Wrightson--Chamber of Darkness #7 Cover (1970) Wrightson's first Marvel cover
Artist: Bernie Wrightson (All)
77 Comments - 593 Views - 50 Likes
Additional Images:
Published Cover
Artwork Details
|
DescriptionHere’s a delightfully horrifying Bernie Wrightson cover for Chamber of Darkness #7. This was Wrightson’s first cover ever for Marvel, one of only 10 or so covers or stories Wrightson produced for Marvel prior to 1980. The cover is a horror classic, with a stone gargoyle coming to life in a sculptor’s studio, grabbing the arm of the sculptor and hissing, “At the Twelfth stroke of Midnight—You die!” The sculptor’s hammer and chisel have fallen to the floor at his feet. The fear on his face is priceless. Behind him, an Igor-like assistant grasps his own collar in fear. And all around the studio, other stone gargoyles smirk with hideous grins in anticipation of the mayhem about to occur. I love Wrightson’s composition here, with the monstrously muscular Gargoyle looming over the humans. The eye naturally slides down the monster’s arm to the terrified face of the sculptor and his assistant. Wrightson’s inks, as always, are gorgeous. The varying weights of Wrightson’s brushstrokes give the Gargoyle added solidity and depth. And check out the ominous black shadow from the monster’s left hand on his thigh—A classic horror trope. Note too, the elaborately inked background that drapes the studio in an ominous darkness. The art is signed and dated by Wrightson in the lower left. As you can probably tell, I’m thrilled to add this Wrightson masterpiece to my collection.Social/Sharing |
About the Owner
|
 |
Contact the OwnerUse can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
|
Comments on this Artwork
You must be logged in to make comments.
J. Lim 
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Absolute banger of a cover by legendary artist Wrightson! So good!
Amir E
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Gorgeous! Love the description Bill! Very tough to find a Wrightson cover and this one is simply beautifully rendered. A fantastic image by a master artist.
M L
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Such amazing, classic horror vibes, and rendered by the master himself. Brilliant! Congrats on yet another epic addition.
Rick W
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Few could create such long lasting frightful cover images such as Bernie. Would have made you clench your fists and teeth and pull the comic book right off the rack!
Michael Weigant
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Such a beautiful Wrightson cover Bill and I still remember buying the book off the spinner rack ! It brings back great memories of my early comic book collecting days.It wasn't but just a few short years later that my mind was blown with the coming of the Swamp Thing series,lol ! This cover just resignates early Wrightson at his very best,congrats my friend !
Derek Crabbe
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Those priceless faces are unmistakably Wrightson!
Andy Wurst
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Another awesom post and it is amazing to see how dedicated you collect, and what quality pieces you add to your collection. Huge respect.
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
I love reading your description and then referring back to the cover to see your words play out in the image. You really nailed it with your observations. The composition is really is wonderful, and the inking is totally sublime. All the details add up to a truly spectacular and terrifying cover. No wonder you are so thrilled! Major congrats, Bill, and thanks for sharing!
West Stephan
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
A fantastic Bernie Wrightson cover! He is the Master!
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
this is a legit masterpiece as you stated. WOW! great description and huge congrats - your collection is mind blowing!
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
2 - Posted on 8/6/2024
This is one of those examples of covers that make me so glad I got interested in original art. I remember this comic book pretty well yet as I laid eyes on this original, I though "I don't remember seeing two extra gargoyles in the background.". Of course, I HADN'T, because they had always been completely hidden by the cover copy! Another reason it's so great to be able to see the original art is because on top of being able to see the line art clearly for the first time ever, it also comes with the added benefit of being able to see that the colorist either didn't realize or else chose to completely disregard the fact that the giant gargoyle is supposed to be a sculpture that has come to life and should therefore be colored to look like stone, not as a red devil creature that just flew in a moment ago. There's nothing I can add about the beauty of Wrightson's brush work and technique that you haven't already done so yourself, Bill, so I'll just leave you with my heartiest congratulations on this acquisition!
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
This one has been around seemingly as long as I've been in the hobby so I'm glad it found a good home. What I really like is that the gargoyle's head is simpler/more cartoony than what is usual for Wrightson.
Jason G
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Beautiful example by Wrightson! Everything you'd want in a horror cover; from the monster front and center to the terrified people confronted by that monster. Perfection!
Steven biali001
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
A classic and rare horror cover by a master of the genre!
Kasra Ghanbari
Member Since 2004
CAF Administrator
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Beautiful, classic Wrightson that feels thoroughly considered and wonderfully staged across every square inch...congrats!
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Congratulations on this early Wrightson cover. So many of the artistic strengths he would become famous for are here at an early point in his career.
John C
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Don't waste your time always searching for those wasted years,
Face up; make your stand and realise you're living in the golden years
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Not only masterful, but historic. Doesn't get much better than 70s Wrightson.
Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Historic and a spectacular cover, it's the "Wright" stuff!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
A very beautifully drawn cover of the grotesque and macabre! Right when the comics code allowed for the horror genre to thrive again, the talent of Bernie was there waiting. Incredible life lesson theme as well as the evil you create will come back to haunt you. Appropriate for the tumultuous times of the 60's and early 70's where there was a long festering reckoning for war, racism, and other man made societal ills.
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Only the master of horror could draw those perfect fear faces! The fully scene is magistrally produced. The reader/spectator can do nothing... just to assist to that terrifying momentum. It is just a detail but I adore the way that Berni Wrightson used to sign. Another SUPERB addition. Hats off!
T J
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Another great one! Of all things awesome in the cover I really enjoy the cracks and details on the platform as the gargolye lifts his foot :)
Red Raven
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
incredible cover by the master of darkness - Congratulations man !!!
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Oh wow!! It's nice to see this land in your collection. Bernie's 1st Marvel Cover has some historic gravitas too it as well.
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Absolutely spectacular! The creature design, shadows, and dynamism are so good
Mark Howland
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Another gem in your gemstone gallery. Congratulations!
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Terrifying cover! Love the dialogue too. Congrats!
Anthony T
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Such a great cover by Wrightson. Very well executed with the horror elements you expect fron Wrightson. Huge congrats on adding this to your collection.
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
There's nothing like the combination of Bernie Wrightson, horror, and a cover! You've got it all with this one, Bill - what a great addition to a magnificent collection!
Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 8/6/2024
Bernie's first Marvel cover??? WOW! Such an epic score! Congrats!!!
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
There was never enough War & Horror comics in the old Murray household, but we had this, unforgettable Wrightson classic, big congrats!!
David Kwock
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Another incredible piece and by one my all time favorite artist. What an amazing and historical page you have from the master. Major Congrats!
Tyler T
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
An absolute master of horror, Wrightson's skill set is on full display with this cover. Terrifyingly beautiful! Huge congrats Bill!
Comics Superworld
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Nice goin'! I remember buying this issue off the stand, and loved it.
stephen yarish
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
wow, that's all I have to say! That is an amazing piece of art.
A K
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Wow! The first Wrightson Marvel cover! What a great piece to own! Its historical value is great, of course. But even if it wasn't Bernie's first Marvel cover, it would still be worth owning for the beauty of the art. What a great piece to own. Congratulations, my friend!
Comic Art Channel
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Congrats on this historic Wrightson cover, Bill. All one could ask for.
Justin Topages
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
This one ticks a lot of boxes, Wrightson, horror, Marvel, 70's! What a treasure Bill, great write-up; very happy for you!!!
Ian Saint
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
I remember seeing this one sell back in the day and I absolutely love it! What a great addition to your collection. The first Wrightson cover is quite the addition. Not only that, it looks incredible! Major Congrats Bill!
Neon Dragon
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
One of the greatest, rarest and most impressive pieces I've seen added on CAF in a long time. Wow, Bill!!!!! Just WOW!
Alex B
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Wow ! This is one insanely beautiful work of Art. Comic art at its absolute best. Congrats for this Grail !
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Man befelled by his own creation. Classic Berni.
Malvin V
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Wow! Not only is this a Wrightson horror cover, it's his first Marvel cover, congrats.
NEBUR ADLAN
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Congrats Bill...this is a superb example of Wrightson prime era !
The inking of this piece is exquisite and the composition powerful
Is a true jewel that every 9art true admirer want to admire...
Daeh Bew
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Truly a beautiful piece of history. Wrightson's Inks really brought this one home. Big congrats!!
Ben Friedman
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Love, Bernie Wrightson. Love Chamber of Darkness. A fantastic classic cover!
George H
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/7/2024
Major congrats on landing a Wrightson horror cover!
Michael Kirton
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/8/2024
Gorgeous cover that screams Wrightson through and through.
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 8/8/2024
You can argue that the vivid approach on coloring favoured by Marvel was at odds with Bernie Wrightson's style... Case in point, this cover where most of the delicate line intricacies have disappeared on the finished printed piece. Obviously, the original artwork shines in full glory! If you ask me, the meticulous inks on the wall in the background are worth the price of admission! Huge congrats!
Jared Simmons
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/8/2024
A great fun to be scared cover by the master of horror art. Love the shadow of his claw on the body which makes it just a bit creepier. Congrats Bill!!
GAB R
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 8/10/2024
Love the sculptor horror face and the overall scenario. Classic Wrightson artwork. Congratulations for owning such a beauty.
Kin Wong
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 8/11/2024
Can't go wrong with a Wrightson cover! The human faces are classic Wrightson, and the black sunken eyes on the gargoyles only add to the terror of the scene. Congrats!
REDEMAGNI CLAUDIO
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 8/11/2024
another pearl in your wonderful collection, great congratulations
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/12/2024
Classic horror image, and man...those brush strokes. I'm sure you've pored over lots the different weights in lines...what else would we expect with BW, right?! Great depth, too, contributing to an overall killer (pun!) composition. And the difference of expression between our sculptor vs the figures behind him...of you poor, poor chap. Big congrats, Bill!
J L
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/14/2024
Fantastic addition Bill. Love the details of the cracks on the boulder at the monster's feet.
Davide G.
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/15/2024
One of the first gems by the master of the macabre. It's amazing to see what he was already able to do at just 22!
Marc W
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/19/2024
This Cover is pure Wrighston magic and at the same time it breathes "Marvel-Nostalgia"! Huge congrats, Bill!
Sean Clarke
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 9/6/2024
Bernie’s masterful brush skills were already in full flower at this early stage of his career- there might be a few comic artists in his pantheon of greatness, but none better.
I’d count it as very likely that Wrightson worked from a cover rough/prelim by the great Marie Severin here. It looks like her composition style, and she was providing many of the cover concepts at this time. Of course, once in Bernie’s hands, it’s off to the races, and what you end up with goes beyond the original idea. Big congrats on another fine addition to one of the hobby’s best curated collections!
Will K
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 9/6/2024
Wrightson was probably one his way, even this early in his career. Too bad the word balloon covered some art and did virtually nothing to help the reader. No need to mention midnight with no clock in sight.
Justin Leigh Leiter
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/8/2024
Good gravy....! What an incredilbe acquisiton...a truly fantastic and legendary, classic cover! It's gorgeous!
Frank Lanza
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 10/1/2024
I'm not sure if I'd continue collecting art after landing this absolute stunner! Seriously, it has everything. The masterful inks and that monster is perfect. Massive congrats!
Latest Updates
All |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
Auctions ADVERTISEMENT
 |
Ultimate X-men, issue #31, pg 5 original by Adam Kubert & Danny Mi |
Auctions
| David Mack Hellverine #3 Variant Cover Element Ori |
Auctions
 |
DAVE COCKRUM AND TERRY AUSTIN X-MEN #122 COVER (SOLD FOR $250K) |
Auctions
 |
Jim Starlin - Warlock #13, Page 7 |
Hakes Auctions
 |
JUDGE DREDD - 2000 AD PROG 197 COMIC MAGAZINE COVER ORIGINAL ART BY BRIAN BOLLAND. |
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel.. FREE!
Felix Comic Art
0 Accepting Commissions
Commission an Artist
For Sale Updates
Classified Updates |
|
David H9/6/2025 9:51:00 PM |
|
Rugrat Spawn9/6/2025 5:47:00 PM |
|
Chris Dietzel9/6/2025 3:38:00 PM |
|
Peter Venkman9/6/2025 2:54:00 PM |
|
Will Gabri-El9/6/2025 12:52:00 PM |
|
COMIX ART9/6/2025 11:30:00 AM |
|
Dealer Updates |
|
RomitaMan Original Art9/7/2025 2:23:00 AM |
|
NSN Art9/7/2025 12:01:00 AM |
|
TDArt Gallery9/6/2025 7:54:00 PM |
|
Anthony's Comicbook Art9/6/2025 3:57:00 PM |
|
Coollines Artwork9/6/2025 3:28:00 PM |
|
Will's Comic Art Page9/6/2025 12:52:00 PM |
|
|
Become a Premium CAF Gallery Owner & you'll be supporting CAF and also gain access to many services and features not available to standard members.
|