In Memoriam: Comic Artist Alphonso Azpiri

By John Freeman on August 25, 2017

Alphonso Azpiri and Dave Elliott

Comic creator, editor and publisher Dave Elliott pays tribute to the award-winning Spanish artist Alphonso Azpiri, who has died aged just 70. He’s best known for his adult comics work such as “Lorna” and “Bethlehem Steele”, but he was also the co-creator of Roman slave turned soldier Black Hawk for Tornado – an early contributor to 2000AD…

From my early days as an artist, I was a fan of Azpiri. I was a big fan of his creator owned series Lorna, a scantily clad (usually naked) secret agent that was always accompanied by two robots. Comparisons between Barbarella and Star Wars have been made often, but Azpiri’s Lorna went where neither of the others could or would go. Lorna was fresh, funny, sexy, and science fantasy adventure. His style always reminded me of Walter Simonson’s work, only I think I saw Azpiri’s work first.

Sexy and playful was Lorna’s trademark and also revealed her creator’s approach to comics. At a time when political correctness wasn’t even a glint in its mothers eye, Azpiri was having the most fun any one could have in this industry. Azpiri was fast as well, enabling him to work for several publishers at once.

I first started working with Alphonso when I took over control of Penthouse Comix. He’d been illustrating the adventures of Bethlehem Steele, a robot pleasure droid, but the character had been written to a point where he was having difficulty staying on the strip. Her character was being abused, so when I gave him the option of leaving or staying but he could write the adventures himself, he set out to rescue her. And what better way to rescue her than by making it a creator owned strip and having LORNA be the one to come to her aid.

Less adult-oriented, and suitable for younger readers, was Alphonso Azpiri’s Mot, the adventures of a boy called Leo who finds himself plagued by a large, friendly but cumbersome and destructive monster. This was turned into a cartoon series and broadcast on France’s Canal Plus.

Alphonso Azpiri’s less “risque” work – for British comics Tornado, “Planet of the Damned” for Starlord – and “Ant Wars” for 2000AD

Alphonso Azpiri’s take on the classic film vampire, Nosferatu

Jabba the Hutt as you’ve possibly never seen him before… by Alphonso Azpiri

I wish the industry could have supported him more but, like all things, tastes change and times move on. Despite the fact that he did everything from children’s to adult material, it was the adult material that editors would remember and pass over him for less risqué artists. A real shame, as he was one of the most reliable artists I ever worked with. Never once was he late, in fact, he was usually an issue ahead.

I for one will always remember his work with fondness and my heart will always have a soft spot for Lorna.

Dave Elliott

• More of Dave’s writings on Wattpad

• Heavy Metal pays tribute to Alphonso Azpiri

• La Vos de La Galicia: Obituary (in Spanish)

• Alphonso had his own Twitter @azpiriiripza – still currently active

• Alphonso Azpiri on ComicArtFans

About the Author
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John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

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Categories: 2000AD, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Obituaries