Green Lantern #144 cover by Perez | Conservation by Von Hawk
Artists: George Perez (All) , Alexandra Von Hawk (Restorer)
18 Comments - 488 Views - 21 Likes
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Before and after conservation
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DescriptionLanding a holy grail cover - my favorite character, comic, and artist - from my favorite era of collecting always seemed like a long shot. In George Perez's prolific career, he drew only five Green Lantern covers during the 1980s (issues 132, 141–144), with Hal Jordan rarely appearing in his extensive body of work.However, it's the relationships in this hobby that make it truly special. The circumstances that led my friend to consider parting with this were a bit unfortunate, and hopefully temporary. However, there were other pieces he could have sold, but he knew that allowing me to add this to my collection would make me batshit-happy. Thank you, my friend. The piece was showing its age. Thanks to Bill Cox for introducing us to Conservator Alexandra Von Hawk, (link below) who promised to treat George's art with the same care she applies to Rembrandts. Sold. Alexandra explained that wood pulp slurry was used on the back of these boards in the 1980s. That pulp contained lignins, a natural polymer that breaks down into acids, causing the front of the cover to yellow over time . . . a process that never stops. Glue stains from overlays also contributed to the art's degradation. Additionally, there was a small split on the front that, left unattended, would continue compromising the piece's stability. Conservation isn't restoration. Everything Alexandra did was natural and reversible. She deacidified the board, restoring some of the paper's original color and preventing further yellowing. The glue stains were carefully removed as well. Most impressive was Alexandra's repair of the split. Using pure micro-cellulose paste, she filled the gap and used Japanese rolling beads (tiny glass spheres) to bond the paste into the surrounding paper without stressing the area. The result is nearly invisible (see accompanying image). There's so much to appreciate about this piece. The hyper-detailed buildings and pterodactyl wings frame Hal in peril beautifully. The intricate brickwork and details on the Tattooed Man's arm are wonderful. Even the Adam Strange inset promoting the backup story is completely hand-drawn on the board. George drew the cover to Green Lantern #144, but Joe Staton did the interiors. Joe signed the cover last month at HeroesCon, bringing the story full circle. Bill's interview with Alexandra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFInpktG1lI&t=58s (Thanks to Bill for getting this to me safely, too.) Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Kavi H 
Member Since 2018
2 - Posted on 7/4/2025
Huge congratulations on a holy grail Perez Green Lantern cover, it is indeed amazing man! The results of the conservation work also looks fantastic, thanks for sharing the details on the work done as well as the detailed before/after image.
Tom McDonald
Member Since 2019
2 - Posted on 7/4/2025
Thanks, Kavi. It was a wonderful collecting experience all the way around.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 7/4/2025
Nice work. Good on you for showing the side by side comparison. A shame the future owner won't likely bother to show or even mention it was previously conserved when it comes time for THEM to part with it, but everyone can only control what they themselves are going to do and you've done your part, the right thing. Kudos!
Derek Crabbe
Member Since 2020
2 - Posted on 7/4/2025
Groovy Grail Piece and great explanation of the conservation process!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 7/4/2025
Primo Perez! This is during his Justice League of America run and it looks every bit the upgrade Perez had done for that title. Bill did an interview with another restorer once. I wonder what ever became of that?
Tom McDonald
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 7/4/2025
Marcus Wai wrote:
Primo Perez! This is during his Justice League of America run and it looks every bit the upgrade Perez had done for that title. Bill did an interview with another restorer once. I wonder what ever became of that?
I know of which restorer you speak. I believe he escaped when The Joker broke all the bad guys out of Arkham.
Kin Wong
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 7/4/2025
Congrats on landing a grail and on the restoration work! Though I'm not convinced this post isn't a subtle suggestion to go watch the new Superman film. :)
Tom McDonald
Member Since 2019
Posted on 7/5/2025
Kin Wong wrote:
Congrats on landing a grail and on the restoration work! Though I'm not convinced this post isn't a subtle suggestion to go watch the new Superman film. :)
Thanks. The Superman movie has my third-favorite Green Lantern, but I excited to see any member of the Corps in live action that isnt Ryan Reynolds.
Rick W
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 7/5/2025
Night and day conservation. Many congrats on landing your Holy Grail cover Tom!
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 7/5/2025
Excellent work by Von Hawk. Tasteful and respectful toward the piece without overdoing it.
Corey Rust
Member Since 2023
Posted on 7/13/2025
Tom...what on earth can you buy now that you have this?
CONGRATULATIONS!
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