Frank Stack

Frank Huntington Stack, born on January 1, 1938, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of bold imagination, quiet kindness, and an indelible mark on the world of comics and printmaking. To those who knew him, Frank was not just a pioneer of underground art; he was the steady heartbeat of every family gathering, the friend who could turn a simple walk into an adventure, and the mentor who taught us that art can be both a rebellion and a reconciliation. Growing up in the Bible Belt, Frank’s early years were a study in contrasts. While the world outside his front door preached conformity, he nurtured a mischievous curiosity that led him to publish “The Adventures of Jesus” in 1964 under the pseudonym Foolbert Sturgeon. This daring work, widely regarded as the first underground comic, was a testament to his belief that stories should challenge as well as comfort. I’ll never forget the first time I saw a copy of that comic in my attic—Frank’s hand‑drawn panels were as sharp as a razor, yet they carried the gentle warmth of a grandfather’s storytelling. He always joked that he was “just trying to keep the church folks on their toes.” Yet, beneath that playful veneer was a man who loved deeply, spoke softly, and understood the quiet power of a well‑placed line. Frank’s love for art was matched only by his love for family. He was a devoted husband to his partner of 56 years, Margaret, whose laughter could light up a room. Together they raised three children, each of whom inherited his creative spark and his penchant for making the ordinary extraordinary. I remember evenings on the porch where Frank would pull out his sketchbook, a cup of tea, and draw a sketch of the sunset, then whisper, “Look, the world is a page waiting to be filled.” His children often shared that he taught them the importance of seeing beauty in the mundane and the courage to share it. His grandchildren still bring him their school drawings, and he would fold them with a smile, saying, “You’re all my masterpieces.” Frank’s passion for etching and lithography was a hobby that became a communal activity; neighbors would gather to watch him work, fascinated by the way he coaxed images from stone and metal, his hands steady, his mind alive with stories. Beyond family, Frank’s impact rippled through the art community and beyond. He gave countless workshops, always insisting that “great art starts with a great conversation.” He was a mentor to young cartoonists, a critic who could point out the brilliance in a rough sketch, and a friend who listened more than he spoke. His legacy lives on in the countless artists who now feel empowered to push boundaries, in the quiet corners of libraries where his prints hang, and in the hearts of those who were touched by his humor and humility. Frank Stack may have closed the chapter on his earthly journey, but his story—full of daring, love, and art—continues to inspire, reminding us that the most powerful stories are those told with an open heart and a fearless pen.