Godspeed

It’s a sad day in the world of comics as legendary penciler George Tuska and celebrated letterer Joe Rosen are both mourned.

George Tuska was a staple in the comics industry, from his early days working on such illustrious titles as Captain Marvel and a long run on the Buck Rogers comic strip.

His work on Iron Man and Captain America for Marvel has been much heralded, but for me, it was his work on Planet of the Apes and Thor that really grabbed me.

As to Joe Rosen, what can be said about this man of letters? In what is perhaps the most unheralded position in the industry, Joe Rosen defined the art of lettering comics.

Rosen’s work was perfection, bringing clarity and musclature to his line and enhancing every title that he worked on. This was most evident in his groundbreaking work on Frank Miller’s legendary run on Daredevil.

Rest in Peace, Gentlemen and thanks for the memories…

Poe’s Funeral

As I posted on Sunday, Edgar Allan Poe was given a proper send-off as a part of Baltimore’s bicentennial celebration of the poet’s nativity and, as it turns out, famed editor Ellen Datlow (who for some reason keeps overlooking me for her Years Best Horror anthologies) not only attended the event, but she was one of the eulogists.

Edgar Allan Poe
January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849

R.I.P. Donald M. Grant

Donald Metcalf Grant passed away Wednesday morning. He was was 82 years old. Born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1927 and a graduate of the University of Rhode Island in 1949, Grant’s interest in fantasy and science fiction started when he began reading the stories of Edgar Rice Burroughs at age 10.

Grant was involved in the founding of several science fiction and fantasy small press publishers, from Grant-Hadley Enterprises in 1945,  to The Buffalo Book Company in 1946, Grandon, Publishers in 1949 and Centaur Press in 1970.

His most enduring legacy was the founding of Donald M. Grant, Publisher, Inc. in 1964.

In the mid-70s Grant was instrumental in publishing some of the finest Robert E. Howard limited editions to date, and went on to produce impressive works by the likes of H.P. Lovecraft, Fritz Lieber, Karl Wagner, and Stephen King, among countless others.

Donald M. Grant was a champion of the genre and his shadow stretches long over the industry. He was a giant among men and his legend will not fade…

He will be missed.

Godspeed, Mr. Grant…

Les Paul

Les Paul, who invented the solid-body electric guitar later wielded by a legion of rock ‘n’ roll greats, died today from complications stemming from a bout with pneumonia. He was 94 years old.

And yet his legend lives on…

Godspeed.

Suicide Solution

So long, V:.
May you finally be at peace.

Forty Years Ago Today

Light and Dark. Good and Evil. Forty years ago today, we witnessed both.

August 8th 1969 found photographer Ian Macmillan taking one of the most iconic photos in history… the album cover to The Beatles’ swan song Abbey Road.

Meanwhile, half a world away, Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Wojciech Frykowski and Abigail Folger, fell victim to Tex Watson, Susan Atkins, and the Manson Family.

Light and Dark. Good and Evil. Beauty and Ugliness, in vivid and stark reality… forty years ago today.

1969. The dream was over… In England the Beatles marked the beginning of their end with an everlasting image and Death stalked the American Night in the disguise of the Summer of Love.

Forty years ago today…

Godspeed, Eleanor Frazetta

Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Frazetta, the beloved wife of celebrated artist Frank Frazetta, passed away today after a year long battle with cancer.

Eleanor Kelly was born in Massachusetts and moved to New York where she married Frank in November, 1956. Blessed with an intuitive business acumen, Eleanor was instrumental in successfully establishing record prices for Frank’s work throughout her life.

In addition to being his business partner and life long companion, Eleanor Frazetta was also a model for so many of his illustrations. She was an intimate part of Frank’s illustrious career…

She is survived by her husband Frank, her four children, Frank Jr., Billy, Holly and Heidi, numerous grandchildren, and many friends.

Details on the public memorial that is planned have yet to be announced.

My most heartfelt condolences go out to the Frazetta family.

The King (of Pop) is Dead

I saw Michael Jackson in concert with his brothers in 1972 when the Jackson 5 played the Indiana State Fair. That Michael was a far cry from the man who passed away today, but the self-proclaimed King of Pop was an indisputable hit machine in his day. The accompanying video was a high mark, in my opinion. Landis and Jackson came together to create a fantastic mini-film that stands the test of time. And having Vincent Price along for the ride doesn’t hurt a thing…

I’m not sure that he’ll be missed, but Michael Jackson will surely not be forgotten. For me, Michael Jackson checked out a long time ago.

Who knows, maybe there will be some peace and redemption for him wherever he’s headed?

Godspeed, Peter Pan… Neverland awaits.

An Angel gets her wings…

Iconic covergirl Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer at 9:37 this morning at the age of 62.

Best known for the accompanying poster, as well as her turn as Jill Monroe on the 70s mega-hit Charlie’s Angels, Farrah Fawcett was an international sex symbol who always strove to rise above her good looks and be acknowledged as a serious actress.

Multiple Grammy and Emmy nominations seemed to lend credibility to her talents as an artist, even if she never shed her pop culture notoriety.

As every other red-blooded American boy growing up in the 70’s, she adorned my bedroom wall…

Godspeed, Ms. Fawcett. Rest in peace…