The original cover art to Grendel 14, published by Comico in 1987.
Painted and mixed media by Canadian Comic Hall of Fame artist Ken Steacy, from layouts by fellow-Canuck Bernie Mireault. 24" x 18" on board.
The focus character, Grendel (aka Brian Li Sung) is 100% mixed media. The mask is leather. Real thread used to sew the mask. The glove is untreated leather/suede. The jacket is jean jacket and button. The turtleneck is fabric. The arrow is steel.
The rest of the piece is paint, with a thick & textured application used to create the tree trunk.
The tree branches are real branches.
I have added an additional image which allows a better perspective of the mixed media used.
I am the third owner of these covers, the piece has resided within 100 miles for the last 25+ years. These covers are near-grail for me, they were on my very first draft of a want list back in 2000 when I started getting serious about the hobby.
The deal to acquire the covers was the largest, most complicated, and longest trade in my collecting hobby. I was, and am, a small fish on the OA pond. I traded a Grendel cover, plus some Iron Man interior pages, plus cash. To generate the cash I had to sell a number of covers. I believe, all told, it was a year to a year-and-a-half to complete the deal on my end. I truly appreciate the opportunity given to me, and the time allowed. Especially when other collectors could have written a cheque that day.
Currently framed in a light box. I would like to frame the artwork without glass at some point in the future.
Originally sold as a set by Ken during an appearance at Harry Kremer's Now & Then Books. The set of covers are the only pieces of artwork Ken and his wife, Joan, wishes he retained.
Bernie Mireault has asked me to hold the art until he makes his first million and can purchase them for himself, as they represent a high point for his career.
