GOODBYE, CHRIS ACHILLEOS...

I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news yesterday evening that the respected, iconic artist who was such an important part of my childhood love of Doctor Who, in particular, Chris Achilleos, had passed away. Words cannot describe how much I have loved and enjoyed his work since my mum first purchased for me two original 1974 released Target books adorning his great art: The Auton Invasion and The Cave Monsters. When a later family trip to the Greenwich Book Boat (does anyone know if this still exists?) showed me a whole wealth of additional Who Target books, his art upon them impacted on me further and made me want to collect the series.

Image: Fantasleria.

Luckily getting to meet Mister Achilleos at a London Comic Convention eight or nine years ago he proved a terrific conversationalist - his love and enthusiasm for art, and his nostalgia for Who, clearly noticeable -  especially his respect for the fans that have grown up so fondly with his superb portfolio. And let's not forget his other outstanding contributions for the likes of Star Trek (a show he admired from its original UK screenings) and other genre pieces, plus his memorable erotica showcases that have equally become must-have purchases. I continue to treasure the signed original The Day of the Daleks paperback he generously gave me at the event.

Representing his work on this blog article, I have selected the first edition of The Three Doctors. In 1978 I was only aware of the Black Hole cover edition of the book's art by Jeff Cummins (which is great), but when I discovered the Achilleos version with Omega's energy outstretched to encapsulate the three Doctors (a lovely tribute to Jack Kirby's cover art for the American editions of The Fantastic Four comic), it soon became a must-have personal favourite to me, which was obtained finally via my dad's searching efforts at a car boot fair in 1986 (back in those primitive days before Amazon and eBay!).

My sincerest condolences go out to Mister Achilleos' family in this sad time. Rest in peace, sir, and thank you for the incredible artistic imagination and unique talent you gave us that we shall always treasure...

http://chrisachilleos.co.uk/