I just saw this on Facebook from Jan Strnad:
https://www.facebook.com/jstrnad/posts/10158285352099143
From Dona Corben:
It is with great sorrow and loss that I must share the sad news that Richard Corben died Dec 2, 2020 following heart surgery. He will be missed tremendously by his family, his friends, and his fans.
Richard was very appreciative of the love for his art that was shown by you, his fans. Your support over the decades meant a great deal to him. He tried to repay your support by working diligently on each piece of art going out to you. Although Richard has left us, his work will live on and his memory will live always in our hearts.
I will continue to conduct sales of Richard’s art through the Corben Studios website at corbencomicart.com. I will also be managing the ongoing process of publishing his work internationally. Please give me and my family a little time to collect ourselves and we’ll get back with you in 2021.
Dona Corben
Replies
I first encountered Corben's art from reading Heavy Metal back in the 80s. While I wouldn't say he was a favorite, he did leave an impression.
I was always kind of aware of him, but I really took notice when he did the Banner mini-series with Brian Azzarello. I was hooked from then on out. I was really digging what he had been doing over at Dark Horse the past few years.
That is awful news
Completely missed this sad news. I also caught up with Corben fairly recently. Very distinctive artist.
He was one of the artists I could instantly recognize.
Like Randy, I am most familiar with Corben through his early Eighties work in Heavy Metal. At one time I had a copy of Fever Dreams, an underground comic written by Jan Strnad with cover art and one story illustrated by Corben. It was an interesting science fiction tale about a sentient space ship.
I believe his use of an airbrush for color and tone was what gave his art its unique look.