R.I.P. Jose "Pepe" Gonzalez - the definitive Vampirella artist

[delekkerste]

Since some of you guys don't make it up to Comics General, I thought I'd re-post this here:

 

I just heard from Joe Jusko that Jose "Pepe" Gonzalez, the definitive Vampirella artist from the 1970s and early 1980s, has passed away after slipping into a coma resulting from a prolonged illness that he never woke up from.

 

He was such a tremendous talent, one of the best of his era.

 

R.I.P., Pepe.

[delekkerste]

Here's a page from the last Vampirella story he did (issue #112) that showcases a variety of his drawing styles (ranging from slightly cartoony to almost photo-realistic). Love that all-pencil third panel.

[comicartcom]

B U M M E R

 

 

 

[Meeley Man]

Very sad news, indeed. The stars in the world of comicdom grow just a little more dim.

[Brian Peck]

I grew up reading his stories and loved his art. He was the most prolific artist for (Warren) Vampirella, and he passes away on the 40th anniversary of Vampirella. I have a few Warren Vampirella pieces but have yet to get something by Pepe. But I will eventually. I wished I had a chance to meeting him. He will be missed.

[Comicopolis]

Great artist - helped improve my teenage years in the 1970's considerably.

[delekkerste]

If you are a Gonzalez fan, run, don't walk, to this site:

 

http://profmendez.tripod.com/html/gonzalez.htm

 

Armando Mendez, who runs the site, just posted the best and most comprehensive biography and history of Gonzalez that I've ever seen, includings lots of pretty pictures and photos that I had never seen before.

[Eric Seffinga]

Wonderful artist and a big loss for anyone that remembers his art.

That third panel is indeed a beauty.

 

Question though...

Why is Rambo sporting a thong?

 

-e.