R.I.P. Jack Jackson

[Sir Tim Drake]

Tom Spurgeon reports (http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/jack_jackson_1941_2006/) that Jack Jackson, a.k.a. Jaxon, a major underground cartoonist and graphic novelist, passed away on Thursday. He was only 65.

Jackson's work is rough, gritty, and sometimes quite unpleasant to read-- his stories "God's Bosom" and "Nits Make Lice" are among the most disturbing comics I've ever read. But his historical importance and his artistic skill are indisputable.

May he rest in peace.

[rick]

This is very sad news to me.

I have always been a huge fan of Jack Jackson.

He is probably best known these days as the creator of the very first underground comic, God Nose back in 1964, as well as one of the founders of the Rip Off Press, but for me, I am a hardcore fan of his historical comics including Columbus, God’s Bosom and his classic Comanche Moon.

It was Jackson along with Larry Gronick, Gilbert Shelton and Spain Rodriguez who showed me that history could be not only a fascinating subject, but also be a subject ideally suited for the comics page.

I had met Jack Jackson a couple of times at social occasion’s back in the late 80’s. I can not say that I ever was a friend or had anything more then casual conversations with the man, but he was very friendly in a gruff way, very smart, and very interesting to talk too.

Every year since 1998 I have sent out a small sampler of collected comic stories to a small group of friends at Christmas time. I always try to put in stories that are a little different or a little hard to find, but that are all examples of the very best in comics.

Jackson has been and will continue to be in every one of them.

[Red Oak Kid]

I didn't read this thread till just now, because I did not recognize the name Jack Jackson.

But I do know the name Jaxon. I picked up quite a few underground comics in the early 70s and his art made a big impression on me. It was so bold and in your face.

[MDG]

Jaxon was always one of my favorites of the first generation of undergound creators. His history stories are very well done--even when mixed with lovecraftian fantasy. And "Pussy Whipped" in Skull #2 is a great mix of horror and humor (like a lot of his work)

MDG

[hondobrode]

Oy ! Lately it seems a lot of people have been dying that I wanted to meet.

Jaxon's work was awesome. Historically significant and factually based. I love his stuff.

He will be missed.