Wes Phillips

Eldon Dedini: 1921–2006

Wes Phillips  |  Jan 17, 2006

If you're you're an American guy of the male persuasion, you've undoubtedly seen Eldon Dedini's cartoon's in Playboy depicting lecherous, yet enchantingly innocent, satyrs and nymphs. He also drew storyboard art for Disney and regularly contributed cartoons to Esquire and The New Yorker.

I always loved Dedini's stuff—his compositions were full of life and charm. Unlike a lot of Playboy's cartoonists, I always knew Dedini liked women (and that his nymphs weren't really trying to outrun his satyrs).

Fantagraphics is publishing a 220 page collection of Dedini's work this summer. It's a shame he won't get to see it.

COMMENTS
Jeff Glotzer's picture
Submitted by Jeff Glotzer (not verified) on January 17, 2006 - 3:20pm

Dedini was also a part of my adolescent meanderings of self-exploration. I did sense that his art was non-judgemental and positive. Another person to feel nostalgic about in a few years. Mortality sucks! Nymphs do rule, though.

Buddha's picture
Submitted by Buddha (not verified) on January 17, 2006 - 3:42pm

It really hurts when we lose such creative and friendly minds. Charles Rodrigues was like that. Also Edward Gorey, B. Kliban, and Shel Silverstein. At least we still have Gahan Wilson and Sam Gross. On a side note, I've heard a rumor that Tom Wilson, the creator of Ziggy, is Gahan Wilson's brother. The styles kind of match up, but I've never been able to substantiate or refute the rumor.

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