Legendary Illustrator Jack Davis, 1924-2016

Growing up in Georgia, and especially if you end up living in Athens, you have a skewed view of legendary illustrator and comics artist Jack Davis, who died yesterday at the age of 91. The rest of the world knows him for his Time magazine and TV Guide covers, his movie posters, his MAD magazine work, his advertising designs and, of course, his EC Comics illustrations. If you went to the University of Georgia, on the other hand, or you’re just a fan of its football team, Davis is inextricably linked to the Bulldogs. A proud alum of the school, which he went to on the G.I. Bill, Davis contributed illustrations for its football program for years, drawing a new image annually for the souvenir cup sold in the stadium. His work is everywhere in Athens, and if it’s not Davis’ drawings of a Bulldog beating up Gators, Gamecocks, Wildcats and that dang Yellow Jacket, it’s someone imitating his style. It’s easy to get inured to the beauty of his line when it’s staring you in the face all day, every day.
Famed artist and Bulldog Jack Davis has passed away. He’ll be missed by the Bulldog family. https://t.co/ge1RIuNr0Vpic.twitter.com/B9PY4FHfRG
— UGA Alumni (@ugaalumniassoc) July 27, 2016