Allen, Andrew :: GRIMJACK 31 - 54 TOM MANDRAKE

GrimJack 50 COVER by Mandrake

Artist: Tom Mandrake (All)

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GrimJack 51 COVER by TOM MANDRAKE

Artwork Details

Title:	GrimJack 50 COVER by Mandrake
Artist:	Tom Mandrake (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Cover
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	805
Likes on CAF:	0 1
Comments:	1
Added to Site:	4/16/2009
Comic Art Archive:

Description

After a little gentle prodding from a fellow CAF'er, I'm taking a long 2nd look at this landmark 50th Issue cover.

I think I'm a little unfair in my feelings for this cover based on my disappointment with the storyline wrapping up with this issue. The series main villain, the Dancer, finally got his well-deserved dirt nap here, but in my mind it had been a little bit of a letdown. I think the final version of the character was a victim of Ostrander and Truman's early success at creating a memorable, intelligent, and slippery antagonist. From a design perspective, eventually revealing him as kind of an 'Evil Conan' was never going to live up to the character's early promise.

One of Mandrake's most singular techniques is his use of contrast. Where Sutton and Truman were masters of murk, Mandrake was at his best when drawing deep shadows and blazing highlights. There's a little of that here, with GJ's sword and DemonStar popping off the cover.

From an artistic perspective, I think this piece's most distinguishing characteristic is its asymmetric composition. GrimJack dominates the entire left side of the cover, simply looming over the much smaller Dancer. Demonic forces are... possibly (?) in support of the villain, but from a design perspective, I don't think they balance our scarred antihero. It's also a bit unclear as to WHO the demons are reaching out for... Gaunt, or the Dancer?

I must admit that I have a slight OCD streak (NO! Really??) and I respond strongly to symmetry in design, (which is probably why the cover to GrimJack 30 might be my favorite cover in my entire collection.) I may need to try harder to appreciate more experimental compositions, but I still think this cover might have benefited from a re-think.

Signed by the artist and also the series writer, John Ostrander.

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About the Owner

	Andrew Allen ( 2 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	November 2007
Last Login:	September 2025
Website:	http://comicbookinvest.com/2017/09/15/collector-spotlight-andrew-allen-part-2/
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Premium Member Q&A Andrew's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF Read More About AndrewAllen

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Comments on this Artwork

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David Albright
Member Since 2005

Posted on 2/5/2013

Very cool cover! Nice imagery works well as a stand-alone art piece, regardless of whether it is "comic art". Best, David

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