Steve Ditko Captain Atom, Question and Blue Beetle Sketch

Pretty awesome!  Three familiar Ditko hero types you see here that he's also used in many of his other past creations.    

Many thanks, Marcus. It is pretty amazing how Ditko managed to do all that within a very small compass.

Three headshots AND an autograph.  Not sure you could ask for more in a 3 x 5 Ditko.  Wonderful memento.

Many thanks, Eric. Yes, that's a lot crammed into such a small space. But what impressed me most was that Ditko took the time, trouble and effort to respond to this particular fan in a more than cursory fashion.

While it IS quite small, I have to echo all the positives you mention about it, CAB. While I certainly understand and respect that your primary interest was in getting Ditko Blue Beetle art, I'm happy to see this because I'm even more excited by you owning an original Question portrait by Ditko and CAptain Atom is a nice bonus!

Many thanks, Rubén. Yes, having all three in such a small compass (plus his autograph) makes this a unique piece. And he was such a nice person to have responded in this way.

Congratulations my friend!  It is indeed a wonderful drawing, one that I have a history with.  I originally found it in a small comic book shop in Minneapolis in the early 1990s.  I owned it for a number of years before it went to Albert, who clearly parted with it, eventually going to Roger.  I've often wondered what happened to the drawing and I'm glad to know that it's in good hands.

Many thanks, Rob. And thank you so very much for the additional background to this piece. I've also updated the description with a reference to your comment too.

A great gem from Roger's (and now your) collection!

Many thanks, Steve. And many, many congrats on your outstanding Wrightson Frankenstein plate! I only every corresponded with Roger but he was such a wonderful person.

This is great! The size of the piece doesn't matter, the artistic genius is gigantic. 

Many thanks, John. Perhaps in some ways, one could say that the fact that Ditko could do so much in such a small space was also testament to his artistic genius.

Beauty. 

Many thanks, John. It is indeed and I am honored to be its current steward (on the "journeys" this piece has made over the years, please see Rob's comment above.

Sparkling little gem!

Many thanks, Rick. I love the way you put things so succinctly, yet powerfully.

A great piece in a great collection.  Love it!

Many thanks, Ron. Much appreciated from someone with an even greater collection! Trust that you are keeping well.

Wow, that is such a wonderful Steve Ditko example, with TWO signatures, thanks to his letter on the back saying that he will not be responding to a letter, haha!  Your description prompted me to do some research on Randians.  Interesting stuff (I need to re-read The Fountainhead).  Anyway, congrats on getting this wonderful piece!

Many thanks, Paul. A lot of Ditko's work is tied up with his philosophical beliefs and I am trying to learn more about it myself.

Great piece of the Charlton Ditko trio, congrats!! The signature is great and the quick note on the back is awesome history/provenance - in addition to the all-star group of previous owners outlined in the comments above and description which you are now joining as a worthy caretaker for the piece!

Many thanks, Kavi. It is indeed a Who's Who of prior owners. In all honesty, I am the most insignificant of the lot. It is truly humbling to learn who the previous owners were.

Beautiful and amazing story behind this SMALL piece of art. I have written "SMALL" in caps because the art and the artist (signining) are enourmous. Huge congrats. That's very nice.

Many thanks, Toni. The historical backdrop to this piece is also so fascinating. All in all, it is a truly unique piece of Ditko memorabilia.

Awesome piece CAB! Caught wind of it when you mentioned it on Ruben's show. Also very cool that the piece itself has a pretty cool history attached. Really love the image especially Blue Beetle and Question who are 2 characters I enjoy (although more familiar with the more modern depictions). Major congrats!

Many thanks, Dave. Yes, the historical backdrop is fascinating. The previous owners were giants and I am very humbled to be the current steward. Ditko did some awesome work on Charlton although his Marvel ASM tends to overshadow it.

That is awesome! Love the response!

Many thanks, Ian. Yes, the response is so Ditkoesque!

Gorgeous!   A Master!  Drawing a Masterpiece!

Many thanks, Nick, for your very kind words. Ditko was a truly gifted artist indeed as even this relatively simple sketch demonstrates.

Always nice to see rare treasures like this one!

Many thanks, Mark. It is indeed rare in many senses of the word - from its origin to its execution and even to its ownership.

Wow! Thanks for sharing...that is a beauty! A Ditko Blue Beetle is also a hope of mine! Congrats =)

Many thanks. I have no seen any of his Charlton work on the Blue Beetle show up thus far although there have been Captain Atom pages.

Zounds!  This has a weight and significance that belies it's small size: this is an astonishing treasure!  A perfect add to your collection, CAB!  Mega-congrats - this is wicked cool!

Many thanks, Jason. Such a perceptive comment as always!

Not sure if you know this or not but this piece is published in Twomorrows Publishing's MLJ Companion. 

Many thanks, John. I didn't know that. Do take care.

Great image! Getting a Ditko BB is a top shelf acquisition.  Congrats!!

Many thanks, Dave. As mentioned, I always wanted a BB by Ditko, so I am really thrilled to be able to obtain this piece.

Amazing! This is so cool!

Many thanks, Peter. I trust that you are keeping well.