Fantasy Theater

http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/03/david-a-trampier-obituary

Just got word that Dungeons & Dragons artist David A. Trampier has passed away. His work was all over the classic 1st edition AD&D books, including the iconic Players Handbook cover. Besides his flair for dramatic illustration, he was a hell of a cartoonist; his "Wormy" strip (which ran for years in Dragon Magazine) was a brilliant mix of fantasy, gaming, and meta-humor that was way ahead of its time. As a young gamer and aspiring artist, Trampier's work was a real inspiration. Rest in Peace, "DAT".

Very sad to hear about the passing of prolific tv producer Lou Scheimer. His cartoons, from Fat Albert and Archie, to Batman and Tarzan, were a big part of my childhood. Ty Templeton has a great tribute here:

http://tytempletonart.wordpress.com/2013/10/19/filmation-bun-toons-kind-of-yay/

Thanks for the memories, Mr. Scheimer!

Mark Evanier tells a very funny and revealing story about his run-in with Larry Hagman. A great actor and a cool dude:

http://www.newsfromme.com/2012/11/24/my-larry-hagman-story/

http://www.newsfromme.com/2012/08/12/joe-kubert-r-i-p/

One of the all-time greats, a master of draftsmanship and design. Decades of brilliant, definitive work: Sgt. Rock, Hawkman, Tarzan, Viking Prince, Tor, Enemy Ace, Fax From Sarajevo, so many others. And an influence to generations of artists through his work and his school. So long, Mr. Kubert.

The author of the Encyclopedia Brown books has died:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL2E8IG7RW20120716

Man, I devoured those books as a kid. Very sorry to hear of his passing.

Love Coldplay or hate 'em, this is pretty cool:


http://youtu.be/LVr4UP9ntLs

Very sad to hear about the death of Sheldon Moldoff, prolific cartoonist who worked on Batman, Hawkman, and many other characters. Mark Evanier has an overview of his career:

http://www.newsfromme.com/2012/03/03/sheldon-moldoff-r-i-p/

And Dean Trippe has a gallery of some of those crazy Batman covers Moldoff drew in the 1950s:

http://deantrippe.tumblr.com/post/18681477403/ibrill-some-great-batman-covers-by-sheldon

Moldoff's work on Batman was largely the inspiration for the recent "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" cartoon show, and had more than a little influence on my own Lady Spectra & Sparky. Rest in Peace, Mr. Moldoff.

http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2011_06_23.html#020849

Very sad to hear about the passing of Gene Colan, one of comics' all-time great artists. He was the guy who could it all, with style. Over his long career he drew everything from Batman and Iron Man to Dracula and Howard the Duck. Condolences to is family, friends, and fans.

http://www.wtam.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=122520&article=7342270

Just got the news that Harvey Pekar has died. Creator of American Splendor, godfather of the autobiographical comix genre, music journalist, notorious curmudgeon, and the guy who ran rhetorical circles around David Letterman. An amazing and influential writer. Condolences to his family and friends.

Not much in common there, except both were pioneers and giants in their respective fields. RIP, Ms. Horne and Mr. Frazetta.