The world of great artists lost an icon today as Frank Frazetta, a man whose art most often depicted fantastic worlds full of larger than life heroes fighting with swords and battle axes to defend busty, helpless women from horrible beasts, died today in Fort Myers, Fla. He was 82.
According to reports, his death was the result of a stroke and was confirmed by Rob Pistella and Steve Ferzoco, his business managers. Frazetta, who had a history of strokes, had returned from a Mother’s Day dinner with his family on Sunday night and complained of feeling ill. Frazetta was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
Frazetta’s work began many years ago on daily comic strips like Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon and Li’l Abner. He then moved on to comic books in the 1950s. In the mid 1960’s Frazetta became even more popular and began illustrating pulp heroes like Conan the Barbarian and John Carter of Mars for their comics and books.
Because of his style and penchant for scantly clad women, he also illustrated album covers for various heavy metal bands such as Molly Hatchet and Nazareth. His work was also an inspiration to many artists working in comics and graphic novels and the scope of that influence can only be hinted at by the amount of activity on Twitter today at the news of his death.
Obviously, he will be missed.
Tom S.
May 28, 2010 at 6:51 amI am in deep remorse to learn of Mr. Frazetta’s death. Best to all family and friends who knew this gifted man.
As a youngster in the late 60’s and 70’s in upstate New York, I often tried to grab the influence in my own work… which could never be a achieved – as the style was so unique. The subject matter was bigger than life and the album artwork sold the albums…
His painting and work inspired me to pursue art in college and I am a 1984 Parson’s School of Design Communications/Illustration graduate. Working in the music industry as an art director for many years, I never realized the museum and Franks’ residence to be less than 2 hours from NYC. I am sad that I never was able to get there to see the original work and meet Mr. Frazetta.
I grieve the loss with family and friends and hope to someday come face to face with some of this original, awesome fantasy artwork.
Sincere condolences on your (and the art world’s) huge loss,
TS