For more than half a century, preeminent artist Frank Kelly Freas' images have both made us laugh and look toward the skies of tomorrow.

His works span the range from seven years of covers for Mad Magazine, to an incredibly vast array of science-fiction and fantasy art -- illustrations that literally created in our minds the future that we still await.

He and his art were always in demand -- generations of fans would inevitably congregate around him at science-fiction and other conventions.

Kelly died in his sleep on Sunday here in an L.A. suburb, almost literally a stone's throw from where I'm sitting. He was 82.

I urge you to visit his Web site.

Rest in peace, Kelly. The future may yet catch up with your genius.

--Lauren--