Richard Corben’s Comic Cryptids
Posted by: Loren Coleman on October 12th, 2007
There has to be an esteemed place in the cryptocosmos for this well-known comic artist.
A Midwestern guy like me, Richard Corben was born October 1, 1940, on a farm in Anderson, Missouri. Today he is seen as an American comic book artist best known for his illustrated fantasy stories in Heavy Metal magazine, to some, or for the traditions coming down via his first graphic novel, Bloodstar, to others.
For me, it is his work in cryptozoological themes that intrigue me. After all, in 2004, he drew “me,” sort of, as the comic book character “Coleman Wadsworth” chasing an Abominable Snowman and then in turn being chased by the title creature in the Swamp Thing comics (#7 and #8).
I also note he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Kansas City Art Institute, in 1965, the same site where the Cryptozoology exhibition toured in 2006.
Ever the independent, Corben worked with rocker, Rob Zombie, and Steve Niles in 2005 on the project for IDW Publishing called Bigfoot. The graphic series ran for three issue. The story chronicles a young boy who witnesses the brutal slaughter of his parents by the enigmatic title character and his return to the forest for revenge when he becomes older.
Let us hope we see more cryptids from Corben again soon.
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I totally agree. Always loved Corben’s work. Glad to see he’s getting recognition here.
I agree. I’ve been a fan since Bloodstar and Heavy Metal as well as his other works. Hey, Loren, is that you being chased by Swamp Thing?
Corben is one of the best underground american artist i’ve ever known !!
i was a great colllector of his comics
i have kept the best and i love to read sometimes !
I know of at least four other great pieces of primate work from the hand of the astounding Mr. Corben. In 1999-2000, he illustrated the covers of my mini-series for Vertigo Comics, titled CONGO BILL. It was a revisionist take on DC’s Congorilla character, set in contemporary Congo, and involving the politics of the region (at that time). While not exactly a cryptid, Congorilla was an overgrown ape with the mind of a man (thanks to the powers of an ancient magic ring), so that certainly qualifies the creature as “unusual”. Each over features the angry golden gorilla. I include a link to the Amazon page with illustrations of three of Corben’s covers.
Congo Bill on Amazon
Probably with a little effort, one could track down an image of Book Two from the series, as well. My favorite art is Corbin’s last cover. The editor of the series liked it so much he bought the art work for that one.
hey everyone wow those above comic books artworks looks wonderful for comic cryptids. thanks bill green
I know Rich Corben in a limited way, I’m afraid, but I do know him from a handful of “Warren” magazines (Creepy, Eerie, Vampirella). Only a handful of the mid-’ 70s ones, but that was enough to make a real impression.
He was one of the reasons I was an avid HEAVY METAL reader back in college. A great artist indeed.
that BIGFOOT comic Mr. Corben did was truly spectacular. the splash page reproduced is indicative of the super-kinetic quality he always brought to the METAL HURLANT/HEAVY METAL graphic mags, as well.
Corben’s work always reminded me of Frank Frazetta’s but done by way of a minor influence of Wally Wood and — weirdest of all! — R. Crumb.
just one fool’s opinion, of course. but i see there’s little disagreement his work has been influential and appreciated over the decades.
a truly unique artist with a visionary style.