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James Bama, an artist whose work anyone who ever had an Aurora monster kit in the '60s and '70s or read a Doc Savage book would be familiar with, has sadly passed away just a few days short of his 94th birthday. I first saw his art on the square version of the Frankenstein kit (below), which was a slightly altered version of how it first appeared (above). He's known for much more of course (and was a tremendous influence on, and inspiration for, many other artists), but that's what I'll remember him for. Another slice of childhood gone, alas, though his name and work will endure for many long years to come.
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Also the famous Doc Savage paperback covers.
ReplyDeleteWhen I told my son, he said he thought Bama died years ago.
Yup, I mentioned Doc Savage in the post, PS. And to be honest, I also thought that James Bama died years ago, but it's good to hear that he lived to a ripe old age.
ReplyDeleteGreat artist. I always found the Doc Savage books very formulaic, but I kept mine for years just because I loved looking at Bama's covers. RIP.
ReplyDeleteI read the Doc Savage books back in the '70s and really enjoyed them, DS, but perhaps I should re-read a couple to see if they live up to my impression of them.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was sad to see that he had passed away this week, but 94 is a good innings, as they say. He was a fantastic painter in the American Realist tradition, and it amazes me that he was able to paint those amazing Doc Savage paperback covers at a rate of one per month for over 5 years. And he gets credit for the modern visual interpretation of Doc with the skull-cap that has been reflected in comics interpretations from the 1960s onwards.
ReplyDeleteThe book "James Bama - American Realist" is well worth getting for a portfolio of all his major work.
Thanks for the book info, B - I'll see if it's available on eBay or in bookstores. I love the Aurora boxes he painted - ever one a brammer!
ReplyDeleteMy introduction to James Bama was through the Aurora model kit box lids, the Wolf Man cover a particular favorite. Years later I picked up a few Doc Savage paperbacks in a local used book emporium, initially attracted by the covers but not aware at the time that the artist was the very same illustrator of the kit boxes. Never got around to reading them until much later but I recall enjoying them when I did. Brand of the Werewolf is my favorite cover of the ones I have (see a theme here...).
ReplyDeleteIllustration magazine issue 16 had a major article, if not the whole issue devoted to James Bama with Doc savage on the cover (must track it down).
Forgive me, gents, but I'm extremely fatigued at present and suffering from an extreme case of brain fog. I'll reply to your comments properly when I'm a bit more alert - must sleep at the moment.
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