Additional Images:
Some Printings
Gallery Exhibit
Sha Nazir and team’s gallery write up…
Book Ends
Superman aka 2D Jesus
Artwork Details
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DescriptionI think the All-Star Superman trade cover says it all. When Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely wrapped their acclaimed run, Vin drew one final image for the All-Star Superman collection—crystallizing their story, and Superman, forever. This humble image, used worldwide many times over as a cover, hung in gallery exhibits, and even made into a statue by DC (see additional images). I’m truly honored to be its custodian. Thank you, Joe Melchior. And thank you, Frank Quitely—aka Vin.I’ll start by saying I’m endlessly fascinated by how stories re-manifest across time and cultures—the same structures wearing different skins. It’s as if these invisible, eternal monoliths exist outside of space and time, just waiting to be uncovered and repainted. That brings me to this little essay about All-Star Superman—aka 2D Jesus. Thousands of creators have worked on both Batman and Superman over the decades—sculpting them, refining them, nudging them closer and closer to what I’d argue are their final forms. Batman, in The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, becomes the most grounded man of grounded men. Untrusting of everything. Prepared to take down his own friends if needed. Hopeless in a bleak world. Operating in the dark. A completely material existence as Bruce Wayne. Entirely mortal. Buried in mud. On that 2nd cover…one foot from the grave. The godless man. Superman, in All-Star Superman, is the pure symbol of hope. Powered by the sun (the light), coming from above. Essentially a god living humbly as a man—who knows his time on Earth is limited. Who doesn’t leave until even the man who schemed to kill him is saved. He leaves behind not just strength, but his example of goodness. His message of hope. His way. This cover—especially when placed next to the cover of DKR #2—makes the contrast clear. 80+ years of mythology were funneled through two Franks: inky black grit from Frank Miller, delicate graphite grace from Frank Quitely. Bookending these icons. Elevating them into their ultimate forms. The Dark. The Light. What blows my mind is this: how do we instinctively—and sometimes unconsciously—just know when Batman is acting like Batman, or when Superman is being Superman? We all feel it. We all know it. Separately, and somehow together. And that’s wild to me. And it’s not just the thousands of creators—it’s the millions of fans, too. Readers supported the versions and runs they loved most, telling editors and publishers what resonated through their buying power. Together, fans and creators co-sculpted these characters into what they are today. Anyway, I’m honored to own Superman’s “bookend” image—the final cover of All-Star Superman. Miller deconstructed Batman into his gritty, inky essence. Morrison and Quitely crystallized Superman into his final, divine form—and Vin actually had the balls to just draw it. This cover reminds me of those Jesus-on-a-plate pictures hanging in your grandma’s kitchen. And I love that. Lastly, I’m calling The Dark Knight Returns and All-Star Superman the bookends of these characters. Not because they’re everyone’s favorite versions—though for many, they are. My claim is this: whatever your favorite version of Batman or Superman is, it probably lives somewhere between these two books, and these two images. These are the myths—actualized, fully formed. ComicsBeat covered some of the arguments over the price for this cover (my ramblings about the piece expressed here on CAF made the article in a more argumentative form)… https://www.comicsbeat.com/sale-of-crucial-frank-quitely-superman-cover-kicks-off-controversy/ And here’s Frank Quitely offering some insights about the piece and what Grant and his goals were with All-Star Superman… https://youtu.be/PPrqxB6ZNx8?si=DG5q4mQMNnvj5foI Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Chuck Arnold 
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 4/22/2025
Such a great acquisition my friend. I am equally happy and envious.
Joseph Melchior
Member Since 2005
2 - Posted on 4/22/2025
I should never doubt your resolve, Quitely-Man! Congrats and sincerely, I can't imagine a more welcoming home.
Fuzzy Dunlop
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 4/22/2025
I would have been sad if this wound up in any other collection but yours. Epic write up, huge congrats ❤️🙌
Yo Kuri
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
YES! It's gorgeous, brimming with grace and divinity. Vin must be delighted that this beautiful work of art went to someone who appreciates it as much as you do. Well done! Congrats!!!
J C
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
Holy smoke. Undoubtedly the pinnacle for Quietly OA collector. Congrats and cheers Nick!
David Kwock
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
Such an epic and iconic acquisition! Major congrats!
Migs DC
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
I was hoping this would make it's way into your collection.
Congrats buddy.
Felix Lu
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/24/2025
You brought around a lot of people on this piece...all while in the pursuit of it. Never anything less than an authentic fan. Let there be no doubt that this is where it belongs! Congrats!!
Nick Pitarra
Member Since 2005
Posted on 4/24/2025
Felix Lu wrote:
You brought around a lot of people on this piece...all while in the pursuit of it. Never anything less than an authentic fan. Let there be no doubt that this is where it belongs! Congrats!!
Without you and your guidance and advice, and help when my family has needed it, I wouldn't have the knowledge or collection or be in the position I am today. Thank you for all of that and for everything else you do. So many times when I call your first gut reaction, literally before I speak, is "don't do it", instinctively knowing I'm calling about some piece of art. But, every so often, on the right pieces, the warnings drop and we geek out as collectors excited about the opportunity to aquire some piece of art...those are the best conversations...and that time and care and passion you give us is why you're respected and liked and loved (in my case) by so many people in the hobby, Felix.
Rob T
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 4/24/2025
Congrats on picking this up!
When you and Palmiotti posted it was interesting to see the opinions of people who are familiar with comic art versus those who were not.
Octavio d
Member Since 2007
Posted on 4/25/2025
Congrats dude, glad you were able to snag this piece!
Simon M.
Member Since 2003
Posted on 5/2/2025
You clearly live your collecting life without regrets (or at least, avoided one here) - this is an epic addition to your collection. I'm very happy that you've got it as it's clear to all how much this story and artist means to you. I'm curious if you'll make an overlay for it to make it look more like the final image or it will stay as-is. No wrong answer of course, just curious!
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