José "Pepe" González (Spanish, 1939-2009)

Jose "Pepe" Gonzales first published work was for UK based Fleetway Publishers, where he illustrated for magazines Valentine, Blue Jeans and other romance publications. José Gonzalez became a legend in the American comic book market, winning praise from both fans and his artistic peers for his work with Warren Publishing. Frank Frazetta said that no one drew women as beautifully as José Gonzalez. During his time with Warren, Pepe Gonzalez created six Vampirella magazine covers, and numerous Vampirella stories and merchandizing illustrations, including his famous Vampirella door poster. After Warren, Gonzalez returned to Barcelona and continued his artistic pursuit of the mastery of the human form, working in pencil, charcoal and oil until his death in 2009. In half a century as a painter he has been widely exhibited throughout Spain, and is considered a Spanish "national treasure".