For the art world at large and for the subculture of fantasy illustrators it’s a sad, sad day indeed. So you’re getting two topical daily dragons in a row.
Around lunchtime the Twitterverse lit up with the news, which I first read on comicsbeat.com: Frank Frazetta has died.
Frank was to modern fantasy illustration what Tolkien was to modern fantasy literature. He helped popularize an image that has become iconic to pulp fantasy, practically defining the visual sensibilities of the swords-and-sorcery genre. Even if you don’t know his name, and are unfamiliar with fantasy art or fiction, you’ve probably seen his work. More than once. And if you haven’t, you’ve certainly seen something inspired by Mr. Frazetta.
His legacy is vast, and I take a little solace in knowing that I’m not the only one mourning his passing.
Today a legend left us behind.