Frank Frazetta began working in the comic industry at the age of 15 back in 1944. That began a huge career as a comic artist doing characters like Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Lil' Abner and Little Annie Fanny. You'd think that would be enough but he went on to become one of, if not, the most recognizable fantasy artist in the last fifty years. As book cover artist he defined the style of Conan the Barbarian, Tarzan and John Carter of Mars. Indeed, his influence on sword and sorcery and planetary romance is extraordinary, even seminal. He has become the leading fantasy poster artist and many of his paintings are instantly recognized as classics. Originals sell for hundred of thousands.
It's easy to understand Frazetta isn't to everyone's taste with his double Y males in loin cloths and nubile women of heaving bosom and curvy hip, but you have to admit his place in popular culture and admire his turn of the brush. Besides, Frazetta didn't want you to take his work all too seriously. Look at the Ralph Bakshi and Frazetta's film Fire and Ice, it's brimming with gusto cheese and no apologies. He may have fallen out of favour as the world's most popular poster artist but people were starting to get him again. That's why at the time of his death, May 10 age 82, his work is entering a revival. He's going to be around for a long time. Frazetta forever.
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