Green Lantern #144 cover by Perez | Conservation by Von Hawk

Landing a holy grail cover - my favorite character, comic, and artist - from my favorite era of collecting always seemed like a long shot. In George Perez's prolific career, he drew only five Green Lantern covers during the 1980s (issues 132, 141–144), with Hal Jordan rarely appearing in his extensive body of work.

However, it's the relationships in this hobby that make it truly special. The circumstances that led my friend to consider parting with this were a bit unfortunate, and hopefully temporary. However, there were other pieces he could have sold, but he knew that allowing me to add this to my collection would make me batshit-happy.

Thank you, my friend.

The piece was showing its age. Thanks to Bill Cox for introducing us to Conservator Alexandra Von Hawk, (link below) who promised to treat George's art with the same care she applies to Rembrandts.

Sold.

Alexandra explained that wood pulp slurry was used on the back of these boards in the 1980s. That pulp contained lignins, a natural polymer that breaks down into acids, causing the front of the cover to yellow over time . . . a process that never stops. Glue stains from overlays also contributed to the art's degradation. Additionally, there was a small split on the front that, left unattended, would continue compromising the piece's stability.

Conservation isn't restoration. Everything Alexandra did was natural and reversible. She deacidified the board, restoring some of the paper's original color and preventing further yellowing. The glue stains were carefully removed as well.

Most impressive was Alexandra's repair of the split. Using pure micro-cellulose paste, she filled the gap and used Japanese rolling beads (tiny glass spheres) to bond the paste into the surrounding paper without stressing the area. The result is nearly invisible (see accompanying image).

There's so much to appreciate about this piece. The hyper-detailed buildings and pterodactyl wings frame Hal in peril beautifully. The intricate brickwork and details on the Tattooed Man's arm are wonderful. Even the Adam Strange inset promoting the backup story is completely hand-drawn on the board.

George drew the cover to Green Lantern #144, but Joe Staton did the interiors. Joe signed the cover last month at HeroesCon, bringing the story full circle.

Bill's interview with Alexandra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFInpktG1lI&t=58s

(Thanks to Bill for getting this to me safely, too.)