“The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction,” August, 1961. Cover by Mel Hunter, featuring a robot he calls “the last man.”
On a visit in an abandoned museum, the last man encounters a pile of junk posing as a robot by Salvatore Dali. The chance encounter goes badly and a bullet is fired. The last man’s experiences were documented on no less than sixteen covers of F&SF magazine, beginning with the October 1955 issue, and ending with the May, 2003 issue of the magazine. These covers depict the lone robot in various settings and guises, symbolizing the remnants of humanity after a cataclysmic event. The haunting imagery captured the imagination of many readers over the years.
Hunter's work on these covers earned him recognition and accolades, including the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist in 1960-1962 and the Locus Award for Best Magazine Artist in 1972. The last man robot remains a memorable and influential piece in the history of science fiction art.
“The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction,” August, 1961. Cover by Mel Hunter, featuring a robot he calls “the last man.”
On a visit in an abandoned museum, the last man encounters a pile of junk posing as a robot by Salvatore Dali. The chance encounter goes badly and a bullet is fired. The last man’s experiences were documented on no less than sixteen covers of F&SF magazine, beginning with the October 1955 issue, and ending with the May, 2003 issue of the magazine. These covers depict the lone robot in various settings and guises, symbolizing the remnants of humanity after a cataclysmic event. The haunting imagery captured the imagination of many readers over the years.
Hunter's work on these covers earned him recognition and accolades, including the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist in 1960-1962 and the Locus Award for Best Magazine Artist in 1972. The last man robot remains a memorable and influential piece in the history of science fiction art.