Sensuality and Eroticism In Frank Cho's Comics

Comics and Nursing

Born in 1971 in Seoul, South Korea, Duk Hyun Cho, who would later adopt the artistic name Frank Cho, gained attention in the world of comics for his realistic depictions of human anatomy, especially the female figure, in narratives that combine humor, action, and detailed settings. Although his most well-known work is the Liberty Meadows series, he also made a mark with other comics such as Shanna the She-Devil, Mighty Avengers, Hulk, and Jungle Girl.

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Frank Cho moved to the United States with his family when he was just six years old, driven by the pursuit of better economic opportunities. The family settled in Beltsville, Maryland. Growing up in a new culture and facing language barriers, Cho found refuge in the comics brought home by his older brother. He began copying the illustrations, diving deeper into the world of art. During this time, his primary influences were Depression-era comics like Prince Valiant and Li'l Abner, and the works of artists like Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Loomis, Al Williamson, and Frank Frazetta. From these artists, Frank Cho learned to use naturalistic representations of the human form in contexts of action, fantasy, and eroticism.

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Frank Cho attended the University of Maryland, where he earned a degree in Nursing, a choice influenced by his parents' desire for him to have a stable career. However, his love for comics and art prevailed during his college years, leading him to create a daily comic strip called University2 for the student newspaper The Diamondback. This experience not only refined his artistic skills but also gave him a practical insight into what life as a professional cartoonist would be like.

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Liberty Meadows

In the 1990s, Frank Cho took his first steps into the comics industry more professionally. His debut came with a collaboration for Penthouse Comix, where he worked on short stories alongside Al Gross and Mark Wheatley. Although it was a modest beginning, this experience was crucial for him to gain confidence and visibility in the industry.

After graduating, Frank Cho took elements from his University2 comic and expanded them to create the Liberty Meadows series. Published by Creators Syndicate, the series quickly became a success. Liberty Meadows was a comic in which humans and anthropomorphic animals coexisted. In this series, Frank Cho uses eroticism in a comedic way, subverting expectations and creating situations where sexuality is treated lightly and playfully. This approach softens the impact of the erotic content, making it more accessible and less provocative while still maintaining significant visual appeal.

However, despite the success, Frank Cho faced constant battles with editors over the censorship of his content and the pressures inherent in daily deadlines. These tensions led him to discontinue the series in 2001, choosing to continue publishing it independently, without censorship, in book format.

Fig.7. Liberty Meadows

Fig.8. Liberty Meadows

Fig.9. Liberty Meadows

In the extended Premium edition more on Cho's Shanna The She-Devil, his work for Marvel Comics, the controversies in his career, the sensuality and eroticism in his work and 68 additional pics of his most arousing artwork.

Frank Cho is active on Instagram

Click HERE for the ravishing erotica by the master of fantasy Frank Frazetta

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