John Graziano – RIP

Long time 21st Century Ripley’s Believe It or Not artist John Graziano has passed away.

From the obituary:

John Anthony Graziano, 62, a remarkably talented artist of Davenport, Florida, passed away at his residence on August 17, 2024. Born on August 2, 1962, in Newark, New Jersey, he was the beloved son of Anthony and Antoinette (Costello) Graziano.

John majored in Illustration at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts in New Jersey. Following his graduation, he began his career as an illustrator for a T-shirt company. However, it wasn’t long before he landed his dream job, one he had envisioned since his teenage years. John applied as a youngster to Ripley’s Believe It or Not, only to receive an encouraging reply to reach out again in the future. He did. Several years later, John joined Ripley’s Believe It or Not, where he became only the seventh artist to take up the pen since Robert Ripley himself. He dedicated 17 years as an illustrator, retiring in 2021.

A few years after taking on the Ripley’s panel The Tampa Bay Times profiled John for their July 27, 2007 edition.

Before his full time job with Ripley’s Entertainment Graziano freelanced on a number of projects.

John expands on those freelance efforts mentioned in The Times article:

John has been working as an artist and illustrator since 1983, when he received a certificate in illustration from the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts. John later studied Industrial Design Technology at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

He has designed trading card sets and a portrait series based on the 1960s cult TV show “Dark Shadows.” John has also created comic strips for “Scream Queens” magazine, sculpted figures that have been made into wax museum pieces, provided book illustrations, plastic model kit box illustrations,designed t-shirt graphics and created storyboards and concept drawings for Hollywood films.

Before taking over the Ripley’s Believe It or Not syndicated feature John was freelancing in Ripley Entertainment’s licensing art department, perfectly situated to be assigned to his long time desired position when Don Wimmer moved from Believe It or Not on to Rose is Rose.

Ripley’s has honored the memory of John on his passing.

Remembering John Graziano: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Cartoonist

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of John Graziano, former Ripley’s Believe It or Not! cartoonist, whose work touched millions around the world.

John Graziano’s journey with Ripley’s began in 2004, when he became the seventh cartoonist in the history of the iconic Ripley’s Believe It or Not! panel. John’s artistry brought to life the bizarre, the unbelievable, and the fascinating stories that Ripley’s has been known for since its inception. His unique style and dedication to his craft ensured that each panel captured the essence of the strange and wonderful, continuing a legacy that began in 1918 with Robert Ripley himself…

John’s first cartoon for Ripley’s was featured in a Sunday panel published on June 27, 2004 [above]. It was an illustration of one of the world’s tallest men at the time, drawn in a style very reminiscent of Robert Ripley’s work. Soon, John was crafting entire panels of multiple facts. He brought his unique touch and passion to the cartoon every day for about 17 years — one of the longest-running spans as the Ripley’s cartoonist.

But his contributions to Ripley’s went beyond his artistic talents with the cartoon panel. He was frequently seen at conventions and events, taking the time to talk with fans and even draw caricatures. He also worked on many Ripley’s books, including a series of picture books that he hand-painted in watercolor…

Sincere condolences to John’s family and friends.