D&D General Russ Nicholson passes, Rest in Peace.

[Mannahnin]

An absolute icon and legend. May he long be remembered and celebrated.

In addition to his classic work, he had continued making wonderful art in recent years, including for the OSR scene. His works in Through Ultan's Door helped make that zine one of the most gorgeous things (IMO) the OSR has put out.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I am not finding this reported anywhere. How did you come across the news?

A bunch of publishers he worked with are also confirming it. I saw it on the Fighting Fantasy FB page.

Nicholson was a titan of the British fantasy industry. He was still chugging along in the modern day, contributing to Goodman Games projects.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

One of my favorite artists. I knew he had health issues, but I'm very sad nonetheless. And reminded how all of my favorite icons of the industry have passed or will be passing soon

We really need artist-specific hardcovers celebrating their work and careers while they're still alive. I'm glad Dark Horse did a DiTerlizzi book, and Elmore has produced a ton of books for his own work, but Easley, Otus and others need to be celebrated (and paid!) while they're still alive.

 

[Nikosandros]

I absolutely adore his art. Very sad about this news.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Perhaps because I was more into the American scene than the British scene, I was always more attuned to the early artists of TSR like Otus, Trampier, Dee, Sutherland, and Willingham.

But even though I didn't understand the backstory at the time (TSR UK, etc.), I still remember the thrill of how the Fiend Folio looked. Not necessarily better, but different, and enticing.

Why did the Gith become iconic?

I can't guarantee you the answer ... but if part of the answer isn't Russ Nicholson, you're doing it wrong.

 

[Zardnaar]

One of my favorite artists. I knew he had health issues, but I'm very sad nonetheless. And reminded how all of my favorite icons of the industry have passed or will be passing soon

Getting old sucks. Not because of the aches, pains, body issues, etc. But seeing more and more of my friends and icons pass away around me.

I'm 44 and we're getting it with parents and friends parents.

 

[Zaukrie]

Love this art so much. The fiend folio is still one of my favorite books, largely do to this art.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

People who love Russ' art but don't know him beyond D&D should seek out the early Fighting Fantasy books, especially Warlock of Firetop Mountain, which he illustrated the hell out of.

 

[Zardnaar]

People who love Russ' art but don't know him beyond D&D should seek out the early Fighting Fantasy books, especially Warlock of Firetop Mountain, which he illustrated the hell out of.

Read those books and Lone Wolf before D&D.

 

[Garnfellow]

Early White Dwarf magazines are graced with many great Russ illustrations -- paging through those issues is like finding a lost section of the 1e Fiend Folio. I suspect many wacky FF monsters never would have caught on in the game if not for an evocative Russ drawing. In tribute to the man I dusted off an old White Dwarf monster conversion that was heavily inspired by one of his illustrations: the cyclops for 0e, 3e, and 5e.