Doc Savage: The Magic Island (Prelim. sketch)

Preliminary gouche sketch for Doc Savage #89, "The Magic Island" (Bantam paperback edition, formerly entitled "Ost" in the pulp version), by Bob Larkin. This was Bob's first published cover in the series. The sketch shows three stepped pyramids (the last in the far background) in a traditional setting behind the main figure - The final artwork adopted a more radical and daring design, with the three pyramids framing the figure equally from all directions (including one hanging upside down, consistent with the storyline).