Mage 1 Cover by Matt Wagner

The original "grey line" color piece to Matt Wagner's Mage #1 cover. This piece is the full front and back of the comic. All the colors you see are original and beautiful in person. Matt confirmed in person that the artwork is all done by him. He seemed pretty excited to see it and graciously remarked and signed the piece outside the image area. A must for a Mage, comic, or graphic literature history fan. Includes the original overlay, but obviously not the original pencil/inks.

Please see the additional images with Matt!

About the Mage comic:
Matt Wagner's "Mage" #1 comic, first published in the 1984, is significant for several reasons in the realm of graphic literature. It marked the arrival of a distinctive voice in the indie comic scene, blending Arthurian legend with a modern, autobiographical twist, which set it apart from mainstream superhero narratives of the time. Wagner's work is celebrated for its innovative storytelling and compelling character development, particularly the protagonist Kevin Matchstick, who is a relatable everyman that discovers he possesses mythical powers. Furthermore, "Mage" is notable for its influence on subsequent generations of comic book writers and artists, inspiring them to explore more personal and diverse narratives within the medium. The series' blend of myth, personal struggle, and urban fantasy prefigured many of the thematic directions that would become prevalent in graphic novels and independent comics in the years to follow.