Rowlf

Richard Corben’s Rowlf (1971–present, Rip Off Press) is a single-issue underground comic that stands as a raw, early showcase for the artist’s signature blend of grotesque fantasy and meticulous, muscular linework. Written and drawn entirely by Corben, this debut issue introduces a primal, feral protagonist navigating a brutal, surreal world, marking an important stepping stone in the evolution of independent horror and fantasy comics. Its brief run captures the unfiltered energy of the early 1970s underground scene, cementing Corben’s reputation as a singular visionary before his celebrated work on Heavy Metal and beyond.