Greg Martin passed away this past May but we didn't learn about it until just a few days ago. Not a programmer or an engineer and not a name I would expect anyone here to recognize. Greg was an illustrator. Yet every classic gamer has been influenced one way or another by his work. He was responsible for most of the Genesis era Sonic box designs. At last count close to 60 different gameboxes and promotional pieces covering Pacman, Flintstones , Snow Bros, Jetsons , Adventure Island , Duck Tales games and more. Loved by all who knew him, Greg was just an all around great guy with a big heart. During the 90's most game companies wouldn't dare credit cover illustrators for fear that the competition would steal them away. They were that important to the success of a game, franchise or a company yet ignored at the same time. You've all seen his work. It's time we put his name on it. Original thread by Dan Maresca http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=117907 Greg's website showcasing some of his work http://www.gregmartinstudio.com/ Another personal tribute from Jerry Beck who worked with Greg on non-gaming projects http://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/greg-martin-1956-2013/
2103? Wow, he's a time traveller, too! That's a shame - his work was awesome. I remember copying some of it as a kid. Quite an inspiration to me. RIP Greg - thanks for some amazing art.
That Sonic 2 image is burned into my mind! So many different boxes and art that I remember from my childhood. Sad that he has passed quite young but he leaves a wonderful legacy.
Wow! What an amazing talent! The artwork really did sell the game back in the day or at least get your attention in the store! (Before online game play videos and online reviews, etc) Very sad though, especially when so young, he and his work will be missed.
My youth wouldn't have been the same had his art not graced my wall in the form of that awesome Sonic 2 poster. R.I.P.
I've only just spotted this thread. That artstyle, wow. He's worked on so many posters for Sega. I had his Sonic posters as well.
This dude had a great style. Very effective for selling me on games back in the early to mid-90's because his art holds a picture-perfect association to classic Saturday morning cartoons, which would make sense given his resume!
can't say much better than was already said here about his iconic style...R.I.P. to a legend, you shaped some of my childhood experiences & will be sorely missed.
This is a real loss, I loved this guy's work and seeing this stuff really brings back memories. The colours are great and there's a wonderful dynamism to his art as well. The Sonic ones bring back the most memories for me but his Warner Bros work is absolutely brilliant as well.
I can't believe this. There are so many of the games that I played when I was a kid. All done by the same guy. I wish I would of known his name sooner! It is a great shame that he had to pass, but he did leave behind some great work, and some fantastic memories of most of our youths. Thanks Greg
Thanks for sharing this. i had no idea who he was until now, it's amazing how sometimes we don't realize how much of an impact someone can have in the worlds plans. R.I.P Greg and thank you for the wonderful memories.
One of the main reasons I got into collecting Sega Genesis games is for the boxes and especially the ART. thank you Greg!
That had an estate sale and found this piece. It is an unfinished NES Pacman gamebox. Greg must have been unhappy with it and just started over. Interesting in that it shows how the backgrounds were airbrushed in first and the characters added later.
