Comic book fans took to Twitter Sunday morning to pay tribute to Bernie Wrightson, the famed comic book artist and horror novel illustrator who created some of the most detailed horror images ever seen for stories like Stephen King’s “Cycle of the Werewolf” and Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” Wrightson died Sunday at the age of 68 after a long battle with brain cancer.
Wrightson was also known for his work on one of the darkest Batman stories ever created: “The Cult.” Written by Jim Starlin, the miniseries shows Batman being captured, tortured and brainwashed by Deacon Blackfire, a cult leader with an army of homeless followers. They twist Batman’s mind until he joins in their violent crusade against criminals and police alike, forcing the city to go under martial law. It is only after a rescue by Robin and a long, painful recovery that Batman can find the strength to return to his original mission and defeat Blackfire.
Wrightson’s fans, who affectionately referred to him by his nickname “Berni,” posted their favorite works by the late artist on Twitter. Check out some of the best below.
RIP Bernie Wrightson, king of the monsters. I, along with countless others, tried to ink from my imagination because of your art. pic.twitter.com/kSTOTCfJJI
– edgarwright (@edgarwright) March 19, 2017
Bernie Wrightson could draw the eerily beautiful just as well as the creepily terrifying. pic.twitter.com/x58hRsbYS7
– Norse Mythology (@NorseMythNews) March 19, 2017
RIP Bernie Wrightson, one of the greatest illustrators ever pic.twitter.com/SkhZuiDzBG
– ??…???…???…???…???…? (@BoosterKord) March 19, 2017
Rest in Peace to the great Bernie Wrightson, an absolute grandmaster of making the macabre beautiful. pic.twitter.com/Ebd9rQj1mO
– Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) March 19, 2017
More Bernie Wrightson. From BATMAN: THE CULT pic.twitter.com/jGur11jgim
– Jonathan Dick (@RealLastName) March 19, 2017
So sad we lost Bernie Wrightson, an amazingly sweet guy who happened to draw the most ghastly things. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/kgRxHuVzlS
– Duane Swierczynski (@swierczy) March 19, 2017
Bernie Wrightson’s ‘Frankenstein’ remains the definitive adaptation for me. Just look at it. pic.twitter.com/EWHaBtRHJV
– Alex Paknadel (@AlexPaknadel) March 19, 2017
Rest in peace, Bernie Wrightson. Utterly beautiful artist. pic.twitter.com/xAplM5o8dM
– Matt Bailey (@BAILEYDRAWS) March 19, 2017