Joe Kubert - Unknown Soldier

Artist: Joe Kubert (All)

8 Comments - 3,161 Views - 3 Likes

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Artwork Details

Title:	Joe Kubert - Unknown Soldier
Artist:	Joe Kubert (All)
Media Type:	Mixed Media
Art Type:	Commission
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	3,161
Likes on CAF:	3 4
Comments:	8
Added to Site:	8/16/2012
Comic Art Archive:

Description

I'm posting this on August 16, 2012. I write that because I was actually planning to scan and post on August 12, 2012. But, when I booted up my PC to start scanning, I went to CBR to check the news.

And I saw that Joe Kubert had passed away.

And, well, I couldn't do it that day.

I met Joe in person, for the first time, just last summer in Toronto. He was gracious, had a wicked firm hand-shake, and made a comment about how much enjoyed telling stories as he signed my copy Star Spangled War Stories #151.

When I read that he was gone, I was sad. There's no other word. Just sad. I'd spent all of 2 minutes in person with Joe but based on the boxes of comics in my basement, like all of us on CAF, I knew his influence. He was the master's master. The guys I read as a younger man - Steve Bissette, Tim Truman, Rick Veitch - he taught them! As years went on and I saw Bart Sears, Tom Mandrake, Steve Lieber and then the two Kubert boys, it was almost beyond belief. One man had led the instruction of all those people (and dozens upon dozens of others whose work I've followed).

My condolences to the Kubert family on the passing of their patriarch. I think his family knows that to all of us who love graphic art, he was also a patriarch.

Now, in honour of the spirit of CAF, I need to tell the great news story of how I got this sketch, which I received on July 27, 2012 - just 3 weeks before Joe's passing.

Fellow CAFer Michael Dunne had sent me a note about purchasing a page I had for sale. As we agreed on a deal, I investigated Michael's gallery and saw this fantastic Joe Kubert Black Cat, dated 2012, and labeled "88/100".

I immediately emailed Michael said "How did you get that and how can I get one??" Michael graciously gave me all the details, and put me in touch with Rich DeJesus at the Kubert School. I called Rich immediately, hopeful that Joe had not yet completed all 100 sketches in his "How to Draw from Life" book.

And this is the spectacular end result. The Unknown Solider - my favourite of the Kubert creations. Why? Because I always enjoyed the premise that just one man, in the right place, at the right time, could make all the difference. It's something I believe to be true - maybe comic book romanticism...until you think that in regards to comic art, one could make a strong argument, that Joe Kubert, often times, was that one man.

Thank you so much Joe.

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About the Owner

	Murray Roach Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	January 2005
Last Login:	August 2025
Ebay Id:	roach04
Country:	CANADA
On CAF:	Murray's Classifieds Murray's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Rob Stolzer
Member Since 2004

Posted on 8/16/2012

A beautifully written tribute, Murray. And a terrific piece by Joe. Congratulations.

Royd Burgoyne
Member Since 2003

Posted on 8/16/2012

Great Unknown Soldier piece Murray and also a great story as to how it came about! Joe certainly made a huge difference and impact on the lives of so many people :)

Ron S
Member Since 2007

Posted on 8/17/2012

Just great - your story, the sketch, and Joe Kubert....

Mario B.
Member Since 2004

Posted on 8/17/2012

great story....yeah....we lost a great one!

Dewey Cassell
Member Since 2004

Posted on 8/17/2012

Remarkable. Thanks for sharing - the story and the art. RIP Joe.

Nicoals Martin
Member Since 2011

Posted on 9/5/2012

� very beautiful draw

Michael Mikulovsky
Member Since 2009

Posted on 6/11/2013

Great drawing, loved your story too. I can relate I know & knew some of the old Marvel bullpenners. I met Gene Colan & Dave Cockrum. Only once each, but got to know Gene very well. Not only do I miss their beautiful art. But the super guys they were as well.

Fred Chamberlain
Member Since 2007

Posted on 1/16/2014

I'm always amazed at what a good artist can do with minimal line work. This piece is a fine example of a great artist.

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