ACQUISITION DATE: 2000
SOURCE: auction
OWNER HISTORY: 1
DIMENSIONS: 15x20
STOCK: bristol
CREATION DATE: 9/2000
SIGNATURE: Arthur Adams
PUBLICATION: n/a
I believe this piece was done for the cover of a proposed Thunderbird special or mini series. I remember being at some small local con and bumping into the artist who was slated to do either the pencils or inks for the interior pages (I can't recall). For some reason, I want to say it was Gary Martin, but I'm not 100% sure. Also not sure if that happened before or after I acquired this piece, but I do remember him lamenting the fact that the project was scrubbed, as was his only chance to work on an X-book. Like most artists, I can imagine how he thought that getting an X-gig would raise his stock and profile within the hobby and industry. I guess he never got another shot, since I can't even remember who he was from that meeting. For some reason, I'm thinking he had something to do with a Doom Patrol series for DC (and Martin did ink the 1987 series), but again, I can't be sure.
Anyway, more recently, the piece was used as accompanying artwork to the Art Adams interview in COMIC BOOK ARTISTS #17. So at least it was sort of published in a way. And I like the fact that it was featured in something specifically aimed at Art Adams fans. At 15x20, this piece is truly a sight to behold, and then some! My thanks to GL for not outbidding me on ebay! Although I probably could've done without him driving the price up for me! It turned out to be the most expensive Adams piece I had purchased to that point, and actually still is among the most expensive Adams pieces I've ever paid for. Not that I'm complaining mind you. I mean, LOOK AT THIS THING! =)
(2/17/06) Just found out from one of the editors of the new Arthur Adams Modern Masters book, that Arthur himself had suggested using this piece as the cover for the book. Unfortunately, they decided to go with another image for the cover. Oh well, nice to be considered at least.
(5/23/14) Here's some interesting background on this piece. Thanks to my buddy Marcus for finding it. I guess it sheds some new light on my earlier description above.
(7-18-23) Big thanks to Scott Dunbier for this beautiful new hi-res scan. This baby has never looked better (unless you get to see it in person of course).
