I just learned that pioneering space artist Robert McCall passed away Friday at the age of 90. I never got the chance to meet him, at least not in the flesh, but as for his spirit … I met and was touched by that a long, long time ago.

In addition to inspiring me with his visions for as long as I can remember, he also played a very important specific role in my life, by allowing Sovereign Media to use his images in the first issue of Science Fiction Age. We printed an art gallery in each issue of the magazine, but McCall was the first.

Here, from the pages of that November 1992 issue, is a gallery of McCall’s artwork, accompanied by strong words of praise from Ray Bradbury. Give it a read and gaze in awe at the pictures so that even if you’ve never heard of the man, you’ll know why you should, too, be celebrating his life and mourning his death.