Alwasy happy to see Lockjaw art on CAF.  Can't think of a better way to "kick off" the first weekend of football.  Happy Fred Friday everyone!

The textures are incredible!  And I just love how the image is so layered in its depth.  Absolutely phenomenal piece!  You've got such a great eye for art.  Respect.

July 1989, San Diego Comic Con. 

Funny Mignola story part two.  Even though this was a few years before SDCC moved into the massive convention hall where it’s now held, walking the entirety of the old convention hall was no small task.  At one point, needing a break from all my walking, I found a small table and a couple of chairs in a quiet corner of the exhibitor's hall and sat down for a breather.  Sometime later, Mike walks by and asks if anyone is sitting in the chair next to me.  I said he was welcome to it so he put all his stuff on the table and sat down. 

I asked him how the show was going and he basically just grunted.  I noticed the large stack of art he placed on the table and asked him if I could go through it.  Most of the stack seemed to be his share of the GN pages (assuming Badger got his inker’s share).  When I told him how surprised I was that the pages weren’t selling, he grunted again and said no one wanted that crap (his words).  Then he said he was actually thinking of just taking them home and throwing them in the fire.  I chuckled uncomfortably and then he reiterated, “you think I’m kidding.”  I really felt bad for the guy, so I kept looking through the stack and found a cheap Corum cover.  Which I bought with what little money I had left.  Obviously I don’t think he went home and burned all this art.  But as the years went by and I never saw pages from it for sale, I couldn’t help but wonder.  Anyway, that’s just the memory that always pops into my head whenever I see a page from the book. 

July 1989, San Diego Comic Con. 

Funny Mignola story part one.  Walking around on the first day of the show, I was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the painted cover for this graphic novel for sale at one of the booths.  I of course rushed over and asked if I could see it up close.  The seller handed it to me and I couldn’t believe I was actually holding this Mignola masterpiece.  Of course I didn’t want to let it go, but when I asked the price, it really caught me by surprise.  The amount was almost my entire budget for the whole convention weekend (and I don’t mean just my art budget).  I still had to eat after all.  Or did I?  Anyway, I handed the piece back to the seller and told him I would think about it.   

Later at the show (not sure if it was the same day or a different day) I bump into Mike.  I told him I saw the cover for sale and he confirmed he sold it to a dealer.  I said I was thinking of buying it and he asked how much it was.  When I told him what the dealer wanted, he couldn’t believe it.  I’m assuming that he didn’t charge the dealer anywhere near that much for it.  He pretty much discouraged me from buying it and at one point jokingly offered to just paint me another one (at least I think he was joking).  Long story short, I told myself that I really didn’t need to eat for the rest of the weekend and bought the cover.  36 years later, still one of the best decisions I ever made.

The Big Four!  My favorite lineup of my favorite super team.  When the Defenders became an official “unofficial” team in 1972 with the first issue of their own title, I was ecstatic.  First, there was Namor, Surfer, and Hulk in Sub-Mariner #34 & 35.  Then there was Doctor Strange, Hulk, and Sub-Mariner in Marvel Feature #1,2 & 3.  Finally, all four were together in their very own book.  With all due respect to the Avengers, the FF and the X-Men, as a diehard, teenage, Marvel junkie in 1972 I felt this was the best super team ever.  With a lineup that included three of Marvel’s Top 10 (maybe Top 5) strongest characters, the young fanboy in me knew they could never be beat.  I also knew that a cross-over with one of those “other” teams was inevitable (and of course it happened just a handful of issues later).  As with all comic book teams, the roster would constantly change over the years.  But for me, Strange, Subby, Surfer, and Hulk were the real fantastic four.  Even adding Valkyrie a short time later only made the team better and stronger.  This museum caliber cover for only their second issue really takes me back.  And arguably the best period for Sal Buscema in his prime with legendary runs on Captain America, Defenders, and of course Hulk.  Congratulations on this exceptional acquisition.  The growth and development of your collection/gallery in size, scope, and historical significance, has been both a pleasure and privilege to follow. 

I enjoy Cheung's art and really like his linework.  But as you mentioned, the price has kept me away.  Very nice page with that great shot of Super Skrull.

Being a long-haired person almost all of my adult life, I have to say that I like this 1970s look that Hulk is rocking.

Except for the female figure, the art is giving me sort of a Tex vibe.  Anyway, glad you didn't get taken the first time and eventually ended up with the real deal.

Had no idea Sandman had a girlfriend.  Just trying not to picture them in an intimate moment.  What a mess.  Happy Fred Friday and may you all enjoy a nice long holiday weekend.

This if fantastic!  Love the shadow.  And that classic Grell linework of course.  Definitely cover quality, or at the very least a T-shirt.  Does Mike own the license for this?  I had a Sable sketch once.  It was inked, but nowhere near as nice as this one (and not full figure).  I believe it was from 1984, the year after the First comic came out.  Like you, I also sold mine.  But unlike you, I never got the chance to get it back.  In fact, I don't think I've ever seen it resurface.  Anyway, congrats on this beauty.  And if you ever do get it on a T, put me down for an XL.

Yeah, the math blew my mind too (after I stopped crying).

I think that's a valid point and I would have to agree with you.  For me, the difference in the Carl & Ellie opening sequence is how beautifully it was crafted.  The storytelling, the imagery, the music, all combined for a truly profound emotional impact.  It didn't feel so manufactured like a lot of obvious movie ploys that try so hard to make you shed a tear.

As for that "other" con the weekend before, I was there too (and I know you were there last year).  For a "major" convention that holds events in several big cities, it could learn a thing or two from C&C.  Granted they have the advantage of a brewery and free admission, but still.  Hopefull Galaxy is headed in the right direction and can build in the coming years.

Does a clip-on count?

Even though I have a favorites list and a Top 5/10 list for just about everything else, I actually have never bothered to do a list of my favorite Pixar films.  But even without it, I can say unequivocally that the opening montage of Carl and Ellie's story is one of the most beautiful, powerful, and emotional, sequences I have ever seen in any animated film or any film period.  Thanks for the comment and the well wishes.  Definitely feeling better today.

Don't know the book, don't know the character, and don't know the artist.  But good art is good art, and this is GREAT ART.  Just fantastic ink work on this.  Wow!

Well, I'm not the ORIGINAL owner but I picked this up from Donnelly in 1986 and then took it down to SDCC and had Kevin personalize it.  The image is cropped here, but on the bottom border it says "TO ERIC" somewhere down there.

Hey Anthony, if that's an eyesore for you, feel free to sell or trade this back to me.  LOL

Just masterful stuff.  The render and inking on Man-Bat is master class.  The b&w split of the background may seem random or arbitrary, but it's a brilliant design choice.  Beautiful piece by the great Kevin Nowlan.

Lovely indeed.  But one would expect no less from the genius that is Sienkiewicz.  Congratulations Malcolm.

The render and the pose really capture Weller's interpretation of the character.  Nice background as well.  Really a fantastic piece.

Absolutely stunning!  Can't even imagine how incredible this must look in person.  Congratulations!  Wow, wow, wow!

Not sure you could squeeze any more into a 2 x 3 space.  One of the best sketch cards I've ever seen.  And one of the coolest Cyclops pieces I've seen too.  Wow!

This is lovely.  Whether deliberate or unintentional, the night sky in the background makes me think of van Gogh.

After 40 years of collecting, I still don't have a single Aparo piece.  And here you are with an entire issue.  Hmm, are Bob's services available for hire?  LOL!  Congrats on this wonderful Aparo treasure.

Nothing beats classic b&w.  A fabulous MK by Hembeck.  Happy Fred Friday everyone!  Enjoy that weekend.

Ironic that perhaps Alan's most well known character is featured only in silhouette.  But the rest of the group more than makes up for it.  Very nice team cover by the great Alan Davis.

Really weird the way they published this.  Making it a centerfold and then sticking it in between two panel pages.  It would've been cool if it was a splash that was part of the story.  But as is, it's a great stand alone pinup.  I have a nice full figure splash, but at least you got the bike too (AND the logo).  Congrats!

Is it just me, or does this look like Sabrina Carpenter?  Expresso anyone?

Perfect gift for CAF's #1 Cap collector.  Congratulations on your engagement.

Honestly I'm not a big fan of the black costume, but the only exception I have ever made was with Vess.  I think this version is really suited to his style of art.  This is a perfect example.  Absolutely gorgeous!

One of the most iconic and beautiful faces from the Golden Age of the silver screen.  Stunning portrait of a true Hollywood legend.

Wow, wow, wow!  The colors are just striking and I love the lighting too.  Really beautiful work.

Issue #6 was double size and Arthur only inked the tail end of it.  So I'm pretty sure this is not pure Adams.  None the less, it is an excellent page from the series.  Three large, glorious, horizontal panels with the Mojo probably my pick of the litter (but that tight shot of LS at the bottom is pretty sweet too).  Even the small panels in the middle are a wonderful visual treat.  About as fine an interior panel page as you could want.  Congrats buddy.

Probably my favorite of the bunch.  Love the color choices, especially the green background (of course).  Also like the pronounced stache and that furrowed brow.  Really nice job on the facial tones too.

This is really lovely.  Just the pose is incredibly captivating.  I love the positioning of her arms and hands as she gathers her hair to expose all that exquisite bare skin on her neck, shoulders, and back.  The choice to have her back turned was brilliant.  I love the random yet perfect lay of the gown/dress/robe that seems to have slipped deliciously from her upper body.  The entire painting is a provocative mystery that makes the voice in your head scream, who IS this woman? 

Thanks buddy!  Memorable is right.  From the moment I saw the comic on the stands, I couldn't get it out of my mind.  Never imagined I would find it, much less own it.  But I got lucky.  I even have a Tshirt with this image on it.  I still remember wearing it to SDCC and walking up to Philip.  He said, "Hey, that's my cover!"  And I said, "Actually, it's mine."  LOL!

Is it just me or does it almost seem like Travis is doing these sketch covers exclusively for Lance?  Ha!  He must have the market cornered on these things.  I got one from him too.  Must be nice to have a superstar artist at your beck and call.  It's like he can order these sketch covers the way you and I would order a pizza.  LOL!  Anyway, congrats on your first Charest.   She's a beauty.

Yikes!  Just imagine him having to take all this gear off when he goes to the bathroom.

Thanks again Simon.  Your follow up comment gave me yet another reason to grin.  Especially your statement about preferring "an artist's more mature style."  What I found amusing about that is, although this piece is nearly 40 years old (as are all my Russell examples), it's already about 15 years into his career, as I believe he entered the comics industry around 1972.  So would you have called Russell a comics veteran in 1986?  I don't know, but I wouldn't have corrected anyone for doing so.  15 years is a long time to be working at a job or in an industry.  There are probably dozens (if not hundreds) of artists who never lasted ten years, or even five, in comics.  But I guess the real question is, if two decades in comics makes you a veteran, what does SIX decades make you?  That's easy.  LEGEND!  Thanks for the additional comment Simon.

This is really terrific.  It's like Doctor Strange and his very own Sinister Six.  Love Nightmare and Dreamstalker (the dragon/horse thing) in the upper left there.

I agree.  But don't blame me, blame Ann Nocenti.  She wrote the story.  I just own the splash page where Warlodzilla is stomping through downtown.

Oh I see.  They have clasps.  Mystery solved.  That must be one hell of a clasp to keep those up.

I think in the Web of Spider-man Annual #2 that Arthur drew, Warlock refers to himself as Warlodzilla.  But Godzillock works too.

Excellent choice for Fred Friday.  But what the heck kind of stick is that he's holding?  Anyway, hope everyone has a great weekend.  Mine kicked off to a good start, as I just got back from Galaxy Con where I had some very enjoyable interactions with the likes of Kevin Nowlan, Kevin Maguire, and Gene Ha.

Hmm, I wonder if I could rock a stache like that.  I've already got the hairline to match.  Congrats on the nice add.

All kinds of cute.  And really creative color work.

Loved those Cap books that Kevin did.  He'll be at Galaxy Con San Jose this weekend, so looking forward to seeing him.

Thanks Simon!  Your comment gave me a big grin for several reasons.  First of all, it's always nice to see your name in my comments section and I am grateful for your continued kindness.  Second, your comment about not being in my "spending league."  As big a deal as I have been making of this, the number honestly is not that big.  Considering the number of zeros I've seen on some auction results, I don't think my number would give anyone out there sticker shock (comparatively speaking and considering the quality of the art).  But what really put the smile on my face was your last statement/quote.  More than anyone, I should probably practice what I preach.  But when I mentor new collectors, or giving advice to collector friends who are having second thoughts about pulling the trigger because of an intimidating price tag, I pretty much tell them the same thing.  Over the years, I've worded it in different ways.  I've said to some that the sting of the price never lasts as long as the sting of regret if you find a piece you love and let it slip through your fingers.  Another way I've put it is that of all the things you associate with a piece you love, the memory of its price tag will fade but the beauty and enjoyment will last a lifetime.  There are probably a dozen different ways to say the same thing, but you are absolutely right Simon.  Again, it's just a matter of practicing what I preach.  And I'm sure I would have seen the light eventually.  But thanks for the perspective.  Oh, and by the way, I love that Killraven GN.

Thanks Peter.  No, you’re right of course.  In looking at the piece, it would seem like an obvious no-brainer.  But to be completely frank and honest, it was probably not quite that cut and dry.  I touched on it in my description and also in my replies to comments from people like Comicart Boston and Joshua.  And now you.   

When I acquired the Scarlet Witch poster piece back in 1987, I knew even then that (for myself) I had reached the Mt. Everest of PCR art.  I had no desire or inclination to buy (or even LOOK) at another PCR piece.  Of course 3 years later, I added the Mephisto piece to my collection.  BUT, as I explained in my description for THE EIGHT, that had more to do with it being in a package deal with seven other pieces that I couldn’t get the seller to break up.  So as beautiful as that piece is, I was still sort of “forced” to buy it.  At that point, I again felt like I was done with PCR.  Fast forward 35 years later, and I’m staring at yet another mid-eighties PCR masterpiece.  But who could have known that at this point in time I would own two originals from this print series?  Was I looking to buy another PCR piece?  I’ve already said as much, NO.  But again, fate and circumstance being what they were, did already having two other pieces from the set influence my decision?  Absolutely!  Now was I “forced” into buying this one (as with the Mephisto)?  Of course not.  But as collectors, we all understand the mentality.   So yes, it might be easy to “SEE” why I wanted this.  But there was a lot more involved behind the decision than meets the eye. 

Great portrait shot.  Mike really captures The Spirit's.....uh.....spirit.

Love the lighting on this one.