Monday, November 4, 2024

RIP Greg Hildebrandt

Greg Hildebrandt has passed away.  One of the famous Brothers Hildebrandt, well known and respected artists over decades-long careers.  Scifi Art had a nice feature of a handful of art pieces by them.

Perhaps most well known for work other than for Heavy Metal Magazine (such as an original Star Wars poster), their work on Heavy Metal Magazine covers, many in its earlier years, as well as illustrating a promotional release for "The Sword Of Shannara" (by Terry Brooks) in Issue #1, earns their place in Heavy Metal Magazine history.

Sadly, Greg's twin brother Tim passed away in 2006.  Remarkably, Greg continued and was active and prolific to his end.

Happily, Greg Hildebrandt had been more engaged with Heavy Metal Magazine in more recent years.  As well as a re-use of one of my favorite HM cover art pieces for Heavy Metal #314, and what I believe is a now-iconic rendering of Taarna for Heavy Metal #320, the last of its era, and a Heavy Metal 2023 Calendar, Greg Hildebrandt just recently produced a new cover art piece for the planned rebirth of Heavy Metal Magazine, which I quite enjoyed seeing.

It is sad to lose him; my condolences to his family and loved ones.  May their memories be honored, maybe even by Heavy Metal Magazine's rebirth, with the new cover art.



3 comments:

tarbandu said...

The Bros. Hildebrandt revolutionized fantasy and sci-fi illustration in the 1970s. I remember their cover for 'Stellar 2' early in 1976, it was amazing artwork and a sign that the figurative, abstract style that had dominated book covers was changing into a more realistic approach to rendering the 'fantastic.'

fred said...

I remembered the 1977 Tolkein calendar, though I don't have it anymore.

https://swordssorcery.blogspot.com/2015/10/hildebrandts-tolkien-calendar-1977.html

fred said...

Tolkien

my apologies