Bernie Wrightson was an American comic book artist born on October 27, 1948, in Dundalk, Maryland. Primarily self-taught, he developed his artistic skills by watching art instruction programs hosted by Jon Gnagy on television and by reading comic books. He later enhanced his education through a correspondence course from the Famous Artists School. Wrightson cited Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, Al Dorne, Graham Ingels, Jack Davis, and Howard Pyle as key influences on his artistic style.
His first published work was a piece of fan art—a drawing of a headstone inscribed with “Berni Wrightson, Dec. 15, 1965.” This artwork was featured on page 33 of Creepy #9, published by Warren Publishing in June 1966.
Wrightson began his professional career as an illustrator for The Baltimore Sun newspaper. However, he quickly shifted his focus to comic books after being inspired by meeting renowned artist Frank Frazetta at a comic book convention in New York City. Motivated to explore original storytelling, Wrightson made his professional comic debut in 1968 with “The Man Who Murdered Himself,” which appeared in House of Mystery #179, published in April 1969.
Among Wrightson’s most notable achievements was the co-creation of Swamp Thing alongside writer Len Wein. First appearing in House of Secrets #92 in 1971, Swamp Thing became one of DC Comics’ seminal horror characters. Known for his intricate pen-and-ink work and gothic atmospheres, Wrightson played a key role in defining horror comics during the 1970s.
| Birth Date: | 27 Oct, 1948 |
| Age: | 71 yrs |
| Occupations: | Comics artist Screenwriter Film actor Illustrator |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Baltimore |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American illustrator |
| Spouse: | Michele Wrightson |
| Net Worth 2020: | 5 million |
