A belated birthday gift from my bud and bro Jonathan Mueller. Heard the buzz about these books before San Diego this past summer and wanted to see what all the fuss was about, but at a hundred bucks a pop, I figured I’d just wait to see if any of my friends picked one up and would unseal it at the show. Never did get to look at one there, but now I guess I don’t have to worry about it because I have one of my very own. And let me tell you folks, this is one GORGEOUS volume of masterful artistry. I couldn’t think of a more perfect presentation format for this particular body of work. I’ve read the Rocketeer saga in every incarnation that it’s been reproduced, but I’ve never enjoyed it as much as I did with this massive showcase!
This full size format also renewed (and exponentially increased) my jealousy of the amazing pages in the private ownership of fellow CAF members Chris Caira, Ray Cuthbert, and Lance Suarez. I’ve drooled over these pieces in their respective galleries, but seeing them in their original size was almost more than I could stand. I’m still hoping for my own Stevens example some day. It took me over 15 years to get my Barry Smith cover and over 20 years to get my Michael Golden cover, so hopefully it’s just a matter of time for me to realize my Stevens dream. Well, time and MONEY of course! LOL!
It just breaks my heart when I think how sad it is that Dave never got to see this done. And I’m equally saddened by the fact that I will never have the opportunity to get my copy signed and to shake his hand and gush about the breathtakingly beautiful artwork he produced. Hopefully he’s up there smiling, because it certainly puts a smile on MY face whenever I flip through this amazing legacy he’s left us!
So THANKS Jon, and THANKS Dave! This is a gift I will enjoy and treasure always!
