Bernie Wrightson, the acclaimed comic book artist and co-creator of DC’s Swamp Thing, has died after a battle with brain cancer. He was 68.
His wife Liz Wrightson shared a remembrance of her husband on the Austin-based artist’s website Sunday.
Wrightson’s career dates to 1968’s House of Mystery No. 168. In addition to creating Swamp Thing with writer Len Wein, he and Marv Wolfman co-created Destiny, who would later become a mainstay of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman.
After leaving DC, Wrightson worked for National Lampoon and created illustrations for a number of novels, including editions of Frankenstein and Stephen King’s Cycle of the Werewolf, The Stand, From a Buick 8 and Dark Tower V. He also illustrated the comic book adaptation of King’s movie collaboration with George A Romero, Creepshow (1982). As a conceptual artist, he worked on films such as Ghostbusters, Galaxy Quest and Spider-Man.
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Recent work includes a collaboration with 30 Days of Night creator Steve Niles for the three-issue comic book series Frankenstein Alive, Alive!
In addition to his wife, Wrightson is survived by by two sons, John and Jeffrey, and one stepson, Thomas Adamson.
Here are just a few of the many tributes from his colleagues and admirers:
RIP Bernie Wrightson: There were giants in those days. 1991, when all the world was young. (L to R, Frank, me, Bill, Bernie and Dave.) pic.twitter.com/ExVrRjjjm6
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 19, 2017
RIP Bernie Wrightson. His masterful, evocative line work was simply unparalleled. Truly 1 of the greats-he was as kind as he was talented. pic.twitter.com/izmeR77TRo
— Jim Lee (@JimLee) March 19, 2017
I will not post for the next 24 hours to honor the memory of the greatest Gothic artist@of all. Bernie Wrightson.
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) March 19, 2017
R.I.P. to the great Bernie Wrightson, a star by which other pencillers chart their course. Raise a glass @sinKEVitch @JohnCassaday pic.twitter.com/5tODGUCkc0
— Joss Whedon (@joss) March 19, 2017
Deeply saddened by the loss of Bernie Wrightson-1 of the all-time greats whose superb artistry will live on forever! My condolences to Liz. pic.twitter.com/Ehask8HT4K
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) March 19, 2017
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