Pittsburgh Underground: Artst Fartsy: Frank Frazetta 1928-2010

Frank Frazetta - Last of the Great American Masters

Very sad news this week as fabled fantasy artist, Frank Frazetta, passed away from complications from a stroke at age 82 on May 10, 2010. For the full story and a brief synopsis on the career of Frank Frazetta, click the link below.

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Sacrifice

Frazetta was best known for inspiring a generation with his fantasty paintings of voluptuous damsels in distress, lantern jawed heroes, and a cavelcade of monsterous creatures.

CREEPY & Li'l Abner

Frazetta's career started with his creature work at EC comics. He had assisted Al Capp with L'il Abner, Dan Barry on Flash Gordon, and eventually Harvey Kurtzman with Little Annie Fannie in Playboy magazine which lead him to other publications such as Vampira, Creepy, and Eerie.

Ringo Starr for MAD Magazine & What's New Pussycat? For United Artists

His painting of Ringo Starr for MAD magazine caught the eye of United Artists studios who commissioned him to paint a poster for What's New Pussycat which lead to a string of other famous movie posters including Conan the Barbarian, The Gauntlet, Fearless Vampire Killers, and one of his own productions, Fire and Ice where he partnered with famed animator Ralph Bakshi. (click here to see more of Mr. Frazetta's movie posters at IMP Awards.com)

Chained & Death Dealer

His most well known work started when he began producing paintings for paperback editions of Conan the Barbarian, Tarzan, and John Carter of Mars. This lead to his album artwork for well known musical groups including Molly Hatchet (see Death Dealer above), Dust, Nazareth, and the Dead Elvi.