Lone Wolf & Cub Book One TPB (First Comics) 1988 pin-up page

This painting is one of only 3 color pages that were ever printed in the black and white Lone Wolf and Cub series by First Comics (1987-1991). The series included 45 issues and a TPB.

In 1987, First Comics released a western format comic book version of the classic Manga series that was originally published beginning in 1970 in Japan. Kazuo Koike's text was translated into English and Goseki Kojima's art was mirrored and his panels were rearranged so the pages would read from left to right. All of Kojima's art remained in black and white and Frank Miller illustrated the First Comics covers for the beginning of the series. David Lewis and Alex Wald were responsible for the English adaptations and Alex Wald was also the art director and created the logo and book designs.

In 1988, a TPB was released collecting issues 1-6 of the First Comics stories. The TPB contained 3 color plates... one painting by Goseki Kojima, one by Olivia de Berardinis, and this piece by Alex Wald. As the art director, Alex had asked Art Adams to complete the third color page, but Art was unable to make the deadline so Alex took it upon himself to paint a page. The rest is history. These are the only LW&C color pages that were ever published by First Comics.

Alex has had this painting in his possession ever since he created it in 1988. I got it directly from Alex who graciously agreed to pass it on to me. I'm thrilled to have such a beautiful and incredible piece of LW&C history. Thanks Alex!

The logo, Japanese characters, and the demon army in the side of the cliff are all on separate overlays.