Creators around the Internet are reporting the same thing: That legendary artist Frank Frazetta has passed away at the age of 82.
Frazetta was well-known for his dynamic, rugged art on seminal comics characters ranging from Conan the Barbarian to Shining Knight to Vampirella. One of Frazetta’s most iconic images — the Death Dealer, painted in 1973 — which eventually was used in comics, novels, and even a CD.
Additionally, Frazetta also hit Hollywood, most notably for the animated 1983 feature Fire and Ice. He also drew movie posters for What’s New, Pussycat?, Hotel Paradiso and the Gauntlet, among many others.
Yet the Frazetta family’s personal life has also been tumultous at best — recently, his son Frank Jr. was arrested for driving a backhoe into the Frazetta Art Gallery, attempting to take $20 million in paintings. Frank Jr. had said that he had the power of attorney over his father’s estate — the charges were eventually dropped.
“My son is an alien,” Frazetta told the Ponoco Record in March. “There’s no telling what he’ll do. He’s been like that for, I don’t know, how many years. We played baseball in the old days. He always chose the opposite side from me.”
While there is no word as to how Frazetta died, he had suffered from a number of health conditions in recent years, including a thyroid condition and several debilitating strokes. ‘Rama readers, feel free to give your thoughts on the creator in the comments section below.
May 10th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Wow, I cannot believe I’m reading this. What unexpected and sad news. Mr. Frazetta’s art was most definitely ahead of its time and I can say without hesitation that the art displayed above was one of the first pieces of work that influenced me as an artist early on in my life.
May you rest in Peace Mr. Frazetta.
May 10th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Not much more to say other than that we will never see such a talent in our lifetimes ever again, and that he left us with a volume of work that will forever burn in our memories, works that would be at home in any international museums and galleries. I was so happy to hear that before he died many of the conflicts he had amidst his family members were finally resolved, and in that he could leave peacefully and with pride.
May 10th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Besides his fantastic art, the man’s work for book covers also turned me into a reader. How could I not buy those books with such fantastic art work? I owe much to this man. RIP, Frank.
May 10th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Recently started to appreciate Frank’s work and really loved what I saw. RIP, Frank.
May 10th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
I have a couple of his books. A great and legendary artist who inspired many. RIP Frank.
May 10th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
What can I say about the man that created so many indelible images. When I think of the all the wondrous worlds I have read and imagined as a kid I remember them as Frazetta painted them. He was a amazing talent whose body of work I have looked up to for years. Thank you Frank Frazetta R.I.P.
May 10th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Certainly a sad day for Frank’s family, friends and fans. I’ve admired his work for years. What more can you say? I’ve been looking at his artwork that is posted on CAF today and would encourage others to do the same. Frazetta will be remembered as being one biggest influences in comics and fantasy illustration. R.I.P.
http://www.comicartfans.com/comic-artists/Frank_Frazetta.asp
May 10th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
A young poor kid look at an small library. His smile when the first conan book has been published in France. Thank you so much, dear master, you have made me dream so much. I’m very sad…
May 10th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Frank Frazetta was a Titan of art…so much more than just a fantasy artist…a true Master. His work breathed with life and vigor and transported one to other worlds. I can not fully express my admiration for his amazing body of work…there are no words. For 45 years, I have followed his career and marveled at his technique. I am so sorry he had such family difficulties. A few years back, I tried to negotiate a commission via Frank’s son. He was so difficult to work with that I finally had to call it off. But I had hoped to one day meet Mr. Frazetta and just sort of worship at the feet of The Master. We shall not see his like again.
May 10th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Would love to see an alex ross joe juscko and kevin kelly tribute to him; Frank left a great legacy of hard work in art behind; one I hope one day another member of is family will follow
May 10th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Frank Frazetta was the kind of iconic artist whose very name became eponymous — when one thought of fantasy art. He was — The Great Master. His work will survive as long as there are eyes to see.
May 10th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
I grew up with his Vampirella images. An amazing illustrator died. RIP. Thank you for your artworks Frank Frazetta.
May 10th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Eu aprendi a pintar com Frank Frazetta. \\\\Estou muito triste!!!DESCANSE EM PAZ MESTRE QUERIDO!!
May 11th, 2010 at 11:47 am
He will be missed. His images take me way back. Wow….
May 11th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
This is very sad news!
May 11th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
My tribute to Frank Frazetta: http://eddit.com/notebook/archive/dear_frank_frazetta/
May 11th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
I was a conan freak in my teens and loved looking to next cover of franks rip bro
December 9th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
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