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Bernie Wrightson
1948 - 2017
Bernie Wrightson
1948 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1948
DIED
2017
Bernie Wrightson Obituary
The influential horror illustrator's work on "Frankenstein" and "Swamp Thing" inspired a generation of artists, including Hollywood directors Guillermo del Toro, Edgar Wright, and Joss Whedon.
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Bernard Albert Wrightson was born Oct. 27, 1948, in Dundalk, Maryland. A self-trained artist, he learned by watching the U.S. television art instructor Jon Gnagy. Wrightson also took a correspondence course.
He began his professional career in 1966 as an illustrator for The Baltimore Sun newspaper. A year later, he attended a comic book convention and was encouraged by the artist Frank Frazetta.
Wrightson produced his inaugural comic book story, "The Man Who Murdered Himself," which was published in the spring 1969 issue of the DC Comics series "House of Mystery." He later also worked for the rival comic book company Marvel Comics.
Wrightson teamed up with writer Len Wein to create the swamp creature Swamp Thing in "House of Secrets," which was published in 1971.
Wrightson won the Shazam Award for best penciler (dramatic division) in 1972 and 1973 for Swamp Thing and the Shazam Award for best individual dramatic story in 1972, with Wein, for "Swamp Thing" No. 1.
He received the Inkwell Award's special recognition honor in 2015 for his 45-year artistic career.
Friends and admirers of Wrightson paid tribute to him via Facebook and other social media.
The horror and suspense author Stephen King wrote in a Facebook post: "RIP Bernie Wrightson, a good friend and a great collaborator. I will miss him."
The comic book writer Kurk Busiek also took to Facebook and Twitter to honor Wrightson: "RIP Bernie Wrightson, one of the nicest folks in comics, aside from his amazing talent. A sad loss for us all."
19 Entries
Bruce N Tartaglia
July 15, 2021
His work continues to inspire me to this day - and likely always will. Extraordinary care put into every piece he did, and his talent was obvious. I'm sorry I never had the chance to meet him. Is there anything in the Austin area that commemorates him? I'd love to pay my respects. Regardless, thank you for sharing him with the world, and I'll include him in my prayers. May blessings fall upon all those who knew him and loved him.
Bruce Tartaglia
Scott Chamberland
October 23, 2017
Rest in Peace
Jim Daugherty
September 16, 2017
Rest in peace my brother you will forever remain in our hearts
How you can show support
Walter Collins
March 24, 2017
Bernie shaped our imaginations.Such a nice man.
Walter Collins
March 24, 2017
Trapper Graves-Lalor
March 23, 2017
Funny, charming and oh, so very talented, I will always remember Bernie fondly.
Just remember that it's only a temporary parting, Liz. Soulmates such as you and Bernie always find their way back to each other.
Sandra J.
March 23, 2017
No one is every prepared for the death of a love one. Allow the wonderful memories of Bernie to bring joy and laughter to you. Rely on the love of family and friends, the wonderful power of prayer and God above to carry you through and assist you with your grief.
James Lehr
March 21, 2017
i Was an avid reader of House of Mystery, Creepy, Vampirella, Eerie, Swamp Thing, etc, and then eventually Stephen King's Creepshow. He depicted landscapes that were gothic, macabre, and haunting like the best of them. And for that, i thank him greatly.
michelle plakas-kaiser
March 21, 2017
RIP
Stephan Segantini
March 20, 2017
He joined the Pantheon of The Masters of The Fantastic Art, alongside Frank Frazetta and Virgil Finlay. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Harry Simpson
March 20, 2017
Godspeed Bernie, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Eula
March 20, 2017
Liz, My deepest sympathy to you and your family, I share your sorrow. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May the loving words found in Isaiah 57:15 comfort you at this time.
March 20, 2017
Sorry for your loss. May you draw comfort from the scripture at Ecclesiastes 9 : 5 that show your loved ones a resting in peace.
March 20, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 20, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Adrian Barnette
March 20, 2017
We'll miss you !
Chanell
March 20, 2017
To the Wrightson Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Bernie. May you find comfort in the God of peace, who can give you the strength you need to endure.
With sympathy,
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