RIP: Frank Frazetta

We  lost a singular talent yesterday.  Best known for his fantasy sword and sorcery artwork, Frank Frazetta is in my opinion responsible for the resurgence of that genre in the popular culture of the 1970’s.

Molly Hatchet's 1978 self-titled album feachered Frazetta's "The Death Dealer"

His artwork has appeared everywhere:  Conan the Barbarian book covers, rock and roll album covers, movie posters and yes, pulp fiction magazines.

Regardless of how you feel about the imagery he used, it is hard to argue that his work has not been influential.  Many of today’s genre artists cite Frazetta as their major influence.

One of the most inspiring things about him was that when he suffered a stroke that destroyed the dexterity of his primary right hand, Frazetta taught himself to paint with his left.

I think I am going to spend some time today browsing his artwork online, and listening to Molly Hatchet.