Comic Book Clique
10/15/2026
Manuel Pérez Clemente, known professionally as Sanjulián, has passed away at 85. The Spanish illustrator died on October 14, with the news confirmed by documentary filmmaker and longtime friend David García Sariñena, citing the artist’s family.
For generations of readers, Sanjulián’s paintings helped define the look of horror and fantasy on the comic-book newsstand. His work for Warren Publishing’s Vampirella, Creepy, and Eerie brought a striking painterly sophistication to stories filled with monsters, vampires, and the macabre.
His talent extended far beyond horror magazines. Sanjulián illustrated fantasy novels, including Conan the Barbarian stories, and created film-related artwork connected to major franchises such as Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. His paintings earned admiration from filmmakers including George Lucas and Peter Jackson.
What made Sanjulián’s art so memorable was his command of atmosphere. His use of light, shadow, color, and classical composition gave his subjects a sense of grandeur, even when depicting the darkest corners of fantasy. His covers could make a reader stop and stare before they had even opened the magazine.
Sanjulián belonged to a remarkable generation of illustrators whose work helped shape how horror, fantasy, and science fiction were imagined by readers around the world. His influence lives on in the artists who continue to draw inspiration from his paintings.
A true master has left us, but the worlds he brought to life will endure.
Rest in peace, Sanjulián.
SANJULIAN (Manuel Pérez-Sanjulian
Clemente)
Born: 6/24/1941, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Died: 10/14/2026, Sitges, Catalonia, Spain
Sanjulian’s western – art department:
Stop Over in Hell - 2016




