The troubled 59-year-old was regarded as one of the greats in the world of graphic novels
JUDGE DREDD(r) JUDGE DREDD IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK, (c) REBELLION A/S, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Judge Dredd cover by Brett Ewins
Seminal comic book artist and life-long Hanwell resident Brett Ewins has died.
The
man known around the world for his work on Judge Dredd and Rogue
Trooper passed away at Ealing Hospital on Monday night (February 16). He
was 59 and suffering from emphysema.
The legendary artist, who
lived in Cowper Road all his life, was famous for his work on landmark
science fiction anthology 2000AD, the home of icons like Judge Dredd.
He also co-founded the British comic magazine series Deadline in the 1980s.
It is understood he had been taken to the hospital in Southall with acute breathing problems.
A
devout Buddhist, who turned to the religion following time spent in
Nepal, he was regularly seen walking through Hanwell with his shaved
head and walking stick, and enjoyed a quiet pint at his local pub.
He went to Hobbayne (SP) Primary School and Drayton Manor High School, in Hanwell, before developing a flair for art.
JUDGE DREDD(r) JUDGE DREDD IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK, (c) REBELLION A/S, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Judge Dredd DPS by Brett Ewins
His creations include 2000AD’s Bad Company, Venus Bluegenes and Johnny Nemo.
In
later life he suffered mental health problems and spent time in prison,
in 2012, after a policeman was stabbed in the hand during an
altercation at Mr Ewins’ house.
Ealing North MP Steve Pound, who was a close friend of Mr Ewins for more than 20 years, paid tribute to the artist. He told getwestlondon: “He was just this ordinary guy that spent his whole life in Hanwell.
“He was this wonderfully impish figure who loved speaking about his art, but I don’t think he knew he was a world-famous artist.
“He would tell me how much he would enjoy going to The Viaduct pub and having a pint of Fullers on his own.”
The MP said the spell behind bars had a terrible impact on his friend. He said: “I visited him two or three times in Wormwood Scrubsand you could see him shrivelling before your very eyes.”
But he said he would rather remember Mr Ewins for his genius: “He was a stunningly original artist, way ahead of his time.
“He was one of the creators of the modern graphic novel. He lived for his work and lived for his art.”
JUDGE DREDD(r) JUDGE DREDD IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK, (c) REBELLION A/S, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Judge Anderson by Brett Ewins
2000 AD paid tribute to Mr Ewins on its Face Book page .
A statement said: “Throughout his years of working for 2000 AD, Brett
was responsible for some truly unmissable art - from Judge Dredd and
Anderson Psi Division to Rogue Trooper and his incredible work on Bad
Company with Peter Milligan and Jim McCarthy.
“He was also a
hugely influential figure in British comics thanks to his founding of
Deadline with Steve Dillon in 1988, something that changed the face of
the industry forever.”
His unexpected death prompted tributes from fans, friends and colleagues on social network sites.
On
Twitter Michael Bonner wrote: “Sad to hear the news of Brett Ewins
passing. My first editor on Deadline. A lovely man and a great artist.”
@jonnyRebel_UK
tweeted: “Sad to hear of the passing of @2000AD legend #BrettEwins rip,
so influential, such a loss,” while David Hunt added: “Very sad to hear
the news that Brett Ewins has died. Fantastic artist whose work I
copied endlessly as a teen.”
On Facebook, Ryan Davies wrote: “RIP
The guy was a massive part of my childhood growing up in the 80's, from
his work in 2000ad to the art on the space raiders packets. He was
definitely a figure who cut his own path in life. Thanks Brett. X.”
And
Jules Boyle said: “He was a real gentleman and an amazing artist. RIP
Brett,” and Danny Wreight wrote: “RIP, one of the all time greats.”
It
is believed he was working on a graphic novel with close friend and
fellow comic-creating great Brendon McCarthy at the time of his death.
No comments:
Post a Comment