J. David Spurlock, Publisher at Vanguard Productions, sent us this tribute for illustrator Kelly Freas, who passed away this week (see 'Frank Kelly Freas Gone'):

We are saddened by the recent passing of Kelly Freas, 'the Dean of science-fiction illustrators.'

Kelly Freas was a dear, old friend of mine.  We enjoyed great times together from the 1970s on.  He wrote a great intro to the first comics magazine I wrote, drew and published: Badge #1 (1980).  In the last decade or so, I'd at least try to catch up with him for a few treasured moments at the San Diego convention.

He was a Great, thinking illustrator and a sweetheart of a man.  His work from Pulps to paperback covers, to Mad and Crazy magazines, postage stamps, that classic Queen album cover, etc., was always in top form.

We miss you Kelly and will see you again at that great Filksing in the sky.