ^ Manning, Matthew K.; Dougall, Alastair, ed. (2014). "1980s". Batman: A Visual History. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 138. ISBN 978-1465424563.
Gerry Conway and artist Don Newton had become the regular team on Detective Comics at the tail end of 1980. By the middle of [1981], Conway had also taken over the writing in Batman. With the same writer handling both main Batman books, easy crossovers between the two titles soon became possible.
{{cite book}}:|first2=has generic name (help) - ^ Manning "1980s" in Dolan, p. 200 "Killer Croc made his mysterious debut in the pages of Detective Comics #523, written by Gerry Conway, with art by Gene Colan." "Croc would soon become a major player in Gotham's underworld."
- ^ Manning "1980s" in Dolan, p. 201 "Jason Todd first appeared in a circus scene in the pages of Batman #357, written by Gerry Conway and illustrated by Don Newton."
- ^ Manning "1980s" in Dougall, p. 141
- ^ Manning "1980s" in Dougall, p. 142
- ^ In Justice League of America #207–209 (Oct.-Dec. 1982) and All-Star Squadron #14–15 (Oct.–Nov. 1982); and Justice League of America #219–220 (Oct.–Nov. 1983); and Infinity, Inc. #19 (Oct. 1985) and Justice League of America #244 (Nov. 1985). Per Thomas, Roy. "The Justice League-Justice Society Team-Ups", The All-Star Companion (TwoMorrows Publishing 2000) ISBN 1-893905-05-5 pp. 191–192
- ^ Thomas, Roy. "Crisis on Finite Earths: The Justice League-Justice Society Team-Ups (1963–1985)", Alter Ego vol. 3, #7 (Winter 2001), pp. 31–34
- ^ Shaw, Scott "Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew! Vol. 1, #1" January 21, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, OddBallComics.com #1180, October 8, 2007
- ^ George Pérez interview, David Anthony Kraft's Comics Interview #6 (Fictioneer, Aug. 1983).
- ^ O'Neill, Patrick Daniel. "Career Moves" (Pérez interview), Wizard #35 (July 1994)
- ^ Greenberger, Robert (August 2017). "It Sounded Like a Good Idea at the Time: A Look at the DC Challenge!". Back Issue!. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing (98): 41–43.
- ^ Daniels p. 222
- ^ DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 238: Created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Sal Buscema, Carlos and Eduardo Lobo possessed the mutant ability to transform into werewolves.
- ^ Sources disagree on the spelling, sometimes even within the same source: The cover of the single issue itself appears to spell it "NightGlider". The cover of Victory #1 likewise spells it as one word, though in an all-caps typeface. The Grand Comics Database entry spells it as both "Nightglider" and "Night Glider".
- ^ Rogers, Vaneta (March 13, 2009). "The End? Gerry Conway on The Last Days of Animal Man". Newsarama. from the original on June 4, 2011.
- ^ Campbell, Josie (April 1, 2011). . Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
- ^ Renaud, Jeffrey (March 17, 2016). "Conway Explains How "Legends of Tomorrow" Reignited His Passion for Firestorm". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
- ^ The Midnight Dancers (Ace, 1971, ISBN 0-441-52975-5; this is not the same-name book by Anne Maybury, nor Midnight Dancer by Emily Bradshaw)
- ^ Mindship (DAW, 1974, ISBN 0-87997-095-2).
- ^ Handley, Rich (2010). "Star Trek Los Angeles Times Syndicate newspaper comic strip". Star Trek Communicator #121 via Star Trek Comics Checklist. from the original on June 19, 2010.
- ^ Radulovic, Petrana (June 11, 2019). "The abandoned X-Men movie of the 1980s isn't missed by anyone involved". Polygon. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
- ^ Kendall, G. (August 11, 2019). "When Batman: The Animated Series Toured Crime Alley". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Gerry Conway Biography (1952-)". FilmReference.com. from the original on December 2, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
- ^ Carla Conway at the Grand Comics Database
- ^ Conway, Gerry (September 17, 2006). "Immigration, Part One". Conwayscorner.blogspot.com. from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2009.
- ^ Buttery, Jarrod (February 2014). "Hulk Smash!: The Incredible Hulk in the 1970s". Back Issue!. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing (70): 9.
External links
- A Conversation with Gerry Conway (Comic Geek Speak: Episode 701, Podcast)
- at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
- "DC Profiles #36: Gerry Conway" at the Grand Comics Database
- Gerry Conway at IMDb
- Gerry Conway at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
- Gerry Conway at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators
- Women in Refrigerators: "Gerry Conway Responds"
- The New York Times- Movies: Gerry Conway