Right. So, you want me to take this dry, dusty account of some Swiss artist and… inject it with a pulse? Make it interesting? Fine. But don’t expect me to hold your hand. This is how it should have been written, or at least, how it could have been. Consider it a public service, of sorts.

Oliver Frey (1948–2022)

For that rather bland U.S. politician, the one who probably peaked in high school debate club, you can look up Oliver W. Frey . This is about the artist. The one who actually did something.

Oliver Frey

Oliver Frey, a name that might not ring bells in every household, but one that undeniably left its mark, particularly on the landscape of British computer magazines and, shall we say, more adult-oriented publications. Born in the picturesque, yet perhaps stifling, confines of Zürich , Switzerland, on June 30, 1948, Frey’s artistic journey, which concluded on August 21, 2022, at the age of 74, was as varied as it was impactful. He eventually found his footing in the United Kingdom, a move that seems to have been pivotal for his career. He was a craftsman of visuals, known for his evocative book and magazine illustrations, particularly those that graced the pages of British computer magazines during the vibrant, pixelated era of the 1980s. But Frey also wore another hat, or rather, a pseudonym: Zack. Under this guise, he carved out a significant niche in the realm of erotic illustrations and erotic comics , primarily for British gay male pornographic magazines throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It’s a duality that speaks volumes about the breadth of his talent and the diverse avenues he explored.

Early Life

Frey’s early years were marked by a bilingual upbringing, fluent in both Italian and German, which is hardly surprising given his Swiss origins. The family’s relocation to Britain in 1956 was a significant shift, though they later returned to Switzerland. It was during his secondary education in Switzerland that Frey, showing an early inclination towards formal artistic training, enrolled in the American Famous Artists School correspondence course. This was a pragmatic step, an early indication of his dedication to honing his craft, even if it was through remote instruction. One can only imagine the young Frey, poring over art techniques while the Alps loomed outside his window – a stark contrast to the gritty, urban landscapes he would later depict.

Career

After a brief, perhaps uninspiring, six months in the Swiss army and a similarly short-lived attempt at Berne University , Frey’s path led him back to Britain. This time, it was with a more focused ambition: art. He embarked on a two-year course at the London Film School . While this might suggest an interest in cinema, it was during this period that he laid the financial groundwork for his future endeavors through freelance illustration. He cut his teeth on projects like illustrating War Picture Library comic books. For a child who, as he admitted, idolized the iconic The Eagle comics magazine, this must have felt like a dream, albeit a rather violent one. As an adult, he even contributed to the 1980s revival of Dan Dare , a testament to his ability to capture the essence of classic comic characters. His versatility was further demonstrated by his work for IPC Media ’s Look and Learn magazine in the 1970s, where he illustrated strips like The Trigan Empire . He even lent his talent to the silver screen, creating 1930s-era comic book art for the pre-title sequence of the 1978 Superman movie. It’s a portfolio that would make most illustrators green with envy.

The Zack Persona and Gay Erotic Art

Then there’s Zack. Under this moniker, Frey became a significant figure in the burgeoning gay male erotic art scene of the late 1970s and 1980s. His work, often featuring larger-than-life, muscular heroes like “Rogue,” adorned the pages of HIM Magazine, a publication he co-owned with his partner, Roger Kean. They also published related titles and Frey edited and illustrated several issues of Man-to-Man Magazine. His contributions to the HIM Libraries series were substantial, showcasing his narrative skills alongside his artistic prowess. The era, however, was fraught with legal peril. In 1981, police raids resulted in the destruction of their stock, a stark reminder of the societal attitudes of the time. Despite this, Frey’s work found its way into the Meatmen series, a well-known collection of gay erotic comics. Even Russell T. Davies, the celebrated writer behind the British television series Queer as Folk, acknowledged the profound influence of Frey’s serial “The Street” on his groundbreaking depiction of gay life. It’s a legacy that transcends mere illustration; it’s about representation and storytelling in a medium often overlooked.

Computer Magazines and Beyond

The 1980s also saw Frey become an integral part of the burgeoning computer magazine scene. When Roger Kean and Frey’s brother, Franco, launched the influential computer magazine CRASH in 1983, Oliver Frey was the resident artist. His distinctive style graced the covers and internal pages of CRASH , as well as its sister publications like Zzap!64 , Amtix , and The Games Machine. He even collaborated with Kelvin Gosnell on the comic strip “Terminal Man,” which ran in both CRASH and Zzap!64 in 1984 and was later collected into a book. His ability to adapt his style to the rapidly evolving world of technology is noteworthy.

Later in his career, during the late 1990s, Frey took on the role of publishing director for Thalamus Publishing in Shropshire, a company specializing in illustrated historical reference books. The company’s eventual receivership in August 2009 was a setback, but not an end. Frey and Kean regrouped, forming Reckless Books in Ludlow . This new venture focused on young adult action-adventure, historical fiction, and gay adult literature, demonstrating a continued commitment to diverse storytelling.

Frey’s impact was recognized in various ways. Several of his striking painted covers for Fleetway and IPC War Picture Libraries were reproduced in David Roach’s books, Aaargh! It’s War (2007) and The Art of War (2008). He amassed an impressive bibliography, with over 16 books published under his own name and over 12 under the Zack pseudonym. Even the classic video gaming magazine Retro Gamer featured his artwork on its covers. A significant moment came in July and August 2014 when his gay erotic work was showcased in an exhibition at the British Library , where he was interviewed by novelist and reporter Rupert Smith . It was a validation of his contributions to a genre that, while often marginalized, holds significant cultural weight.

Personal Life

Oliver Frey shared his life and creative endeavors with his long-time partner, Roger Kean , in the United Kingdom. Their partnership was a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. Frey passed away on August 21, 2022, leaving behind a considerable artistic legacy. Kean followed him on January 3, 2023, succumbing to motor neurone disease . Their shared journey, marked by artistic collaboration and personal devotion, is a poignant part of Frey’s story.

Selected Bibliography

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, as Frey’s output was extensive. These are merely highlights, a glimpse into the sheer volume of his work.

As Oliver Frey

• Dan Dare :
  • “Return of the Mekon” (appearing in Eagle #17–18, 1982)
  • “Belendotor” (appearing in Eagle #84–93, 1983)
• Kean, Roger. The Fantasy Art of Oliver Frey (Thalamus Publishing, 2006). ISBN 9781902886060. A retrospective that delves into his artistic journey.
• Frey, Oliver. Oliver Frey, artist: The Terminal Man (Reckless Books, 2012). ISBN 9781479333691. Collecting his comic strip work.
• Kean, Roger (author); Frey, Oliver (illustrator). Living in the Ancient World Set (Chelsea House Publications, 2008). ISBN 9780816063369. Historical educational material.
• Frey, Oliver (illustrator). Exciting Stories Of Fantasy and the Future (Hamlyn, 1982). ISBN 9780600366775. A collection showcasing his imaginative flair.
• Kean, Roger (author); Frey, Oliver (illustrator). The Complete Chronicle of the Emperors Of Rome (Thalamus Publishing, 2005). ISBN 9781902886053. A deep dive into Roman history, visually interpreted.
• Wilkins, Chris and Kean, Roger (authors); Frey, Oliver (illustrator). Ocean, The History (Apple, 2014). A historical narrative brought to life.
• Kean, Roger (author); Frey, Oliver (illustrator). Forgotten power: Byzantium: Bulwark of Christianity (Reckless Books, 2013). ISBN 9781301533398. Exploring the history of the Byzantine Empire.

As Zack

• Twisted Blade in the Arena (Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2017). ISBN 9783959852814.
• Desert Studs (Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2014). ISBN 9783867876902.
• The Satyr of Capri (Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2015). ISBN 9783867878548.
• Deadly Circus of Desire (Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2014). ISBN 9783867877855.
• The Warrior’s Boy (Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2013). ISBN 9783867876056.
• The Wrath of Seth (Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2016). ISBN 9783959851558.
• Zack: The Art (Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2012). ISBN 9783867874328. A comprehensive collection of his erotic artwork.
• Bike Boy (Bruno Gmünder Group, 2010). ISBN 9783867871587.
• Hot For Boys: The Sexy Adventures Of Rogue (Bruno Gmünder Group, 2011). ISBN 9783867871013. Featuring his popular character.
• Bike Boy Rides Again (Bruno Gmünder Group, 2012). ISBN 9783867871761.
• Boys of Vice City (The Adventures of Gil Graham & Mike Smith #1) (Bruno Gmünder Group, 2011). ISBN 9783867871204.
• Boys of Two Cities (Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2012). ISBN 9783867874458.
• Raw Recruits (Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2013). ISBN 9783867875196.