F.M. :: SPIEGLE DAN

Elvira 5 page 1 splash by Dan Spiegle

Artists: Dan Spiegle (Penciller) , Carrie Spiegle (Letterer) , Jo Duffy (Writer)

10 Comments - 782 Views - 12 Likes

Elvira 5 page 1 splash by Dan Spiegle Comic Art

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Artwork Details

Title:	Elvira 5 page 1 splash by Dan Spiegle
Artist:	Dan Spiegle (Penciller)
Artist:	Carrie Spiegle (Letterer)
Artist:	Jo Duffy (Writer)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Splash Page
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	782
Likes on CAF:	12 13
Comments:	10
Added to Site:	12/19/2021
Comic Art Archive:

Description

A very nice splash of the Mistress of the Dark herself, Elvira by the always impeccable Dan Spiegle, from her Claypool days.

I must confess I haven't read that series yet but I will soon rectify that misdeed with Dynamic Force releasing a first volume of the series in omnibus.

Dan Spiegle was a master storyteller, having honed his artistic skills in both the comic and animation world, which always produces amazing artists and even better storytellers. And it's not only me saying but the illustrious and intellectually/artistically demanding Gil Kane who equaled Dan Spiegle with Alex Toth in a now famous quote. And we know which one Comic History has favored over the years (could it have been due to his more explosive personality?).

(Doug Wildey could probably belong with them for the reasons mentioned above).

Comic fans and art collector often uses the expression "(criminally) underrated" to qualify artists whose work they like but are not held in the same regard as the obvious superstars that everyone wants an example off in their collection. Well, Dan Spiegle is probably at the top of that pyramid of underrated superb artists as I doubt many of the younger collectors have even heard or paid attention to his art.

Now just look at this incredible splash. It's not as bombastic or flamboyant as Wolvie fighting Hulk smashes but this is pure storytelling at work even in an establishing shot.

Elvira looks perfectly in character here. Both sexy and playful. She actually looks like she IS walking and the whole positioning of her body leans towards the story title and invite the reader's eye to read it.

The guy below her, installing the bomb which should sing her demise, is obviously enjoying himself a lot, certain of the soundness of his plan. I love all the tools he is using, especially the screwdriver in his mouth,

Notice how he is positioned in an opposite way to her ? That makes for a dynamic composition.

And now, what I probably love best about the whole page is how grounded in reality it feels. All the instantly readable details in the surroundings participate to this feeling.

Elvira IS walking through the corridor of an ancient house or castle. I love the old armor next to her that Dan chose to draw even though it's mostly covered in words balloons.

And the basement in which the guy is operating just feels so real with all the pipes under the floor and my own two favorite elements, the boiler and the wheeled table on her back. This really feels like the bric � brac you would find in anyone's basement.

Also of note, the massive use of inks to underline the overall dark mood of the place and moment.

And lastly, the placement of the word balloons (drawn on the board, mind you by Dan's wife, a true lost art) also greatly helps the overall readability of the page.

This is a testament to an artist who truly loved his craft without taking any shortcuts.

I realize that my enthusiasm may help in creating competition for Dan's art but there is plenty to go around for one (more to come from me as well 😉 ), second he still deserves wider recognition and third, a great page of his art would probably cost you 100 (150? 330 ?) times less than, let's say, a Silver Surfer Black page or a Weapon X cover by BWS (with the helmet on, that counts) ;)

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About the Owner

	F M Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	May 2005
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	BELGIUM
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Comments on this Artwork

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Kelsey S
Member Since 2020

2 - Posted on 12/19/2021

What fine detail and energy from this piece! A pleaaure to look at thanks for sharing!

Kelsey S
Member Since 2020

2 - Posted on 12/19/2021

Plus that hatching around the central figure really makes her pop right off the page!

Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020

2 - Posted on 12/19/2021

Mark Evanier has referred to Dan as "one of the greatest comic book artists who ever lived and inarguably one of the nicest people I've ever met." Given the company that Evanier has kept in his long career, that's high praise.

Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008

2 - Posted on 12/19/2021

This really is a beautiful example of Spiegle's work. The Elvira figure is absolutely stunning and the boiler room setting underneath is also quite spectacular. His style never quite lent itself to superheroes, which is why he primarily drew War and Horror stories as well as supernatural stuff, and precisely the reason most fans below a certain age have never heard of him.

Rick W
Member Since 2017

2 - Posted on 12/19/2021

Giddy Up, Oom Poppa Oom Poppa Mow Mow

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

2 - Posted on 12/19/2021

This takes a comic strip level of quality expanded onto a full page. Easily a top piece for Spiegel work that has humor, mystery and titillation in a classy package. All the things that make Elvira the mistress of the dark.

Mark V
Member Since 2021

2 - Posted on 12/20/2021

This is so fantastic. As a huge fan of Spiegle's work, I applaud you on your great taste while also being incredibly jealous.

Kavi H
Member Since 2018

2 - Posted on 12/20/2021

gorgeous splash!

J H
Member Since 2019

2 - Posted on 12/22/2021

The style and composition remind me of Davis' early realistic EC horror work in composition and styling. The dark inks and attention to every small detail, and how the action and subtlety of the page is laid out. The art speaks with or without words. And, of course, the great, dark gag humor. I so dig that bomb he's putting underneath the floorboards. a lot of subtle storytelling, as you said. Great score from an underrated artist. Congrats!

Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017

2 - Posted on 12/25/2021

This is a beautiful page, F M. So fluid, so graceful, detailed, balanced, and FUNNY; warmth and life ooze from this like some sentient ectoplasmic, flesh-consuming goo. Elvira's panel is the perfect stage-setter, allowing the viewer to cue into the mood, setting, and tone that the storytellers are going for in one quick glance (just as Kelsea S. says, the hatching around Elvira is all the proof you need that you're in capable artistic hands - allowing for some spotlighting without compromising - only adding to - the depth of the dark setting). And as great as the top panel is I think I like the bottom one more! I love the fact that the panel borders are used as the actual floorboards (simultaneously separating and unifying the action and characters), and love the fact that the bomb is being carefully inserted directly below where Elvira is standing. Funny! The details of the basement - the pipes and clutter - is all incredible visual texture; "filler" with substance and style. I definitely need to familiarize myself with more of Mr. Spiegel's work, and I thank you once again for pointing me in a new direction through your awesome gallery! Congrats, F M! Great page!

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