Will Murray, the co-creator of Marvel's beloved Squirrel Girl, died at 73, leaving behind a character whose quirky charm has outlasted many of her contemporaries, securing his legacy in comics and pulp fiction. This passing in 2026 brings renewed attention to his significant contributions. Murray co-created Squirrel Girl with artist Steve Ditko in 1991, according to ComicBook.
However, Will Murray co-created a character who became a fan favorite, but his individual name often remained in the background compared to his creation's widespread popularity. His passing serves as a poignant reminder to acknowledge the often-overlooked architects of our favorite fictional worlds.
A Legacy Beyond Squirrel Girl
Murray's career extended beyond Marvel Comics, encompassing a broad range of genre fiction. He authored new Doc Savage adventures for Bantam Books, continuing the legacy of the classic pulp hero, according to Will Murray - Wikipedia. Murray also contributed to other iconic pulp heroes like The Shadow and Tarzan. In 2016, he published "A History of the Doc Savage Adventures in Pulps, Paperbacks & Fanzines," demonstrating his deep engagement with the genre, as detailed on Amazon.
Squirrel Girl's Enduring Appeal
Squirrel Girl's unique blend of humor and power resonated deeply with fans, evolving from a quirky side character into a beloved icon with a dedicated following. The character, co-created by Murray, unexpectedly became a fan favorite, a fact highlighted by her long-term presence in Marvel's roster. This enduring popularity, despite her 1991 creation date, highlights the long-tail impact of foundational character concepts, even when initial creators like Murray may not have received continuous spotlight for decades.
The Unsung Heroes of Comics
Murray's story reflects a common pattern in comics, where characters often overshadow their creators. The comic industry continues to grapple with a systemic issue where foundational creators of beloved characters like Squirrel Girl often receive their most significant public recognition posthumously. The fact that Murray co-created Squirrel Girl in 1991, yet his name only now gains widespread mention in connection with her enduring popularity, suggests the industry prioritizes character longevity and brand over consistent, timely celebration of the human ingenuity behind them. This dynamic implies that writers often operate in the shadow of more visually prominent or established figures.
Remembering a Creator
Murray's passing will likely prompt fans and industry professionals to revisit his contributions, ensuring his place in comic book history is properly acknowledged. This renewed attention could lead to a deeper understanding of his influence on both the pulp genre and modern comics. His work on characters like Doc Savage and Squirrel Girl represents a significant, though often understated, impact on popular culture narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pulp fiction?
Pulp fiction refers to inexpensive fiction magazines printed on low-quality wood pulp paper during the early 20th century. These magazines featured thrilling adventure stories across various genres, including sci-fi, horror, and detective stories, often starring iconic characters like Doc Savage or The Shadow.
What is Will Murray's contribution to The Shadow?
Will Murray authored new adventures for The Shadow, a classic pulp hero. His work extended the character's narrative, contributing to the hero's enduring presence in popular culture beyond his original pulp magazine run. Murray's contributions helped sustain the character's legacy for a new generation of readers.
The comic industry faces renewed calls to proactively acknowledge creators like Murray, ensuring their contributions to characters like Squirrel Girl are celebrated during their lifetimes, rather than posthumously.
