Richard Corben (October 1, 1940 – December 2, 2020) was an American illustrator and comic book artist best known for his comic stories and graphic novels in the horror and science fiction genres. His distinctive style featured bold, expressive characters with exaggerated anatomical forms and high-contrast lighting. Corben gained a following for his work in underground comics in the 1960s and 1970s, and he became a frequent contributor to the renowned fantasy and science fiction magazine "Heavy Metal." Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the Angoulême International Comics Festival. Corben's unique blend of gothic horror, fantasy art, and a willingness to explore the human condition—often with a touch of the macabre—secured his reputation as a master of the medium.