Thomson, Bill :: 1970's SAL and JOHN BUSCEMA ART

JOHN BUSCEMA Dick Butkus as The Hulk (1970 NFL program)

Artist: John Buscema (Penciller)

16 Comments - 11,141 Views - 0 Like

JOHN BUSCEMA Dick Butkus as The Hulk (1970 NFL program) Comic Art

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Additional Images:

1970 PRO! NFL Game Program Cover

Interior Illustration

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SAL BUSCEMA Hulk Sketch

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Artwork Details

Title:	JOHN BUSCEMA Dick Butkus as The Hulk (1970 NFL program)
Artist:	John Buscema (Penciller)
Media Type:	Paint - Watercolor
Art Type:	Interior Page
For Sale Status:	Never
Views:	11,141
Likes on CAF:	0 1
Favorited on CAF:	1
Comments:	16
Added to Site:	3/12/2009
Comic Art Archive:

Description

For me, this illustration from a November 1, 1970 NFL game program between the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons oozes with nostalgia. In addition to introducing me to the Marvel universe and comics, this program represents a number of "firsts" for me. This was the the first time that I ever saw the Hulk, who would later become my favorite comic book character. Although I didn't realize it at the time, this was also the first time that I ever saw John Buscema�s work... "Big John" later became one of my very favorite artists, second only to brother Sal. And finally, this program was from the first NFL game that I ever attended- my beloved Chicago Bears won (a rare win in those days). The program compared the Hulk to my favorite player, Dick Butkus, undoubtedly why the Hulk was so captivating to me. When I got home from the game, I repeatedly tried to copy this drawing, failing miserably at every attempt. John Buscema's immense talent was way beyond my 7 year old capabilities to replicate. My mother, who is pretty talented, tried her hand and did what I felt was an amazing job. To someone that eventually became a professional illustrator myself, it is pretty special having the actual drawing that launched my interest in the Hulk and was at the very core of my artistic career.

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About the Owner

	Bill Thomson
Joined:	October 2004
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Bill's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Michel Maillot
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/13/2009

Bill, Not only this is a great memory for you and story for us but I am really happy that this piece finally find it's place in your hands. I hope, if the prices were not so high for the whole Pro stuff in this Heritage auction, that we could get the others awesome pieces. I did not see the cover but all the drawings were great. Congratulations for this piece of history !

Ken Z
Member Since 2006

Posted on 3/13/2009

Great story to go with a Fantastic piece of art! It's also nice to hear from other Bears fans!!! So, Buscema, the Hulk and Dick Butkus, Time to hit the frame shop for that one! Congrats on getting such an important piece of your memories.

Michael Maikowsky
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/13/2009

Great story, great artwork and good to know it found a great home! Congrats, Bill!

Weng Keong Tam
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/13/2009

Congratulations on the fine addition Bill. I'ts stories like these that make the hobby interesting.

JOHN LUCAS
Member Since 2007

Posted on 3/13/2009

congratulations. great story and illo

mark ou
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/13/2009

GREAT story and congrats on getting a piece of art with so much nostalgia for you... Personally, I think Dick Butkus is actually scarier than the Hulk...! 8^)

Mike Pascale
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/13/2009

Holy cow, Bill! What a wonderful story. Never saw this piece OR the program of which you speak, so it's an undiscovered gem for me. As a fellow artist, I can certainly empathize with your enthusiasm and triumphant joy. Congrats to you and may you enjoy and be inspired by your acquisition for decades more to come.

Alex Johnson
Member Since 2006
Forum Moderator

Posted on 3/13/2009

What a wonderful story. How on earth did you ever find this? I'm thrilled for you.

Robbie Cook
Member Since 2006

Posted on 7/2/2011

Fantastic piece by one of the true greats! Congrats!

Dave W
Member Since 2006

Posted on 10/29/2011

I thought for sure I have commented but since I haven't, ... wow, what a grailtastic piece. Big John at his finest! Congratulations - love the story ... sounds like this finally made it's way home!

Marvelman Excelsior
Member Since 2011

Posted on 3/23/2012

Wonderful characterisation of the Big Green Galoot from one of the masters. And what a story behind it! Just like music, there are specific pieces of art that are markers to key points in our lives. Thanks for sharing this one.

Bill Thomson
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/25/2012

Marvelman Excelsior wrote:

I love that music analogy, Steve... I had never thought of it like that, but it is so true!

Mark Howland
Member Since 2004

Posted on 12/9/2012

Cool story and a great piece!

Michael Mikulovsky
Member Since 2009

Posted on 1/17/2014

Incredable! Loved reading your story & it's great impact it made on you. I loved this piece too. The Buscemas both drew great Hulks! I loved his appearances in Subby #34 & #35 & FF #112! I've only seen the Black Panther piece from this NFL mag ever surface.

jack juka
Member Since 2008

Posted on 2/9/2014

A great piece with a wonderful story Bill. The story gives it flavor. Sounds like you had a great Mom too.. Thanks for sharing!

Paul Roach
Member Since 2014

Posted on 8/17/2021

Lovely story. The shadowing around Hulk's eyes is a nice touch, and the pose is excellent. This is a lovely piece.

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