ARTISTS BEHIND THE IMAGE is intended to put a name (and sometimes face) to the talented men and women who created the most iconic images to adorn horror VHS boxes and posters from ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Their art is vital; it’s the reason I (and many of you, certainly) fell in love with horror movies in the first place. This is not only intended as a tribute, but also a minor compendium, meant to collect their works in one single spot. Corrections, additions, or other info? Email me.

I know what you’re thinking: Bob Larkin? The Bob Larkin? The same Bob Larkin that played Martin the gravedigger in Friday the 13th VI: Jason Lives? No, this is a different Bob Larkin.

Now I realize I say this every time I do one of these, but I really think Bob Larkin may be the most prolific artist I’ve featured yet.

He’s primarily known for his work with Marvel, specifically his cover art for such titles as The Hulk, Savage Sword of Conan, and Planet of the Apes, but he’s done much, much, much more. He’s worked on Vampirella, Marvel’s own MAD and CRACKED Magazine knock-off CRAZY, and my personal favorite, The Punisher. He even worked

on National Lampoon and The Electric Company magazines. He’s also done plenty of pulpy book covers, including Chuck Palahniuk’s Choke. And for you wrestling fans, he’s even worked with on official WWE merchandise. He’s even got Dynasty fans covered.

Then there are his monster magazine covers: Creepy, The Haunt of Horror, Monsters of the Movies, Monsters Unleashed!, and Vampire Tales – just to name a few. To call Bob Larkin productive would be a bit of an understatement.

Bob is still hard at work, most recently contributing several awesome pieces to the newly relaunched Mars Attacks! trading card line. Check out some of his awesome contributions to horror/sci-fi/exploitation poster art below!

FUN FACT: Larkin used his own hand as a model for the NIGHT OF THE CREEPS poster!

Sources:

Bob Larkin

Horrorpedia

Film on Paper

Emovieposter

Unobtanium13

Monster Brains

Pandora Zwieback

All images obtained via IMP Awards, FILM ON PAPER, and Wrong Side of Art, unless otherwise noted.