There has to be an esteemed place in the cryptocosmos for this well-known comic artist.

A Midwestern guy like me, Richard Corben was born October 1, 1940, on a farm in Anderson, Missouri. Today he is seen as an American comic book artist best known for his illustrated fantasy stories in Heavy Metal magazine, to some, or for the traditions coming down via his first graphic novel, Bloodstar, to others.

For me, it is his work in cryptozoological themes that intrigue me. After all, in 2004, he drew “me,” sort of, as the comic book character “Coleman Wadsworth” chasing an Abominable Snowman and then in turn being chased by the title creature in the Swamp Thing comics (#7 and #8).

I also note he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Kansas City Art Institute, in 1965, the same site where the Cryptozoology exhibition toured in 2006.

Ever the independent, Corben worked with rocker, Rob Zombie, and Steve Niles in 2005 on the project for IDW Publishing called Bigfoot. The graphic series ran for three issue. The story chronicles a young boy who witnesses the brutal slaughter of his parents by the enigmatic title character and his return to the forest for revenge when he becomes older.

Let us hope we see more cryptids from Corben again soon.