jeffrey harnett

I agree with you. Financially one must be very careful since the investment in our hobby has elevated. However, there is a very good market as sales have shown for High End commissions and Re-Creation Covers. But they do have to be of a certain Quality. I know published pages have that status to them but sometimes when you see a Great example of an artists work that is a commission it can be nicer then the published pieces that you would be paying up for. A discerning eye is important when evaluating art.

In my opinion I think Re-Creation Covers do have a place in collecting. Because of some of the reasons mentioned above (original too expensive or not available, etc.). I think if you are able to get the Original artist to do it that will be the closet and truest homage to the original artwork. Many collectors get commissions of their favorite original art page (interior,splash) because in many ways that is an unattainable grail for them. Not sure if that is a collector's feeling that changing and altering the cover accomplishes their intent on owning that particular piece in it's original appeal. There are many pieces of art that are so Iconic that I believe many collector's would not want it altered. I do believe that having the Original artist doing it is a major plus. You cannot get any closer then that if that is your intent.

Also, Joe Giella the "Oldest Living Batman Artist" and Golden Silver Age will make a rare appearance as well. He will be bringing original drawings, prints and will do book signings. Don't miss this opportunity.

You forgot to mention that Joe Giella who is the Oldest Living Batman Artist will be on hand to celebrate Batman's 80th Birthday in comics !! He will be doing book signings and bringing prints and Original illustrations for sale that he has prepared for this show. Collectors and fans alike can get a Keepsake from a legend.

Hi Glen, She was great. You have good taste !!

It is you timing of the comment more then anything else. Also, if you knew Marie Severin she was very fond of Herb Trimpe and I do not think she would appreciate your comment at this time as well. Your right that you can give opinions on artists that you like or not but like everything else in life, Timing is Everything...…………….

No need to make comments like that. Plenty of collectors like Trimpe art. Also, Marie as well enjoyed his artwork.

Marie Severin was a True Legend in the field. A pioneer when women were rarely seen in comics. She rose to prominance not only as an artist but became the colorist for Marvel Comics. She re-mastered EC Covers as well. More importantly she was a gracious lady with a Great sense of humor and modesty. Kind to all her fans and just a credit to our medium. She was commonly referred to as " The First Lady of Comics " not to slight any other women in the field. Her book " The Mirthful Mistress of Comics " suited her as well. I am glad personally that we became good friends and I will Always cherish the 2 paintings she was kind enough to do for me. Today we all lost an Icon in our shared hobby and the world lost A Very Special Soul.............. Jeff Harnett

I understand that most original art is more prestigious and singular in nature. However, commissions I feel will always have a secure place in our hobby. First, if you can obtain a "good " commission from a prominent artist, chance are it will cost much less then a published piece of any quality from same artist. Many collectors are priced out of the published art market due to pricing. Secondly, if you get a " quality " commission it can be better then many published pages. It can range from a team commission ( Colan/Palmer, Rogers/Austin ) and even some re-creations ( from the original artist ) that sell for good prices due to the fact that you will never own the original. Third, you may be able to get the artist to do a " unique " piece for you that he will not re-produce in the future. I am only speaking of Quality commissions that I see sell very well on auctions and from dealers. It is really up to the collector to try to make their illustration special with the artist they are dealing with. Some artists as well will only do a couple of the same piece making it rather rare in nature. I do understand that many re-create the same ones over and over. Again, the buyer like in published art has to do their homework.

I think " good commissions " have very good value ( High End Artists works do very well in art auctions ) from re-creations to unique and rare pieces. Granted, mid to lower tier artists will not do well and somewhat similar to their published works as well. I also think that as published works go out of range for many collectors, commissions will fill a very nice and needed part of the hobby. That being said, no doubt that a good published piece will do better then a commission of same quality. I basically do not disagree with you but just saying that commission works somewhat like published works have to be judged on an individual basis.

Joe Giella will be going as well. He will have some beautiful illustrations ( pen/inked, grey wash and watercolor pieces ) for sale as well as prints and book signings for fans and collectors. We had a great response last year so we are going back to a really well done show. Hope to see everyone there.

RRichards, There you go again making false assumptions ( Pal). So happy that you are now satisfied that the new show responded easing your many concerns............

RRichards, There you go again. For someone who is Just " happy to have more options " you sound so Negative !! First off Zaddick works with art in his career and Dan and Joe unlike you are aware of his stature in this hobby. I am surprised with your expertise in this field that you are not aware of these higher end players... Also, your impressed because you Think ( Joe and Dan ) that they may be lawyers ?? What does that mean ?? Dan and Joe do a Great job no question, but why not let others get involved and Not judge until you ACTUALLY try it out ?? Your already concerned that they may be going the " Wizard Route " without knowing Anything but Again being your negative slants. You act like the show is tomorrow and you have no info. Give them a chance to lay things out as they have Plenty of time. You really are a negative person who seems to have little knowledge of collectors in the field that you comment on as if your so involved and an expert yourself. How you cannot see how you come off is really sad !! You seem to have too much time on your hands to throw out these comments that would make anyone trying to start something in our hobby feel like they have to defend themselves with your uninformed accusations before they even start!! I do not see you doing anything like this for our hobby, but it must be nice to be an " Arm Chair Quarterback " expecting others to live up to Your expectations...........................

Hi jaybuck43, Thanks for the response. Well taken. Just a thought, most comic conventions are very similar with the same vendors, wrestlers, b movie stars and many of the same artists. I go to many shows even around the country and the guest list is very similar. I can think of Baltimore and Charlotte and to some extent Denver as the only True Comic Cons left to give them at least a distinction. I do agree that an Art Show is a much smaller event with a specific audience as you rightfully stated. My only thought is maybe their venue may offer some different artwork with a Manhattan address and possibly in house artists or guests. Possibly they see the other show and may make some actions to enhance the fan experience. We will find out I guess. Thanks for the feedback as well as I hope like all of you that it gives us another venue to attend if wanted. Thanks, Jeff