Michael Zulli

Michael Zulli (December 20, 1952 – July 8, 2024) was an American artist equally at home rendering the natural world and the supernatural. He first gained notice in the mid-1980s as co-creator (with writer Stephen Murphy) of *The Puma Blues*, an eco-conscious series that showcased his meticulous wildlife illustration. Zulli’s delicate linework and atmospheric watercolors made him a sought-after collaborator for Neil Gaiman, with whom he worked on *The Sandman* (notably the "The Kindly Ones" arc) and the Gaiman adaptations *The Last Temptation* and *The Sandman Presents: Love Street*. He also penciled memorable runs on DC’s *Swamp Thing* and *Legends of the DC Universe*. His style blended naturalistic animal anatomy with a dreamlike, often melancholy mood, lending a quiet gravity to fantasy and horror. Over a nearly four-decade career, Zulli contributed to 75 cataloged issues as artist, colorist, inker, or writer. He remained active until his passing, leaving behind a body of work that bridged ecological awareness and mythic storytelling. While major industry awards were not a hallmark of his career, his influence endures among readers and artists who value subtlety and craft in comic art.