The much-admired artist Richard Corben died December 2 at the age of 80 following heart surgery. His work came to prominence around 1969, give or take a few years, in the fan press and the world of underground comics. His style was unique with an awesome sense of depth and roundness and lighting effects that no one else could duplicate; not that many didn't try. He had a technical skill, particularly at coloring via techniques of his own invention. Accomplished artists would look at Corben's pages and ask, "How does he do that?"
He was, at least at first, fiercely independent. I remember a conversation between Joe Kubert and Jack Kirby early in '71 when both were editing and drawing comics for DC. Both had seen and been impressed by Corben's work in underground comics…some of the first to be published in color. Kubert explained how he had contacted Corben and offered him work from DC, expecting the artist to leap at the chance. Joe was surprised when Corden said — this is me remembering from long ago what Kubert said Corben said — "Thank you but I just want to do my own work."
Joe said he was amazed at the turndown but that they'd spoken for a while and, Joe said, "I wish I could do that." It was one of the first times an artist was "discovered" in the fan or underground press and offered work for one of the majors…and it may have been the first time the offer was declined. Jack said, "Good for him. He knows you don't have to work for DC or Marvel to do comics."
Before that year was out, Corben's work did start appearing occasionally in Warren's magazines, Creepy, Eerie and Vampirella. And while he ultimately did work for DC and Marvel and other houses, it was always a matter of them publishing what Corben did as opposed to him trying to do what they published. He also started his own company, Fantagor Press, which published his work the way he wanted it published. He later collaborated more and segued into animation and wider areas but he managed to retain an enviable amount of control and independence.
I never met Richard Corben and neither did most people who worked in comics. He rarely attended conventions or put himself in the spotlight. But I sure thought his creations were amazing and so did most people who worked in comics…or read them. His widow Dona has announced that she will continue to manage the publication of his work and I'm sure there will always be a great demand for it.