Overview
Bob Wakelin was the British artist whose painted illustrations defined Ocean Software’s visual identity. His dramatic, dynamic box art for titles like Batman, Robocop, and The Untouchables helped establish Ocean as a premium publisher. In an era when in-game graphics couldn’t match imagination, Wakelin’s covers sold the dream.
Fast Facts
| Aspect |
Detail |
| Born |
1950 |
| Active period |
1980s-1990s |
| Primary client |
Ocean Software |
| Style |
Realistic illustration, dramatic lighting |
| Covers created |
100+ |
Notable Covers
| Game |
Year |
Notable For |
| Batman |
1986 |
Defining Ocean style |
| Robocop |
1988 |
Action pose perfection |
| The Untouchables |
1989 |
Cinematic composition |
| Chase HQ |
1989 |
High-speed drama |
| Navy SEALS |
1990 |
Military action |
The Ocean Style
| Element |
Wakelin Signature |
| Lighting |
Dramatic, often backlit |
| Poses |
Dynamic action moments |
| Composition |
Cinematic framing |
| Colour |
Rich, saturated |
Box Art’s Purpose
| Function |
Implementation |
| Sell the fantasy |
Show what graphics couldn’t |
| Brand identity |
Consistent Ocean look |
| Retail presence |
Stand out on shelves |
| Licensed authenticity |
Match film marketing |
Working Method
| Stage |
Approach |
| Reference |
Film stills, promo materials |
| Medium |
Acrylic on board |
| Turnaround |
Often very tight deadlines |
| Delivery |
Final paintings to publisher |
Legacy
Bob Wakelin’s art represents an era when box art could be fine art. His covers created expectations that games often couldn’t match—but also elevated the medium’s presentation. His work for Ocean remains some of the most recognisable game packaging of the 8-bit era.
See Also