ARTISTS BEHIND THE IMAGE is intended to put a name (and sometimes face) to the talented men and women who created the most iconic images to adorn horror VHS boxes and posters from ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Their art is vital; it’s the reason I (and many of you, certainly) fell in love with horror movies in the first place. This is not only intended as a tribute, but also a minor compendium, meant to collect their works in one single spot. Corrections, additions, or other info? Email me.
I know what you’re thinking: Bob Larkin? The Bob Larkin? The same Bob Larkin that played Martin the gravedigger in Friday the 13th VI: Jason Lives? No, this is a different Bob Larkin.
Now I realize I say this every time I do one of these, but I really think Bob Larkin may be the most prolific artist I’ve featured yet.
He’s primarily known for his work with Marvel, specifically his cover art for such titles as The Hulk, Savage Sword of Conan, and Planet of the Apes, but he’s done much, much, much more. He’s worked on Vampirella, Marvel’s own MAD and CRACKED Magazine knock-off CRAZY, and my personal favorite, The Punisher. He even worked
on National Lampoon and The Electric Company magazines. He’s also done plenty of pulpy book covers, including Chuck Palahniuk’s Choke. And for you wrestling fans, he’s even worked with on official WWE merchandise. He’s even got Dynasty fans covered.
Then there are his monster magazine covers: Creepy, The Haunt of Horror, Monsters of the Movies, Monsters Unleashed!, and Vampire Tales – just to name a few. To call Bob Larkin productive would be a bit of an understatement.
Bob is still hard at work, most recently contributing several awesome pieces to the newly relaunched Mars Attacks! trading card line. Check out some of his awesome contributions to horror/sci-fi/exploitation poster art below!
FUN FACT: Larkin used his own hand as a model for the NIGHT OF THE CREEPS poster!
Sources:
All images obtained via IMP Awards, FILM ON PAPER, and Wrong Side of Art, unless otherwise noted.
Camera Viscera 
Great showcase! Bob is one of the biggest influences on my style and career. I was honored to write the introduction for his art book several years back and even mores to be able to call him my friend today.
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Wow, thanks for the comment, Joe! I remember having my mom buy me your Marvel Masterpiece comics from Kmart all the way back in 1992. I’m pretty sure I still have them today, packed away in a closet, safe from light and dust. Appreciate you checking out the site!
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Bob, did some great work. great post.
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He sure did – his stuff is amazing. Thanks for reading!
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I knew the name sounded familiar, but couldn’t place him as Martin. I am slipping.
Likewise, I think I’ve made this comment on most of these posts, but this content would make an excellent book if you collected enough of it.
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Dear Doctor, I share your pain of “slipping” – I find myself struggling daily to recall the names of even the most obvious ‘That Guy’ character actors. Give me instant recall of esoterica or give me death!
And if any publishers are reading this and wanna give me a book deal, I’m listening!
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I never saw that “Thirst” poster before, it’s fantastic! Thanks for this informative piece.
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Nor had I. Not to brag or anything, but Mr. Larkin was kind enough to send that over to me via email — I tried finding a larger size online to no avail. But here it is, preserved until Skynet takes over and the internet goes offline for good.
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