I missed commemorating Michael Wm. Kaluta's birthday in August. However, now it's October, a fine month to showcase his work in the realms of horror and dark fantasy. While Mike is well-known for his Sword-and-Sorcery and Sword & Planet art, his artistic roots run deep into the darksome realms of the weird.

Very early in his career, Kaluta became known for his great covers and interior art for DC horror comics like The House of Mystery and Doorway to Nightmare. He did some wild stuff for White Wolf's Ars Magica RPG in the '90s. After that, Mike created great art for the 'Nativity in Black' tribute albums and Danzig, along with Vampirella covers. No, he definitely never left his horror roots behind. Mr. Kaluta turns eighty next year and I hope he has yet more weird and eldritch art for us in the years ahead.

Feel free to peruse the gallery of his fantastically macabre art below. Many of the pieces showcase Mike’s uncanny ability to depict femme fatales you would sell your soul for.