Legendary Comic Book Artist and Swamp Thing Co-Creator Bernie Wrightson Has Died
Yesterday, Bernie Wrightson’s wife Liz announced Bernie had passed away after losing his long battle with brain cancer.
Bernie was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He was known for his exceptional horror illustrations and comic books. Bernie learned to draw by reading comics particularly from EC as well as through the Famous Artists School.
By 1966, Bernie had a gig at The Baltimore Sun newspaper. Just a year later he met artist Frank Frazetta at a comic-book convention in New York City where he was inspired to make his own stories.
In 1968, Bernie received his first freelance assignment from DC Comics editor Dick Giordano. His first professional work was in House of Mystery #179 in 1968. Probably his most famous contribution is his co-creation of Swamp Thing with Len Wein in 1971. He also co-created Destiny.
Wrightston soon moved on from DC comics and produced a number of original work as well as adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe at Warren Publishing.
Wrightson transitioned to drawing movie posters where he first drew the poster for Stephen King’s Creepshow. Wrightson would go on to illustrate the comic book adaptation of the film as well. The relationship with King would continue as Bernie contributed to Cycle of the Werewolf, The Stand, From a Buick 8 and Dark Tower V. Along with his movie work he also created album covers including covers for Meatloaf.
Bernie is survived by his wife Liz, his two sons John and Jeffrey, his stepson Thomas Adamson, and his two corgis, Mortimer and Maximillian.
Comic Book fans across the world honored Bernie:
https://twitter.com/gholson/status/843330074237636611
https://twitter.com/somebadideas/status/843335594914791424
Bernie Wrightson has died. Go make some art. pic.twitter.com/qKvDPaGLmI
— Tom Abba (@tomabba) March 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/AlexPaknadel/status/843383367471173632
R.I.P. Bernie Wrightson. pic.twitter.com/03OoaUVpVX
— DemiFiendRSA @ Discord/other sites. (@DemiFiendRSA) March 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/nicodelort/status/843533003364225025
https://twitter.com/Bouletcorp/status/843512119878410242
#BernieWrightson was able to make the grotesque and horrific so beautiful and sad. So much heart in those lines. pic.twitter.com/TXyNhBYIJj
— Becky CloOOoOoOonan đ» (@beckycloonan) March 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/gholson/status/843480094677065729
Marvel is saddened by the passing of talented artist Bernie Wrightson. We offer our condolences to his loved ones.
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) March 19, 2017
Gutted to hear about @BernieWrightson's passing. It was largely his work that got me into horror comics. Legend.
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) March 19, 2017
Bernie Wrightson, RIP. The news from the family: https://t.co/ZV5vgd1pwq Sending love, condolences. (Here's the only work we did together.) pic.twitter.com/CbDqOtKBoG
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 19, 2017
Bernie Wrightson was 68 at the time of his passing.
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