Frank Frazetta Phone Interview by Steve Ringgenberg

Comic Book Historians

In today's special episode, Alex Grand and Bill Field delve into a fascinating phone conversation from August 27, 1994, between comic book historian and writer, Steve Ringgenberg and the legendary fantasy artist Frank Frazetta. Steve Ringgenberg, known for his deep knowledge and contributions to the comic book industry, chats with Frazetta about his then-upcoming projects and his return to comics, albeit in a supervisory role.

Frank Frazetta, whose "Death Dealer" paintings have left a strong mark on the fantasy genre, shares insights into his collaboration with Glenn Danzig and Simon Bisley for Verotik comics. They discuss Frazetta’s transition from comics to painting, his influence on the sword and sorcery genre, and his unique approach to creativity in art that continues to inspire artists worldwide.

The conversation also touches on Frazetta's frustrations with creating statues, particularly his experiences working with Randy Bowen and the challenges of capturing the three-dimensionality well from all angles. Additionally, Frazetta reflects on his collaboration with Ralph Bakshi on the animated film "Fire and Ice," discussing his contributions to character creation and action scenes. Frazetta also expresses his frustration with the high art world for looking down on comic artists, despite their significant contributions to visual arts. Join us as we explore this rare and candid exchange, shedding light on the creative genius of Frank Frazetta and his impact on the world of fantasy art.
Frazetta interview ©1994 Steve Ringgenberg

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Chapters

1. Frank Frazetta Phone Interview by Steve Ringgenberg (00:00:00)

2. [Ad] The Profitable Creative (00:11:57)

3. (Cont.) Frank Frazetta Phone Interview by Steve Ringgenberg (00:12:41)