Posted on 3/15/2006

Gene, your rendering is astonishing. This image, taken from the poem depicting the last night on earth of a modern goddess embodying passion, and a god who is the avatar of dangerous intelligence, captures so much subtlety: from the rising flames and cresting wave that embrace her, arcing into the cold reaches of space that hover about him; from the icons like strange halos over their heads; to their expressions (rapture, and hard-edged control), you captured this vision of an avante-garde "last supper" with grace and power. Malcolm Deeley, author of "Dining on Twilight"

Posted on 3/15/2006

I have not been a follower of the comics, Mr. Colan, and so haven't seen your work before, but I have read Mr. Deeley's poetry. Your Dining on Twilight (to paraphrase Jackson Pollack), is a damn fine picture. The motion of your composition is like a multilayered whirlpool. Honestly, before seeing this, I would have thought the quality of structured delirium in Deeley's poem impossible to capture in a drawing. I can see this stuffy follower of the Fine Arts is going to have to view comics art with a new level of respect.

Posted on 3/15/2006

I thought Malcolm was kidding me when he invited some of his circle of readers to visit this site, to see a drawing, done from one of his books, by a comic book artist. Teasing me, right? But I looked, and I am flat-out flabbergasted. A beautiful, incredible drawing.

Posted on 3/16/2006

Not all of us "stuffy fine arts" people grew up oblivious to the comics. Once upon a time, I haunted the racks at my local drug store for Colan books (and a teenage girl in the 1970's buying Tomb of Dracula and Dr. Strange got some pretty strange looks, I can tell you). I teach writing now, and Mr. Deeley's metaphysical poetry is challenging for even the most sophisticated reader to interpret. But you nailed it, Gene. Dining on Twilight is a sublime piece of art. You are truly a man for all seasons.

Posted on 3/16/2006

I don't believe I've seen anything quite like this before -- a popular illustrator and a contemporary poet -- but the mastery of design in this work is impressive. How the eye moves through the drawing -- first to the striking woman in the foreground, up the tendrils of fire, which blend into the wave -- across the line of symbols, each with a circular or bowed motion to the right -- until the downward plunging shadow of the planet leads to the ominous lightning -- and the posture of the man brings us back to where we began. All seamless, flowing together for an intense visual effect.

Posted on 7/13/2006

As a traditional comic art fan, I am perhaps not so eloquent but this is a beautiful piece! I wish it could be inked by Everett!

Posted on 7/14/2006

Beatiful piece. I'm afraid any inks would ruin this. It's finished, as-is.

Posted on 7/25/2006

Damn shame this piece was stolen. I'm with Craig; inking would destroy the subtle texture and beauty of the background--not to mention the lovely lady.

Posted on 8/24/2006

I HAVE THIS ARTWORK!! I bought it at a postal auction in Atlanta, GA (from the USPS). It was lost in the mail. I contacted Gene and gave him all the details of where I got it from and asked for a VERY SMALL finders fee (because I did pay for it). I will put it on ebay hopefully in the first couple of weeks in September 2006.

Posted on 8/24/2006

Tansy, having visited this page, you are probably aware that this artwork was commissioned by me. I was deeply distressed when it was lost, and (as it is a depiction of a very personal work, one of my poems) I have a significant emotional connection with it. Before placing this in an open auction, please contact me. My e-mail address is admin@gromagonpress.com.

Posted on 9/6/2006

Dining by Twilight returned to owner. It's been my pleasure Malcolm.

Posted on 9/7/2006

After a long, strange journey, this drawing did indeed reach its home. One last time, thank you Gene, for this beautiful creation (under the mythic symbolism in this piece, the poem it is drawn from is about my late mother's death from cancer, and needless to say it has deep emotional meaning for me). Finally, my heartfelt thanks to Tansy, for your caring return of this artwork. My family will always be grateful to you.

Posted on 9/9/2006

Not only is that a great piece of art, it's fantastic that posting it here led to its return to its rightful owner!