Gerry Conway is a name people will hear as a result of Spider-Man and the Punisher. But it’s all for a solid reason, he believes in the development of these characters. Conway’s time with Spider-Man alone is a battle against editorial/publishing mandate. Even long after he retires, Conway never conforms and does whatever is in his power to ensure positive progression.
The Debut
A Brooklynite, Conway grows up a fan of comic fan. From sending letters to Marvel to publishing a professional comic by 16. Spending time selling stories to Marvel and DC’s horror anthologies, he makes a name for himself. This is to the point of having a few friends connect him future editor-in-chief Roy Thomas. Starting with Marvel’s Tarzan, Ka-Zar, Conway goes forward with more characters like Daredevil. True to his beginnings with horror however, his first original creation comes in the form of Man-Thing. But he gives co-credit to Stan Lee and Thomas. This in turn leads to more horror titles like the original Werewolf By Night and Tomb of Dracula.
Gerry Conway in the Big Leagues
Yet those titles get little attention as Conway also scripts every other major label. His most notable would easily be Spider-Man.
Conway would return to the character in one way or another, including the 80s Spectacular and Web of Spider-Man. But perhaps the most notable comes from the initial Renew Your Vows series. One where Gerry Conway would have his favorite couple have the life they deserve. One that gives them a child and a somewhat happy life fighting alongside one another. Needless to say he was not a fan of the decisions Marvel made with the infamous “One More Day”. This series was a form of protest against regression. But perhaps the one character he protests about the most is his creation, the Punisher.
Gerry Conway Punishes Toxicity
Gerry Conway created the Punisher as a modern gunslinger, the Western characters who represent law enforcement’s shortcomings. But the classic bounty hunter/vigilante has no place in modern times as without due process, these people are killers. Even when Conway pens stories about Frank Castle, they merely show a man out for blood. Albeit one with good causes because the police can’t reach the crimes. But when real cops start using the Punisher logo, Conway has a problem with that.
Police and military wearing the emblem of a murderous vigilante is not taking pride in service to Conway. It is instead a symbol of perverting an oath by irresponsibly using lethal force. Fans of Conway including Punisher writer Matthew Rosenberg go out of their way to show that even Marvel doesn’t want this view. But the use of the symbol remains to the point of Conway deciding to rebrand the emblem for charity T-Shirts. Whether this helps a problem or causes more is yet to be determined.
The Ever Fanboy
The reason Conway goes out of his way for these characters isn’t just for association by them. It’s because he genuinely loves how comics have a positive effect on people. His works including the Fantastic Four, All-Star Comics, and even Logan’s Run are nothing but having a good time. He even interacts with others to have crossovers between Marvel and DC behind their backs. Sharing this with Steve Englehart and Len Wein, they insert themselves into the pages. It’s almost a way for friends to get together through their busy lives.
Gerry Conway and The Screens
Conway certainly has found his way through media because of comics. His time with Batman alone bring pivotal moments including the introduction of Jason Todd. Even if it is back when he’s a carbon copy of Dick Grayson. But it’s only because he loves the dynamic duo and what Batman’s vow means as a whole. Something further explored in the Batman: Animated Series. Despite the dangers of Batman’s city of Gotham, he fights for the good to be found. Even in the infamous sight of his parents’ death “Crime Alley”. With nowhere else to go, people have to try and make something better.
Conway does this again through Conan the Barbarian. Back at Marvel he first got a taste of Sword Sorcery through Kull the Conqueror. But it would be years later with Fire and Ice where he dives straight into the genre with Roy Thomas. This inseparable duo eventually screen-write for Conan: The Destroyer. But they were unsatisfied with the final product by Stanley Mann. So they decide to recreate their vision through Marvel as The Horn of Azoth. Even that wasn’t enough since Conway goes on to create a run of The Savage Sword of Conan. One that gives the titular barbarian some vulnerability in the form of lost love. Considering Conway has been divorced twice, this might come from some authenticity.
Between The Young and Old
Gerry Conway’s creation Firestorm probably represents his vision for comics and their fans. With an old mind guiding a young but hot-headed boy, their struggle to coexist forms the basis. Conway still a young man at the time of Firestorm’s creation likely identifies with Ronnie Raymond. While the older Martin Stein best represents the more experienced editors or artist Al Milgrom. There are definitely some upsides and downsides to clashing with these mindsets. It can cause disruption but allow new ideas to flourish.
Conway’s other creations meanwhile have to get more exposure through Justice League of America. But maybe having that many personalities on hand is good for such an ensemble. Especially if it can expand reach for future creators to find these characters. Just look at the CW shows and the many B-tiers that enhance The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. It’s the perfect sign of old creators finding a middle ground with young bloods. Other times Conway would like to cut loose in series like Marvel’s Carnage.
In any case remember to embrace your inner fan boy but also stay close to people in your life. You never know when something would happen that could call you to action. Thanks for coming and as always remember to look between the panels.