John Blanche passed away on June 1, 2026. When a friend told me that, I had no idea who they were talking about. However, I quickly realized that I had been exposed to a _lot_ of John Blache’s work.
John Blanche was a fantasy and science fiction artist, as well as a miniatures designer. More specifically, he did a ton of work with Games Workshop. He became their art director in 1986. He retired from Game Workshop 2023 but continued to work in the industry.
I’ve already said that I didn’t actually knew who the guy was but looking at his work now and knowing that he was their art director, I feel I’m on comfortable ground saying he helped define Games Workshop’s house style or aesthetic. Which means, damn, this guy was influential.
I’ve now heard him described as the founder of grimdark. He clearly knew that gothic and punk were a marriage made in heaven to cast a spotlight on hell. He knew how to decorate with more spikes than a porcupine and he knew how to use shadows better than Coubt Dracula.
Other people than me will give him a better eulogy. But John Blanche was clearly very talented, very thoughtful and, to steal a phrase from Neil Sharpson, bitten by a radioactive work ethic. He did a lot of work that shaped the hobby.
Sorry for not knowing your name. Thank you for doing so much.
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