Frazetta, Frank & Williamson, Al - Flash Gordon

Artists: Frank Frazetta (All) , Al Williamson (All)

12 Comments - 4,469 Views - 3 Likes

Frazetta, Frank & Williamson, Al - Flash Gordon Comic Art

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Raymond, Alex - Flash Gordon, 2-23-1936, Original Sunday sheet

Artwork Details

Title:	Frazetta, Frank & Williamson, Al - Flash Gordon
Artist:	Frank Frazetta (All)
Artist:	Al Williamson (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Other
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	4,469
Likes on CAF:	3 4
Comments:	12
Added to Site:	7/24/2018
Comic Art Archive:

Description

I had the pleasure of picking this up at SDCC 2018 from Rob Pistella, who was also kind enough to share the history of the piece with me via an October 9, 2011 blog posting from Doc Dave Winiewicz. Doc Dave acquired the piece from Frank Frazetta and told the following story about it �

�It was the early fifties. Al asked Frank to draw a picture of Flash Gordon. Williamson, of course, was a Flash Gordon fanatic. He spent most of his youth drawing Flash a hundred different ways. He wanted to see how Frank handled the pose and the heroic posture. Frank said that he sat down, penciled a figure in a fantasy setting, then proceeded to ink it. In the midst of this Frank described the proper procedure for applying zipatone to give texture and depth. Al was looking over Frank�s shoulder the entire time. For some reason Frank stopped before finishing, but most of the scene was done. Al loved the figure and asked Frank if he could take it home to study the lines. Frank agreed. Al took it home and started drawing sketches around Frank's Flash Gordon figure. A couple of weeks later Frank asked Al where the drawing was. Al said that he covered it with sketches. Frank said: "It's mine. I want it back." Al had to return the piece. It was a point of principle. Al made a stat of the page before giving it back.

Frank forgot about it until we discovered it one day way in the back of a closet. Frank told me the story behind the piece, then concluded by saying: "And then Al had the balls to use my figure in an EC story." Al used the picture as the central figure on the SPACE BORNE splash page. He changed some elements, but you can easily see the resemblance.

Well, I thought this was quite an interesting piece of Williamson/Frazetta history. I bought the page from Frank. He really didn't care about it all. I think he was happy to be rid of it. For Frank it just represented an annoying memory.

I reluctantly brought the page to Al. I didn't know how he would react. To my relief Al was the consummate gentleman. He confirmed all the details of the story and he signed the page for me. It's a large 14 by 20 inches in size and quite impressive in a frame. Frazetta teaching Al Williamson all about Flash Gordon; it doesn't get any better!�

I could not agree more!

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About the Owner

	Chris K. Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	August 2008
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Chris'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 Pistella
Member Since 2005
Forum Moderator

1 - Posted on 7/24/2018

This is a large and spectacular piece of comic art history, done by two giants of illustration!! Fluid around the parameter with Frazetta's perfect zip a toned Flash Gordon anchoring the center... intialed FF by Frank and signed by Williamson too!!

Chris K.
Member Since 2008

Posted on 7/24/2018

Rob Pistella wrote:

This is a large and spectacular piece of comic art history, done by two�giants of illustration!! Fluid around the parameter with Frazetta's perfect zip a toned Flash Gordon anchoring the center... intialed FF by Frank and signed by Williamson too!!

Can't believe I forgot to mention the Frazetta signature - thanks, Rob!

Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013

1 - Posted on 7/24/2018

Awesome images and just an amazing story! Congrats.

David K
Member Since 2008

1 - Posted on 7/24/2018

That is absolutely wonderful!!!

artless artmore
Member Since 2013

1 - Posted on 7/24/2018

These figures are fantastic! Beautiful poses and drapery, and the linework is terrific. This story sounds familiar, but can't think of where I read/heard it. Thanks for posting!

Stephen F
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 7/24/2018

Just a tremendous piece! A one of a kind and A+ Frazetta/Williamson collaboration. Congrats!

Mark Howland
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 7/24/2018

Stunning illustration - such great fabric movement and energy in the poses - and as great a story. Congratulations, Chris!

Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009

1 - Posted on 7/24/2018

Extraordinary piece from two legendary artists!

Chris C
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 7/24/2018

Jeez, you really know how to steal a guy's thunder, you know that? Here I was ready to post all of the nude self-portraits I commissioned at San Diego and now who's going to want to see them? They'll all be staring at your "Frazetta Williamson Flash Gordon" junk instead of my actual junk. Whatever man...WHATEVER.

Chris K.
Member Since 2008

Posted on 7/24/2018

Chris C wrote:

Jeez, you really know how to steal a guy's thunder, you know that? Here I was ready to post all of the nude self-portraits I commissioned at San Diego and now who's going to want to see them? They'll all be staring at your "Frazetta Williamson Flash Gordon" junk�instead of my actual junk. Whatever man...WHATEVER.�

So, to be clear, if I take this down you'll post a bunch of nude self-portrait commissions from SDCC? Damn...that's tempting...

Chris C
Member Since 2004

Posted on 7/25/2018

Chris K. wrote:

So, to be clear, if I take this down you'll post a bunch of nude self-portrait commissions from SDCC? Damn...that's tempting...

I live to provide such temptation.

Frederic Lorge
Member Since 2007

Posted on 9/4/2018

Interesting story and splendid Flash Gordon

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