Duke Fleed :: 1980s Alternative (Indy) Comics

Barry Blair - Samurai #9 Cover (1986) Aircel

Artist: Barry Blair (All)

8 Comments - 551 Views - 7 Likes

Barry Blair - Samurai #9 Cover (1986) Aircel Comic Art

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Artwork Details

Title:	Barry Blair - Samurai #9 Cover (1986) Aircel
Artist:	Barry Blair (All)
Media Type:	Marker
Art Type:	Cover
For Sale Status:	Not gonna do it.
Views:	551
Likes on CAF:	7 8
Comments:	8
Added to Site:	6/15/2023
Comic Art Archive:

Description

At the hight of the black and white comic boom (mid to late 1980s) Barry Blair and Aircel Comics were near the top of the heap. Samurai is one of those long forgotten series that for those of us who collected back then - will forever remain a source of nostalgia and joy. This cover was drawn with markers and mixed media by Blair (who sadly passed in 2010) including the hand drawn logo and is one of my favorite pieces in my collection. While I am not looking for interiors, if you got any early covers from this 1st run to sell, please reach out.

If you are a fan of Blair, check out the rest of this gallery for 2 early Elflord covers.

Thanks for looking at my gallery.

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About the Owner

	Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan ( 6 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	October 2013
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	Not Specified
On CAF:	Duke Fleed's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF Read More About Duke Fleedaka #1 Groo Fan

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Comments on this Artwork

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E DLS
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 6/15/2023

I really enjoyed these Aircel books. Loved the artwork by Blair and a young Dale Keown. This cover is a really wonderful example. As far as being "long forgotten", I would bet that these titles are more fondly remembered than you might think (granted this is coming from a particular age group, LOL).

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 6/15/2023

A relic of the times and symbolically represents the indie spirit where new voices in comics were making waves and connecting with a more mature audience. A lot more high quality work outside of the big 2 was made possible through direct distribution and fueled by successes of the bigger names, but also by titles such as this which inspired the outsider sensibilities already inherent in comic culture of the time. This is a fantastic full color piece by Blair that went directly to print in this form. It breaks rules of your typical comic cover which made it even more cool.

Rick W
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 6/15/2023

Needed that little nostalgia hit today. Thanks for sharing!

West Stephan
Member Since 2007

1 - Posted on 6/15/2023

Awesome!!! I have a Barry Blair cover as well, such a talented artist!

Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008

1 - Posted on 6/15/2023

Aircel was like "the little publisher that could" back around 1986 at the height of the black & white boom. Classic!

F M
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 6/16/2023

I never read anything by Blair to be frank and I'm only familiar with Aircel for Keown's early output. That being said, your enthusiasm is clear here ;)

Wolvie Fan
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 6/16/2023

Never read this book, but Samurai's are cool.

FRED CRAMPTON
Member Since 2010

1 - Posted on 2/11/2025

Love it ,cool cover

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