Frank Frazetta, the artist whose name had become synonymous with fantasy imagery has passed away today. For many of us, this is the passing of a true legend. Even if you don't know who he is, you would recognize his work from his countless contributions to pop culture.

In the 60s Frazetta turned to cover paintings for the thriving pulp paperback industry and created one of the most recognizable illustration styles of all times. His covers for Conan, Tarzan and other rough hewn heroes created a visceral, violent, erotic yet somehow still nuanced visual style that has been endlessly imitated but never surpassed — Frazetta’s imagery of brawny, relentless swordsmen, seductive, fleshy sirens and hellfire breathing monsters had a gut level impact because it came from the gut — his many followers were just tracing without the passion of the originals.

Frazetta was 82.

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From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by calebkraft.