Jose “Pepe” Gonzalez, the horror artist who made his mark on Harris Comics’ Vampirella in the 1970s, passed away this week. According to reports, Gonzalez passed away in his sleep after a prolonged illness.
The following is a statement from Harris:
It is with great sadness that Harris Comics has learned of the passing of Jose “Pepe” Gonzalez. He was 70 years old.
Gonzalez is best known for his work on Vampirella. Starting with Vampirella #12 in 1971 and together with Archive Goodwin, Gonzalez created horror classics that have stood the test of time as some of the finest examples of the comics medium. His work was thrilling, sensuous and beautiful. He brought the character to life, elevated her to an icon and, most deservedly, won over a legion of fans who have never forgotten him. To this day, many would say his was the definitive rendition of the character.
He was one of the greatest artists comics has ever seen. He will never be replaced and he will be sorely missed.
Joe Jusko had this to say: “I can honestly say that my life long affinity for Vampirella was born due to the discovery of Jose Gonzalez’ breathtaking work. From the splash page of Vampirella #21 through the very last panel, my 12 year old eyes had never seen a woman drawn in comics as Gonzalez drew them; beautiful, mysterious, sexy (but never slutty). I have forever tried to capture the glamour and sensuality that he brought to the character, but as all who have tried since have always come up tragically short. There will always be only one definitive Vampi artist in most readers’ eyes and he will always be the great Jose ‘Pepe’ Gonzalez.”
March 17th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Very sad news. RIP Pepe.
March 17th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
i was never a big Vampirella fan but lazy year i flipped through the crimson chronicle trade and his artwork made me buy it. i love that book and his art, and this is sad news. RIP.
April 14th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I am terribly saddened. I, like so many others, fell in love with Vampirella almost entirely due to the man’s amazing artwork. Like Jusko said, many have drawn the character since but none have equaled his depiction of her. The silver lining in this very dark cloud is that he lived a relatively long life and left behind a legion of fans who will NEVER forget him.