Pete Knifton

We were deeply saddened to learn yesterday that Pete Knifton had died.

Pete was known to Fighting Fantasy fans for illustrating Keith Martin's Tower of Destruction, and Siege of Sardath, by Keith P. Phillips. And while he may not have contributed artwork to as many adventures as some artists, his style was unique and he had many fans among the FF faithful.

Before contributing to the Fighting Fantasy series, he had provided artwork for Games Workshop’s Blood Bowl game, helping to give it its distinctive look.

“Marc Gascoigne suggested I send in samples to Penguin,” Knifton explained when he was interviewed for YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks. “Subsequently I drew two. The editors were lovely and very encouraging. I did the best work I could in the time available. I aimed to do one illo a day. Sometimes the pictures took longer. I was fond of the picture of the ice zombies.”

Ice Ghosts, by Pete Knifton. 

Night Demon, by Pete Knifton.

Xanthic Horror, by Pete Knifton.

“FF had a great effect on my career in terms of kudos. They were very popular, and people were interested that I had been a contributor. You had to be spot on with the details in FF. They were respectable illustration jobs!”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pete's family and friends, and fans, at this very difficult time.