This is one of two attempts Dick rejected for my Blackhawk Commission. While I envisioned a strict recreation of Blackhawk 18, Dick wanted to do more. So he tried two different versions of the cover, in this one he placed Blackhawk in a different position that Reed Crandall originally did on the cover. This is Dick's first attempt.
I had talked to Dick over the course of the commission and during the conversations he agreed to bring the pre-lims so I could see them. I was hoping I could have them so I could chart the progress of the commission as I did with the Mariah Benes Black Canary and Huntress commission.
When we got together at Heroes Dick showed me the two pre-lims and then casually mentioned he had actually done one of them on Bristol Board. I asked if I could see it and after my jaw fell off the floor I asked if I could buy it. Dick obliging said sure and now I can share it with you, think about it, this is a reject! I think it is outstanding only outdistanced by the commission Dick actually put pen and ink to.
Enjoy
07-08