One of my artistic inspirations and heroes has died… Frank Frazetta passed away yesterday at the age of 82.
To many, Frazzeta is, was, and always will be the father of fantasy art. He inspired millions of young artists and it could be said that there has been no person more influential in the development of fantasy art and illustration than he.
He is the man who brought life to the characters we now know as The Death Dealer, Conan the Barbarian, Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, and Buck Rogers. He illustrated book covers, comic books, and magazines such as Heavy Metal, Eerie, Creepy, Vampirella, and Weird Fantasy. He also did album covers for the bands, Nazareth (Expect no Mercy), and Molly Hatchet (Flirtin’ With Disaster). Throughout his career, there were instances where publishers would commission his work, and then ask writers to create stories around it. Sword and sorcery, muscled warriors and buxom women all defined his work, drawing viewers into wonderful pieces of fiction that still influence an industry today.
I raise my glass to you and bid you Godspeed. Thank you for the inspiration for the wonderful legacy you have left all of us who are fans of Sci Fi and Fantasy artwork.
You will be missed.