Super Energy Savers unused cover

Here's an interesting piece of history. In the late 1970's, when Dave Cockrum was on staff at Marvel, he drew this art for the cover of a planned energy conservation comic book, due to be called "Super Energy Savers". I don't know the exact year, but probably 1977 or 1978, shortly before Dave redesigned Ms. Marvel's costume. The other characters are Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America and some unnamed civilians (who might have been featured in the story).

If I'm remembering correctly, the previous owner (a friend) bought the pencil art directly from Dave at a Big Apple Comic Con in the late 90's or early 2000's. I believe there was a logo and other text taped to the board at some point, and it was significantly damaged when the tape was removed. As a result, Dave sold it at a discount.

The previous owner decided to have Bob McLeod ink it to try and improve the appearance. Amusingly enough, he also asked Bob to change the man in the image to the 1970's version of Stan Lee. Bob did a great job, but some of the ink bled a bit on Stan's pant leg where the paper was damaged. All in all, still a very fun piece of art.

I realize some people may be horrified by inking over and modifying original pencils 25 years after the fact, but this was not uncommon before blue-lines. At the time this was a cheap piece of art that didn't look "finished", so I can understand why it was done, even though it's not something I would do now. Also keep in mind that Dave was still around and drawing at the time.

Knowing what a big Dave Cockrum fan I am, my friend gave this to me as part of a deal shortly after the inking was completed in 2003 and I've owned it ever since. Huge thanks to Bob McLeod for digging up the sketch of the original pencils 17 years later. Let me know if anyone has any other info about this piece.