The Fantastic Worlds of Frank Frazetta

Frank Frazetta, the undisputed king of fantasy art, has been hailed as a master of his craft for over 50 years. His paintings, which have broken auction records, are now being recognized with an ultimate monograph. Born in Brooklyn in 1928, Frazetta was a talented artist with a penchant for baseball and a troubled past. Despite his initial success in comics, he is best known for his oil paintings, which brought a new level of realism and muscle to fantasy heroes and women. The monograph, completed in collaboration with the Frazetta family, won the 2023 Eisner Award for Best Archival Collection.

Format: Hardback
Length: 468 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Frank Frazetta, the legendary king of fantasy art, has held his reign for an astonishing 50 years, with his fame soaring even higher in the 12 years since his passing. His captivating paintings have shattered auction records, with the Egyptian Queen selling for a staggering $5.4 million in 2019. It's long overdue for this ultimate monograph to celebrate his extraordinary talent.

Born in 1928 to a Sicilian immigrant family in Brooklyn, Frazetta's journey was a remarkable mix of athleticism, petty criminality, and a relentless pursuit of women. With his striking movie star looks and extraordinary artistic talent, he defied expectations and embarked on a professional career in comics at the age of 16. His journey led him to the infamous EC Comics, where he painted iconic covers for Tarzan and Conan, redefining fantasy heroes as massive, menacing, and testosterone-fueled.

In contrast to the muscular male figures, Frazetta created a new breed of women, portrayed with pixie faces and multiparous bodies. These women were incredibly real, with thick thighs, heavy buttocks, and breasts cantilevered out, yet still possessing a softness and hint of cellulite that added to their allure. The combination of action, creatures, and Frazetta's haunting shadow worlds created an art form that was utterly addictive, like potato chips.

This monograph, a collaboration with the Frazetta family, is the most comprehensive ever produced on the artist. It won the prestigious 2023 Eisner Award for Best Archival Collection, recognizing its significance in preserving and celebrating Frazetta's legacy. Through its pages, readers are transported into the world of Frazetta, witnessing the evolution of his art and the profound impact he had on the fantasy genre.

Frank Frazetta's reign as the undisputed king of fantasy art continues to inspire and captivate, leaving an indelible mark on the art world. This monograph is a testament to his extraordinary talent and a must-have for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of fantasy art.

Weight: 5582g
Dimension: 330 x 469 x 64 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836579216
Edition number: Multilingual ed