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DescriptionIt took me almost eleven years to acquire this masterpiece, and it was well worth the wait. Six page story entitled “Harry” from Jeff Jones’ prime period, published twice in Vampirella, first in issue #32 (January 1974), and then in issue #85 (1980). Pages are large (23” x 14”) and in pristine condition. I am just the second owner.For me, this art is spectacular, and represents everything I love about Jones’ work: impossibly beautiful line work, innovative use of light and shadows, creative story-telling, and a pervasive moodiness that digs into your soul. It is hard to deny the power that exudes from these pages. Jones drew this story just before joining Wrightson, Kaluta, and Barry-Smith in The Studio (1975). This was Jones in his prime, when he was drawing Idyl for National Lampoon and developing his unique illustrative style. Outside of comic books, I don’t know of Jones illustrating another story of this length. For perspective in size, see the added photo where I put the story together as one. The story: 11 years ago I purchased the pencils for Jones’ “In a Sheltered Corner” from a friend of a friend who bought the art directly from Jones (see my CAF site). At the time, this person also owned the “Harry” story, but he was not willing to sell because he wanted to leave it to his daughter. Sadly, three years later he passed away. His daughter knew I was interested in the art, and for the last eight years we have exchanged several friendly emails. Finally, the daughter decided that the time was right to let the art go, and she recently flew from Spain to deliver it to me. Wonderful family who deeply appreciated the art, and wanted to ensure it was in the hands of someone who loved it as much as they did. I am honored to be the caretaker of this art. I am retiring from the federal government this week after 31 years of service. I can’t imagine a better retirement gift. Social/Sharing |
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DC's Showcase 
Member Since 2006
Posted on 9/30/2024
Wow. Like having 6 Idyl pages! Really gorgeous, congrats on the acquistion (and the retirement).
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
Posted on 10/1/2024
Fabulous! It has such a fairy tale look and the story draws you in with the little girl all alone. It exemplifies the Jones look to have fine details within the stark contrasts with large spaces to show the open world.
Jeff Singh
Member Since 2004
Posted on 10/1/2024
Truly a sublime piece of work by Jones. So many great panels and the use of negative space could be used to teach a master class. Very glad you were able to get the art that is so connected to you and a passed friend.
Rob Stolzer
Member Since 2004
Posted on 10/1/2024
Ben, Mazel Tov to you! Such incredible drawing. Those Jones trees always get me. It's like they're carved out of ink with such care and sensitivity.
Congrats to on your retirement! All the best to you.
Lee Benaka
Member Since 2004
Posted on 10/1/2024
Wow, this is really great Ben! I can see why you were trying to acquire this story for the past 10+ years. It was a real treat to have dinner with you and the previous owner (and a few other kvetchers) and hear your thoughts about this story. Congrats on retirement, well deserved!
Stephen F
Member Since 2005
Posted on 10/1/2024
Spectacular. An amazing prime Jones story. Congrats! And enjoy retirement!
Rob Pistella
Member Since 2005
Forum Moderator
Posted on 10/1/2024
Beautifully rendered story in Jones' iconic style, lots of negative space frames the beautiful ink work. Bravo on a spectacular addition to your wonderful collection!
steve staszower
Member Since 2005
Posted on 10/1/2024
Wow, congrats! Two wonderful stories here - yours and "Harry."
Bill J
Member Since 2009
Posted on 10/1/2024
Wow. That was quite a wait. But then, Harry is quite a story. I love Jeff Jones' work and I'd always admired Idyll. But Harry is quite a different animal. It's got a story to it with a beginning, a middle and an end, The story is very disturbing. But it is beautifully told. It's a lot like old folk tales before Disney or someone goes and cleans them up, takes away the uncomfortable bits and makes it more...acceptable. But Harry has not been cleaned up or made acceptable. It is what it is, in the best sense. Congratulations on being patient and waiting for it to find its way to you. I can tell that you are someone who will appreciate it for years to come.
Mark Levy
Member Since 2004
Posted on 10/1/2024
Quite an acquisition from a great artist - polite patience can be rewarded in this hobby!
Aaron N.
Member Since 2009
Posted on 10/1/2024
Oh. My. God. I pored over this story as a budding artist. Funny I never thought to wonder where the OA was. It's like it existed somewhere on a higher plane, to be viewed in the next life. What an absolutely massive score. I salute you, sir. Well done.
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
Posted on 10/2/2024
So beautiful! Love the inking. Thanks for posting!
Amir E
Member Since 2020
Posted on 10/2/2024
Congrats Ben. Absolutely lovely art and a very touching story. Wishing you the best in retirement!
Jeff Tamplin
Member Since 2005
Posted on 10/3/2024
What an incredible piece of work! It should forever be treasured.
Michael Weigant
Member Since 2009
Posted on 10/3/2024
An absolute masterpiece of story telling by Jones and a congratulations on your retirement,I know, I've been there !
David Roach
Member Since 2012
Posted on 10/3/2024
A strip I thougt I knew well, but seeing it here in the original pages, it's so much better than I imagined. It's right up there with Idyll, as you say. A lovely story too, we are all just temporary owners of art, after all.
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 10/6/2024
Stupendous! One of the best examples of prime Jones art I've ever seen... Huge congrats for this find and for your persistence!
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
Posted on 11/29/2024
I'll leave the comment here, but it could be left on any of these absolutely extraordinary pages. I'm speechless, Ben - and I can't believe I missed your gallery update for this story. There would most certainly have been a comment already if I had! Thank you for sharing this special piece of sequential storytelling!
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