T!M. Finney :: The Shakespeare Project Commissions Act I

Magneto as King Lear (the unfinished commission by the late Dave Simons)

Artist: Dave Simons (All)

8 Comments - 1,854 Views - 0 Like

Magneto as King Lear (the unfinished commission by the late Dave Simons) Comic Art

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Magneto & the Scarlet Witch in King Lear by Simons and Almond

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Silver Surfer in Romeo & Juliet by Hall & Rubinstein

Artwork Details

Title:	Magneto as King Lear (the unfinished commission by the late Dave Simons)
Artist:	Dave Simons (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Commission
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	1,854
Likes on CAF:	0 1
Comments:	8
Added to Site:	7/11/2009
Comic Art Archive:

Description

I had heard that Dave Simons was battling cancer, but that he was still feeling strong enough to take on commissions. I contacted his agents, Bob & Kim Shaw at Comic Art House, and they informed me that Dave was in fact quite keen to tackle my idea, Magneto & the Scarlet Witch as King Lear and his daughter, Cordelia.

Tragically, last month, I received a message from Bob telling me that Dave had passed away. Despite the loss of his good friend, Bob dutifully informed me that he was unsure of the status of my commission and gave me a couple of options as to how we could handle the matter. I decided to wait and see what, if anything, Dave had completed.

Today, I received an email from Bob containing this image, Dave's pencils and nearly-finished inks for the commission. Needless to say, despite the sad circumstances surrounding its creation, I am quite pleased.

I have asked Mr. Simons good friend, Bob Almond(who is also represented by the Shaws), to complete the commission for me, and Mr. Almond has graciously agreed to do so. In honor of both artists, I plan to make a donation to the Inkwell Awards or to a charity of Mr. Almond's choosing.

King Lear is often referred to as Shakespeare's cruelest play. An arguable point I suppose, but in the context of these circumstances, very apt.

In this scene, Cordelia (the Scarlet Witch), who in act one, was spurned by her father for refusing to flatter his ego, has just been stabbed, executed upon the secret orders of Edmund, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, and a love interest to Lear's other daughters, the traitorous Regan and Goneril. Lear, drawing strength from his anger, slew the assassin and now carries his faithful daughter's lifeless body while howling in agony, like a dying animal.

KING LEAR:
Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones:
Had I your tongues and eyes, I'd use them so
That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever!

I hope this description allows you to see why I think these two characters are perfect for these parts and this scene. And I hope everyone viewing this can understand why I chose Dave for this commission.

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About the Owner

	Timothy Finney
Joined:	August 2006
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	JAPAN
On CAF:	Timothy's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Shannon Weathers
Member Since 2005

Posted on 7/11/2009

This piece is a beautiful addition to one of the most creative concept galleries on this site. I love your Surfer Romeo and Juliet, but this one may be my favorite. Dave did a great job of capturing Magneto/Lear's anguish.

Michael One Minute Later
Member Since 2005

Posted on 7/11/2009

Wonderful concept and perfectly executed by the late Dave Simons....I'm glad you chose Bob to complete this piece

Eric C
Member Since 2004

Posted on 7/12/2009

That's quite a story! Sorry to hear the news about Dave Simons. His last commision is in good hands.

Alex Johnson
Member Since 2006
Forum Moderator

Posted on 7/12/2009

Great idea. Dave did a terrific job. Congratulations.

Murray Roach
Member Since 2005

Posted on 7/12/2009

Bravo!

Ben Herman
Member Since 2003

Posted on 7/15/2009

Fantastic theme! As a former literature & communications major who spent 6 months in London after college, I really appreciate it. Great commission by Dave Simons. It came out wonderful. I look forward to future additions to your theme.

George Travlos
Member Since 2007

Posted on 7/18/2009

This is a moving piece. I have to share this one with a few of my friends who are huge Dave Simons fans, like myself.

Daniel Best
Member Since 2004

Posted on 7/18/2009

Seeing these last works of Dave brings tears to my eyes.

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