Q&A with Jeremiah Avery

Which piece in your gallery is your favorite and why?

It's difficult to narrow it down to one piece as a favorite (usually depends on my mood). However, I'll go with my "Mister Miracle" page by Jack Kirby and Mike Royer, featuring Mister Miracle and Big Barda. I'm a big fan of Jack Kirby's work, especially of his "Fourth World" saga. I'm very happy (and at times can't believe) to have this page.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I've been reading comics since the 80's; would get them off of the spinner rack at the convenience store near where I lived. After graduating with a degree in Computer Science, I've been working for the Federal Government, specializing in intellectual property protection. It's a good career and helps fund my collecting! I've enjoyed meeting and chatting with fellow art collectors on CAF and at conventions, very fun and interesting discussions; as well as some good friendships have been made.

How long have you been collecting comic art and what prompted you to start?

I started collecting in 2005. I had gotten a head sketch of Captain America from Sal Buscema at a local con. At first, I would get sketches at cons from various artists. Eventually, I was able to purchase a "Darkhawk" page from Mike Manley at a con. Helped set in motion to seek out pages in addition to sketches/commissions for my collection.

How do you display/store your collection at home?

I have a few pieces framed and hanging in the office area of my apartment. I keep most of my collection in Itoya portfolios and those portfolios are in a large waterproof case to provide additional protection for them instead of them being out in the open. I hope to buy a house in a few years and be able to prominently display more of the artwork I'm happy to own.

What are your top five most wanted original pages or commissions?

So much art, so little money! To narrow it down to 5: 1) Cover to X-Men #24 by Andy Kubert featuring Gambit and Rogue (interior pages from X-Men issues featuring them by Andy Kubert are also coveted). 2) A "Love and Rockets" cover by Jaime Hernandez. 3) A "Sandman" page featuring Death (e.g., from "Death: The High Cost of Living") 4) A cover from the original run of "Strangers In Paradise" by Terry Moore (featuring Francine). 5) An "Amazing Spider-Man" page by Ron Frenz (especially from issue #257).