I just can't seem to get away from that Arthur Adams guy. Even in another artist's gallery! =)
The first time I saw this piece, it was hanging on the wall of a San Francisco comic shop that was owned and operated by Arthur's then girlfriend. The rare instances when I would come into the shop and catch Arthur behind the counter trying to figure out how to work the cash register, are priceless! =)
Anyway, when she closed up shop so the couple could move to Portland (he to work for Dark Horse, and she to manage one of Mike Richardson's comic retail stores), I was sorry to see the piece go, as I had always hoped to pry it away from her at some point.
Fast forward to just a few months ago, when what should I see on eaby but this very same cover. I immediately contacted the seller to see if it was indeed Arthur's ex, and sure enough it was! Even more surprising was the fact that she remembered me. Apparently, she had opted to stay in Portland. Whereas Arthur, of course, had long since returned to the Bay Area, where he subsequently met and married his wife (the lovely and talented Joyce Chin).
Anyway, I put the auction on my ebay watch list with every intention of placing a bid later on. But for one reason or another, I completely forgot when the auction ended and missed my chance to even bid on it. I swear, if I didn't have such good luck to offset my stupidity, I probably wouldn't have any artwork at all. =)
Speaking of which, this is where my dumb luck comes into play yet again. The winning bidder of the piece actually put it back up on ebay about a month later! Needless to say, I didn't take any chances this time. I followed the auction from beginning to end and was able to place a winning bid in the closing seconds.
Anyway, I am delighted to have this wonderful memento of those happy days spent at a small San Francisco comic shop, and the very nice young lady who ran it. HI GRACE!!!!!
