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John Bolton - Classic X-Men #3 Back Cover (Marvel, 1986)

Artist: John Bolton (All)

20 Comments  -   416 Views  -   35 Likes


John Bolton - Classic X-Men #3 Back Cover (Marvel, 1986) Comic Art
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Published back cover

 

   

Artwork Details

Title: John Bolton - Classic X-Men #3 Back Cover (Marvel, 1986)
Artist: John Bolton (All)
Media Type: Pen and Ink
Art Type: Cover
For Sale Status: NFS
Views: 416
Likes on CAF:
Comments: 20
Added to Site: 12/16/2024
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Classic X-Men #3 (November 1986) reprinted the story "Warhunt!" from X-Men #95 (October 1975), best known for the death of Thunderbird (John Proudstar) on the new X-Men team's first official mission following their rescue of the old team in Giant-Size X-Men #1. The issue's back-up story, "Mourning", featured the X-Men in New Mexico to bury Thunderbird and it showcased some of Chris Claremont's very best writing - emotional and purposeful, beautifully filling in a backstory that enriched the already-great early X-Men mythos.

"Mourning" begins with Professor Xavier beating himself up for sending Thunderbird and the new team into danger so soon. He is being comforted by Jean Grey when the pair are alerted to the theft of Thunderbird's body. Proudstar's grieving parents decline the X-Men's offer to recover it, but, Wolverine and the others feel obligated to do so anyway. Banshee questions whether he could have done more to save Thunderbird, while both Nightcrawler and Storm recount poignant interactions with Thunderbird in the short time that they knew him - it's truly powerful writing by Claremont, with every expression and emotion perfectly captured by John Bolton's exquisite artwork.

In the end, Logan discovers that John's brother, James Proudstar, has taken Thunderbird's body in order to give his brother a traditional Apache send-off. He learns from John's discarded items that John lied about his age to fight in Vietnam, where he was a decorated soldier who earned an honorable discharge. The X-Men depart and leave the grieving James - having already appeared as the Hellion known as Warpath beginning in New Mutants #16 (February 1984) - vowing to take up the mantle of Thunderbird and avenge his brother.

This beautiful pin-up (published as the back cover of the issue) shows the X-Men in New Mexico while the specter of the deceased Thunderbird looms over them, as does the future threat of his grief-stricken vengeful brother James - absolutely stunning.

Many thanks to the former owner for thinking of me for this piece. He bought it in a shop back in the '80s, and this acquisition was the first time it has changed hands since then!

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About the Owner

Gene Park ( 7 )
Premium Gallery Owner
Best of 2019
Joined: October 2004
Last Login: September 2025
Country: UNITED STATES
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Comments on this Artwork

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Amir E 
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Very memorable. What a great image! 

M L 
Member Since 2015

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Great image and fantastic addition to your collection. Congrats!

Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan 
Member Since 2013

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Love the composition! Huge congrats!

James S 
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

A really wonderful piece!  

Rick W 
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Highly impactful image from master Bolton. 

Bo Roberts 
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Yes, Beautiful! Thanks for posting it.

George H 
Member Since 2009

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Wonderful back cover art!

Stephen F 
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

A great pinup/backcover.   Very memorable.    Congrats!!

Carlo M 
Member Since 2006

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Stunning image, so poignant

Chris K. 
Member Since 2008

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Love this, Gene - and your gallery is the perfect place for it!

André . 
Member Since 2015

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Beautiful piece from one of the more poignant backup stories. Congrats!

Kavi H 
Member Since 2018

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

absolutely stunning image, fantastic and huge congrats!

Brian Lake 
Member Since 2015

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Fantastic Image, I have to say that these Classic X-Men covers are in many times a close runner up to the originals for the art, they made a great all with choosing the artists for these and the end art. Congrats on this one for sure!

Marcus Wai 
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Extremely emotional tying into one of the earliest New X-Men stories and gives more of a proper sendoff to Thunderbird than they did in the original series.  Bolton's linework is more suited to the somber mood than the original Dave Cockrum art that made the action more impactful.

K Gearon 
Member Since 2011

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Gorgeous and emotive piece.  Composition, textures, and that shot of James holding his brother...powerfu stuff.  Big congrats!

Malvin V 
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 12/16/2024

Congrats on this! This is a representative pinup from Bolton's Classic X-Men run!

JN 80 
Member Since 2016

1 - Posted on 12/17/2024

Tremendous,  emotional page. Congrats Gene 

Mark Levy 
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 12/17/2024

Great to see this Bolton X-Men art surface in your collection!

Danny Hoskins 
Member Since 2021

1 - Posted on 12/18/2024

Very cool!! 

Toni S 
Member Since 2019

1 - Posted on 12/22/2024

That is E X T R A O R D I N A R Y! Huge congrats! Hats off!

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