Gerry Conway, a Creator of the Punisher in Spider-Man Comics, Dies at 73
Gerry Conway, a prominent comic book writer for DC and Marvel, died at 73 from pancreatic cancer. He was known for creating the Punisher, a violent antihero whose skull emblem later became a political symbol. Conway also famously killed off Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man No. 121, a pivotal moment that deeply impacted fans and comic book storytelling.
- ▪Gerry Conway died at his home in Thousand Oaks, California, at the age of 73.
- ▪He co-created the Punisher, an enduring antihero in Marvel Comics, in 1973.
- ▪Conway wrote the storyline that led to the death of Gwen Stacy, a major character in Spider-Man comics.
- ▪The death of Gwen Stacy was intended to add emotional realism to Peter Parker's story.
- ▪His wife, Laura Conway, confirmed that the cause of death was pancreatic cancer.
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You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.Ross Andru and Frank Giacoia/Marvel EntertainmentSkip to contentSkip to site indexGerry Conway, a Creator of the Punisher in Spider-Man Comics, Dies at 73The brutal assassin’s skull logo later took on new life as a political symbol. Mr. Conway was also responsible for the death of Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s love interest.Ross Andru and Frank Giacoia/Marvel EntertainmentCredit...Supported bySKIP ADVERTISEMENTListen · 7:50 min Share full article3By George Gene GustinesMay 1, 2026Gerry Conway, a comic book writer for DC and Marvel who infuriated fans in 1973 by killing off Spider-Man’s love interest and then thrilled them later the same year by helping…
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