James Meeley :: Terrors To Freeze Your Soul

Iron Man #211, page 13 (1986) - The Death of Alexander van Tilburg (Bethany Cabe's husband)

Artists: Alex Saviuk (Penciller) , Sam de la Rosa (Inker) , Howard Mackie (Writer)

82 Views - 1 Comment - 4 Likes

Iron Man #211, page 13 (1986) - The Death of Alexander van Tilburg (Bethany Cabe's husband) Comic Art

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Iron Man #211 published cover

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Ghost Rider #39, pages 2 & 3 (1993) - 3rd App. of Vengeance

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Thunderbolts #35, page 1 (1999) - The "Death" of Jolt

Artwork Details

Title:	Iron Man #211, page 13 (1986) - The Death of Alexander van Tilburg (Bethany Cabe's husband)
Artist:	Alex Saviuk (Penciller)
Artist:	Sam de la Rosa (Inker)
Artist:	Howard Mackie (Writer)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Interior Page
For Sale Status:	NO!
Views:	82
Likes on CAF:	4 5
Comments:	1
Added to Site:	12/16/2025
Comic Art Archive:

Description

One of the things that always made Marvel's books so engaging for me in the past, was how they added in sub-plots to the story, giving you a taste of things to come and to keep you excited to see what's coming next. Sometimes, those sub-plot would be strung along for years, such as the one shown here, as it reaches its final (and, in this case, I do mean FINAL) conclusion!

This sub-plot with Bethany Cabe and her estranged husband is one that had been sporadically running in Iron Man for several years, at this time. By the time we reached this moment, many had probably even forgotten about it. But writer Howard Mackie makes sure to give us the impact of this moment in all its horrific glory. Finding her addict husband, only to watch him die from a drug overdose, brings the most heart-rending conclusion possible to this story. No "Hollywood happy ending" here. And that gives the story a greater resonance, because of it. It makes the scene feel real, as there have been many like it in our own world. Sometimes you don't need to dramatize something to bring out powerful emotions, sometimes you just need to relate what we already know is true.

I really like the camera angles artist Alex Saviuk uses in this scene. Quick cuts from far away shots to dramatic close-up, and back again, brings a fitting sense of urgency to this moment. I love the use of zipatone in the top half of the page, by inker Sam de la Rosa, as nothing says "comic art" more to me, than the good use of some zip. But it's those final three panels that really bring across the emotion of the moment. Cabe's desperate struggle to save her husband's life, only to come to the crushing realization that is has all been in vain, is simply heartbreaking. Going from the close-up shot of her shock over his dying to the panned out shot of her sitting there so small and insignificant, drives home the pain and loss she is feeling. A perfect moment, that is masterfully presented!

Now, you might be wondering why I put this page in the "Terrors To Freeze Your Soul" room on my gallery. It's not very spooky, or eerie, or gory, or particularly monstrous. But losing someone close to you, and when you are right there to witness it happen, is probably one of the more terrifying things anyone can go through. So, it seemed only proper that I place this page in this room. This page, which is the latest welcome addition to my ever-growing comic art collection!

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About the Owner

	James Meeley ( 8 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	December 2004
Last Login:	January 2026
Website:	https://www.youtube.com/@SequentialTreasures
Country:	UNITED STATES
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Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

Posted on 12/17/2025

A chilling page as the assailants make it personal by turning back and taunting her. Those are words she will never forget tied to this incident.

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