Bernie Wrightson, Comic Book Artist and Swamp Thing Co-Creator, Dies at 68

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