Columbia University Library gets John Fantucchio's fanzine collection

John Fantucchio lived in Arlington, and was a major part of early local fandom. I was lucky enough to meet him and his wife Mary once, through Joel Pollack, and thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon with them. Click through to read the entire article and see photos.

RBML welcomes "Fandom's Fantucchio" fanzine/fan art collection

News from Columbia's Rare Book & Manuscript Library blog  2020-02-27

by Karen Green

https://blogs.cul.columbia.edu/rbml/2020/02/27/rbml-welcomes-fandoms-fantucchio-fanzine-fan-art-collection/?

The Rare Book & Manuscript Library is delighted to announce the acquisition of the collection of the late artist John Fantucchio (1938-2016), consisting of fanzines, art, con programs, and more. We extend our profound thanks to Mary Fantucchio for her generous gift.

Fanzine and fine artist John Fantucchio has died

Fantucchio's art, possibly for Gary Groth's first Metro Con

It's being reported on Facebook that Arlington's John Fantucchio passed away yesterday, August 4th, at age 78. He was at Virginia Hospital Center after suffering a stroke.

Big Planet Comics founder Joel Pollack writes, "John Fantucchio was my mentor when I was 16. He taught me about the great strip artists Alex Raymond and Hal Foster, as well as illustrators such as Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, and Howard Pyle. I'm happy that we rekindled our friendship in the last five years."

Joel noted that Fantucchio's influence wasn't limited to him. "John's nephew, Rick Lowell, owns Casablanca Comics, Maine's coolest comics stores!, in Portland, ME, and counts John as a mentor, as well." Fantucchio eventually left the fan community and made a name for himself as a fine artist.

Joel took me to meet John, who coincidentally lived right around the corner from Richard Thompson, and we had a great time looking at his paintings and his collectibles. John had a fondness for the Shadow just like me. He wasn't all that interested in revisiting his fanzine days, so we never did an interview, but he does have several mentions on ComicsDC, mostly about his later career.

John is survived by his wife Mary.

PR: John Fantucchio at Apocalyptic Adventure

You are cordially invited to the most controversial art exhibit in the metropolitan area!  The theme this month is "Artist Warriors Post Apocalyptic Adventure."  Artists imagine themselves surviving in the landscape of a post Apocalyptic world.  John G. Fantucchio has three paintings which have the art community stirring.  This veteran artist of Arlington will be at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery Sunday, January 22,  from 12 noon to 3 p.m.   The address is 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301-1124.  John found paintings by his fellow artists thought provoking and of such intense quality that he bought one himself for his personal collection.  If you are a Sci-Fi fan, a mystery lover, a graphic novel enthusiast, and an EC connoisseur, you dare not miss this exhibit.  Each work of art will grab you by the throat, and you'll try to say 'I want to see more!'  John will be there to answer your questions.  Each of his paintings is rendered in a different medium: pastel, thick and juicy acrylic, and marvelous mixed media.  Collectable post cards are also available while they last.  Save them, and after Doomsday they'll be worth a small fortune.  Looking forward to seeing you, and please bring a friend.  

Fanzine turned fine artist John Fantucchio in U.S.A. Art Show through this week

Sorry for the short time left in this - a computer virus crippled my machine recently.

This is a courtesy reminder of John Fantucchio's art exhibit and sale at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA., 22301-1124.  The artwork is inspired by U. S. people, places, and/or things.  He has two exciting paintings - one reminiscent of the good old days, and the other is a futuristic trek to a far distant world painted with electrifying colors, which will dazzle the senses and take you one strop beyond.  Many paintings by other Del Ray artists are also on exhibit and for sale.  Any questions, call 703-237-6887.  The exhibit will run until Friday, July 22, 2011.