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Comic book and fantasy art fans are in collective despair from the announcement of legendary artist Frank Frazetta passing away.  While the man may not have delivered much work in recent years, his early contributions are undeniably influential and awe-inspiring.  Above you can see his classic 1973 piece called “The Death Dealer”, which has been immortalized on posters and prints, and is perhaps one of the most endearing images to come from Frank’s mind.  But his work goes back to the 1950’s, where Al Capp of “Li’l Abner” fame noticed his “Buck Rogers” covers for FAMOUS FUNNIES.  Frazetta began working with Capp, and even assisted Dan Barry on the FLASH GORDON comic strips.  In the 1960’s, Frank worked on the “Little Annie Fanny” comic strips in PLAYBOY magazine, and eventually began turning in movie posters for films like WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT, HOTEL PARADISO, and later the Clint Eastwood film THE GAUNTLET.  Frazetta became well-known for his contributions to Conan and Tarzan books.  His work also appeared in CREEPY, EERIE and VAMPIRELLA for Warren Publishing.

Through the years, Frazetta has become a significant influence for prominent comic book artists and illustrators, including William Stout, Mark Schultz, Bernie Wrightson, Joe Jusko, and the late ROCKETEER creator Dave Stevens.  While I never had the good fortune to meet Frank, I have been lucky enough to have so many talented friends in the comic industry, many of whom are admittedly influenced directly by his work, and are openly fans of Frazetta’s and unafraid to admit it.  I remember having long conversations with Dave Stevens about the intricacies of Frank’s work, and how little details added up to amazing visual effect.  Bernie Wrightson and I have had our share of Frazetta discussions as well.  My buddy Tim Bradstreet and I have even spent late nights filling ourselves with alcohol and arguing over which Frazetta paintings are better than others (a silly argument, they’re ALL great).  However, I regret not fully appreciating Frazetta’s work until my working days at Heritage Comic Auctions began.  It was only then that I had to a chance to see much of his work up close and in detail.  I held Frank’s drawings in my hands, and studied his technique, and slowly but surely, after all these years… I finally got it.

I want to acknowledge Lance Laspina as well (who I had the good fortune to meet years ago), and his fantastically produced documentary PAINTING WITH FIRE, which serves as a loving tribute to Frank’s life, his work, and effect on those who came after him in the art industry.  If you can find a copy, buy it and watch it.  Then watch it again.  Then show it to friends.  Frank Frazetta truly was a pioneer, though it should be said he was never afraid to learn from those who came before him.  His legacy left behind will undoubtedly carry on for many generations to come.

As of this writing, no official cause of death has been released, though Frank had already survived medical problems such as a thyroid condition, and multiple strokes, which took a significant toll on the man.  Born in 1928, the great Frank Frazetta has left this world at the age of 82… we will never forget his impressive work and amazing talent.

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