In Memory of Robert Torres: A Friend, an Artist, a Legend
It is with a deeply heavy heart that I share the tragic news of the passing of Robert Torres—my friend, fellow tattoo artist, and a true icon in the world of Fantasy Graphics. Last night, Robert’s life was taken far too soon, and the grief rippling through our community is immense. His wife, Debbie, was also injured in the incident and is currently in the hospital. Our hearts, thoughts, and most fervent prayers are with her for healing and strength in the days ahead.
I don’t have all the details, and I won’t contribute to the spread of speculation or rumors. What I do know—what I do feel in my bones—is that the world just lost one hell of a man. Robert Torres was the real deal. A rare kind of soul whose word was gold, who stood up for his friends through thick and thin, and who never backed down from being the person he believed in being.
In the tattoo world, Robert was more than just an artist—he was a force. His work spoke volumes, capturing fantasy, darkness, light, and raw human emotion in ways few could. His hands were guided not just by talent, but by vision. To walk into a room and see his designs—whether inked into skin or sketched on paper—was to witness someone completely in tune with his art and his purpose.
But beyond the ink, beyond the accolades, beyond the unmistakable style that made him a legend in Fantasy Graphics—Robert was a good man. Loyal, passionate, and impossibly generous with his time and energy. He was the kind of guy who didn’t need to talk big—he simply was big, in heart, in presence, in integrity.
He believed in people. He believed in standing by those he loved, especially when they were at their lowest. Many of us can say that we’re better because we had Robert in our lives. He was a quiet kind of protector, a shoulder when things got dark, and someone you could always count on. That’s not something you find every day, and it’s something we now feel the absence of with aching clarity.
His loss is not just personal. It’s not just professional. It’s profound. We lost a piece of our world, of our community, and of our creative spirit.
To Debbie—know that we are all behind you, holding space for your healing, surrounding you with love, and lifting you up in every way we can. You are not alone.
To Robert—thank you, brother. For the friendship, for the inspiration, for the art, and for being a damn good human in a world that doesn’t always make it easy to be one. Your legacy is inked not only on the skin of countless people, but etched forever in our hearts.
Rest in peace, Robert Torres.
You were one of the greats. And you always will be.