comicfanboy007

My favorite Commission. Golden Age Nite Owl Cover by Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons. To describe this piece as special doesn’t even begin to cover it. With Watchmen Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore created a story that redefined the medium. My favorite sections were about Hollis Mason the Golden Age Nite-Owl. I poured over them constantly. My own self published comic Mysteryman exists because I wanted more adventures with the character Nite Owl. So to have a new piece of Watchmen artwork by the original artist is just amazing. I love that Dave made it a cover to a comic book. This feels like this should be in Hollis’ apartment, hanging on the wall. It’s a little meta and it makes me love it all the more. I am so grateful that I got to thank Dave for this piece in person at SDCC 2018. https://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1487366

Congratulations man, great story too. Wonderful looking cover, enjoy it my friend.

I realize this may be a strange topic. I am just throwing this out there and would love to hear from other collectors to hear if this ever happened to them and if it did, what did they do? I have been collecting art for over twenty years, with the past two being a pretty active and involved collector. This month I had the incredible good fortune to pick up several pieces that completed several major goals for my art collection. I have always wanted a Dark Knight Returns piece and at SDCC I had picked up a prelim to the cover for the DKR 10th Anniversary HC. I was thrilled!!! A gorgeous prelim that is tighter than you would expect and really shows Miller's process. Also at that same con I received a stunning Dave Gibbons commission of the golden age Nite Owl that wonderfully represents my love of Watchmen. These were two major goals that I never thought I would achieve, actually achieved. I am THRILLED with these pieces they are wonderful representations of some of my favorite artists and comics. Particularly with the budget I can afford for the hobby. But now I am having a collector's existential moment of "What's next?" "Where do I want my collection to go?" I acknowledge this is a good problem to have and that every collector is different. I know there will always be more art because I am always looking at new art. As I take a breather I wonder if something similar has ever happened to you? Have you ever reached the top of your mountain and go what's next? If it did, what did you do to evaluate or reevaluate your collection? How did you figure out what you wanted your collection to be? Did it change your collecting habits if so, how? Thanks for listening and I look forward to hearing your responses.

From SDCC. Nite Owl. Golden Age cover commission. By Dave Gibbons. To describe this piece as infinitely special doesn’t even begin to cover it. With Watchmen Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore created a story that redefined the medium. My favorite sections were about Hollis Mason the Golden Age Nite-Owl. I poured over them constantly. My comic Mysteryman exists because I wanted more adventures with the character. So to have a new piece of Watchmen artwork by the original artist is just amazing. I love that Dave made it a cover to a comic book. This feels like this should be in Hollis’ apartment, hanging on the wall. It’s a little meta and it makes me love it all the more. I am so grateful that I got to thank Dave for this piece in person over the weekend. http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1487366

SDCC haul. To say it was a great year doesn’t even begin to cover it. Getting even one of these pieces would have made my Con to have all of them is... miraculous. A true grail. Nite-Owl. Golden Age cover commission. By Dave Gibbons. To describe this piece as infinitely special doesn’t even begin to cover it. With Watchmen Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore created a story that redefined the medium. My favorite sections were about Hollis Mason the Golden Age Nite-Owl. I poured over them constantly. My comic Mysteryman exists because I wanted more adventures with the character. So to have a new piece of Watchmen artwork by the original artist is just amazing. I love that Dave made it a cover to a comic book. This feels like this should be in Hollis’ apartment, hanging on the wall. It’s a little meta and it makes me love it all the more. I am so grateful that I got to thank Dave for this piece in person over the weekend. The Dark Knight Returns 10th Anniversary slipcase Cover Prelim by Frank Miller. I never thought I would own a piece of DKR and even though this is merely a prelim this is more than enough. To see Frank’s pencils and process is indescribable. I found this at Graphic Collectibles and Mitch was great to work with. God Country. This commission is so special it’s hard to eloquently put into worlds why. The comic it’s based on, God Country is a masterpiece that hit me like bolt of pure Kirby Krackle. It was a beautiful story that left me speechless and in tears and was the story I needed right here, right now as I continue to miss and grieve my Dad. This year at I knew artist Geoff Shaw was attending SDCC and possibly sketching. Through fortunate circumstances and a little luck I got onto Geoff’s list. We discussed a piece that is a slight tweak on a beautiful moment for the book. I won’t lie when it was revealed to me I almost started to cry as it moved me so deeply. A treasured piece of my collection and a wonderful surprise. I am so grateful to have this moment from this wonderful story that affected me on so many levels. I also had the good fortune to thank Donny Cates in person for all his hard work in creating the comic. Thank you to Felix Comic Art for helping me acquire such a beautiful piece and to Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw for creating something so special. Please check out God Country I promise you won’t regret it. This was a commission I have wanted for years. Lee Bermejo draws one of the best renditions of Batman in modern history, the way he renders the Batsuit in particular is truly one of my favorites. I have always wanted to see his take on Batman Unmasked and finally I have and it is amazing. The piece needs to be seen in person to be believed the inks are so rich. It’s a masterpiece. Thank you to Lee for doing such a wonderful job. The incredible Nick Derington blew my mind with this Mister Miracle. I loved talking to him about comics and Batman 89 while he sketched this for free. Mister Miracle Unmasked by Mitch Gerads!!!! A free quickie I got at the DC Booth for free. I think Mitch liked that I asked for him Unmasked and with the Dad Beard so even though his line was super long he spent a few extra minutes on it, which I greatly appreciated. I also got congratulate him on his Eisner win from the night before. Mister Miracle Unmasked by Daniel Warren Johnson. A commission with enough power and energy to make Jack Kirby oh so proud. Daniel delivers a home run every time. This was a nice Rick Grimes piece by Charlie Adlard. Old Man Rick has been my favorite era of The Walking Dead so this was a very welcome piece to my collection. Charlie Adlard was not at SDCC but I was able to get this through Splash Page Art. Black Lightning commission by the amazing Sanford Greene. Sanford completely knocked this out of the park. So this was a commission that has been bouncing around my head for a while now and I knew there was only one artist who could make it work and boy was I right. I have wanted to see Idris Elba cast as Batman for while now as he is an incredible actor with the intensity and presence to play an amazing Dark Knight. I simply asked Ramon if he would give him a costume that would be his modern interpretation of the 1989 costume. He exceeded my expectations and delivered a piece that makes me want this vision to become a reality. Thanks again to Ramon for making this work so well. Icon by Ken Lashley. I am super excited for the Milestone relaunch and I loved Ken Redesign so I was thrilled to get this piece by him. Flash issue 33 Page 16. Purchased from inker Norm Rapmund. Penciled by Brett Booth. This gorgeous page features the Future Flash. I love the design of the character. The story of a broken Barry Allen who will go to any ends to fix his timeline was just so good. The Rocketeer by Darwyn Cooke. I picked up this Prelim at Albert Moy’s booth. Thrilled to have a piece by Darwyn.

http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1485582 Starting my SDCC 2018 week off right. This piece is a two year collaboration that turned out even better than I could have imagined. At the 2017 C2E2 I met Dan and had the opportunity to get on his list. That alone was amazing. When it was done and I picked it up hesaid with all the times people have Commissioned him to draw Superman no ones ever asked for this pose. Which surprised me I love that it's so simple and iconic. I have always loved this pose. When I was a little kid I loved that Superman wore glasses like me. And the costume reveal/transformation show that. In May of 2018 I met Inker extraordinaire Brett Breeding at Three Rivers Comic Con. I asked Brett if he was taking any inking commissions and he said he could maybe fit it in but he offered if I wanted to have it inked with his full ink kit he would be willing to take it home and ink it there. Knowing that this would allow him to take his time I immediately took him up on the offer. Less than two months later I received word it was done and it is GLORIOUS. “The Death of Superman” was the first major comic event I ever experienced. It was the first time I learned there was more than one comic shop. I went to the phone book and called Adventures in Comics who told me they would be receiving more copies but it was not the first printing in the black bag. I didn’t care, I was just so excited to read the story. I was at the age where I honestly believed that when Superman died he was not coming back. The artwork was incredible, the power, the great use of the splash page. With Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding drawing my definitive Superman it is just incredible to have this collaboration in my collection.

We are almost a week away from SDCC 2018 and I CAN. NOT. WAIT!!! This is not my first year going to SDCC but I would say this is my first year going as an active member of the Original Art Collecting Hobby. I will be there all days including Preview Night but I was wondering if you all had any advice to get the most out of the SDCC experience. Are there any original art collector meet ups? What are art/panels/ artists are you hoping to see? I can't wait for the Artist Edition Panel. Do you have any pre-show commissions set up that you can't wait to pick up? Thanks for taking the time to chat and I hope to officially meet a lot of you face to face next week.

I will be there!!! I am really hoping to meet some of you in person. I have learned so much about the OA Hobby and Community since I was last there in 2016 and I can't wait to be back.

Great selection of pieces. I could not pass up the Dave Gibbons Super Soldier page. Story by Gibbons and Waid , Gibbons' pencils, and Palmiotti's inks, add in an appearance by Winston Churchill!!! It really doesn't get better than this.

I wish I could be there Benno. I've never made it to Heroes but EVERYONE says this is the show to be at in regards to art and the lineup of guests this year looks incredible. I think this is going to have to become a priority to get to ASAP. I hope everyone has a great time and I can't wait to see pictures of all the great new art.

Thank you everyone for your input and thoughts. Also thank you RabidFerret for thinking of much better questions than I did, these are great.

Hi Everyone, So my original art collection is starting to grow, both in size and financial value/input. I have considered insurance but there seems to be a lot of steps and prohibitive cost associated with that. I am looking at getting a safe for my collection. I am primarily concerned more about fire more than theft and I am not sure where to start. My collection is stored primarily in 14x17 portfolios and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. Any input regarding collection protection would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Had an amazing time at 3 Rivers Comicon 2018 this weekend. Met some new friends, talked Comics and art with some old friends and all in all had an amazing time. Thanks to all involved!!! Nightwing. If this piece had a title I would call it “Balance.” In one hand he is clutching his original Robin costume. In his other hand he is clutching the cape and cowl of Batman. This is piece that shows the history of Grayson from his start as Robin to his evolution into Nightwing and even the times that he has stepped in to wear the cape and cowl and his possible future. Drawn by the quintessential Nightwing artist Scott McDaniel. This 11x17 piece was commissioned at the 2018 Three Rivers Comic Con. Scott was gracious and just a great to work with and I had the added bonus of talking with his mom Dolores, who is the nicest person you will meet at any comic convention ever. I have wanted a piece by Scott for a while now and this delivered in every way shape and form. Mister Miracle by Pat Olliffe. This 9x12 commission was obtained at Three Rivers Comic Con. I had the good fortune of meeting Pat weeks earlier at Big Bang Comics in Sewickley. He did a fantastic Batman Unmasked for me then. At his table he had an awesome print of Orion. It was then the light bulb went off for me. Tom King and Mitch Gerad’s collaboration has been a revelation and truly the best comics on the shelves. I asked Pat to draw Mister Miracle unmasked with his beard clutching his Fourth World Sword. Pat is an INCREDIBLE artist but this was truly next level. He exceeded my own very high expectations. “Death in the Family” by Mike DeCarlo. This was a piece that I picked up from a dealer at Three Rivers Comic Con. According to the dealer he bought this a few months ago from Mike directly. This beautiful piece was a commission that was not picked up. Mike DeCarlo worked with my favorite Batman Artist Jim Aparo specifically Batman “Death in the Family.” Death of Superman by Brett Breeding. I met Brett at the 2018 Three Rivers Comic Con. I asked him for this piece as “The Death of Superman was the first major comic event I ever experienced. It was the first time I learned there was more than one comic shop. I went to the phone book and called Adventures in Comics who told me they would be receiving more copies but it was not the first printing in the black bag. I didn’t care, I was just so excited to read the story. I was at the age where I honestly believed that when Superman died he was not coming back. The artwork was incredible, the power, the great use of the splash page. Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding drew the definitive Superman for me. Watching Brett draw this was a treat, his line work is so precise that it was magic watching this come to life. Electric Superman Blue by Ron Frenz. This was a fun commission. I have seen Ron at several shows in fact the first original art I ever bought was from Ron at the Pittsburgh Comic Con back when it was still at the Monroeville Convention Center. The pages features Superman when he had the Electric powers and Containment Suit. I thought they were so cool. I wanted to see him holding the classic costume. When I told Ron that’s what I wanted he smiled and seemed genuinely happy that I asked for that. I was very happy with how this turned out and Ron delivered a great piece. Batman #563 No Man’s Land: Part 3 Page 22 Writer: Bob Gale Pencils: Alex Maleev Inks: Wayne Faucher Such a great page depicting the first meeting of Batman and Batgirl (Helena Bertinelli). This was when Alex Maleev was drawing with traditional pencils. I love the conversation between Batman and Batgirl and the inks by Wayne Faucher are just perfect. This took a little convincing for Wayne to part with it but I am so happy that I know own this page. I loved “No Man’s Land” it’s escalation from “Cataclysm” was incredibly fun comics. Batman: Shadow of the Bat #87 Writer: Greg Rucka Penciler: Mike Deodato Inker: Wayne Faucher A great page by Mike Deodato purchased from Wayne Faucher at Three Rivers Comic Con. Titans #10 Page 1 Writer: Judd Winick Penciler: Howard Porter Inker: Wayne Faucher A wonderful splash page featuring The Justice League drawn by the preeminent JLA artist Howard Porter. An incredible find at Three Rivers Comic Con All in all this years Three Rivers Comic Con was a resounding success I met all my goal met some wonderful people, talked with some wonderful people, and made some fantastic additions to my art collection.

This is incredible!!! Knightfall pages are so rare. I love this. That was a great issue and this page is fantastic storytelling by Jim. Thank you so much for sharing this I hope one day to have a Knightfall page myself. Thank you again!

I know the pages I got were unpublished and from the end of his career but I was shocked that I was able to get the two pages I did for the prices I did (Splash for $436 and panel page for $136). For the past year most Aparo pages before this were falling at $1K plus. I am an Aparo fan from the late 80's and 90's and those pages are completely gone. (When I tell that to most collectors they are surprised since the Brave and the Bold stuff is what most people covet) What I would give for a page from Knightfall or a page with Batman unmasked but I know that would easily run me $3-5K if I was lucky and that is out of my price range. I am very interested to see where the Aquaman pages fall as well. There seems to have been quite a wave of Aparo pages showing up in auction I am wondering what is up?

Thank you so much!!! I know this is a shot in the dark, but I have to try.

Thanks so much Rick, it really is something I was genuinely blown away when I opened up the splash and examined it.

My latest addition. Jim Aparo Batman Unpublished Inventory Splash Page 14 Original Art (DC, c. 1990s). A stunning right hook on a powerful splash page autographed "For Neal - Best Wishes - Jim Aparo" in the lower margin. Ink over graphite on DC Bristol board with an image area of 10.5" x 15". The page is has light handling wear in the margins, causing slight discolorations. There are water stains on the reverse side, but not onto the front. In Excellent condition. This is a very special page for me as it is drawn by my all time favorite Batman artist Jim Aparo. The Inker for this page would be Stan Woch. Estimated year of creation is 1997 based on the time period that Jim and Stan collaborated on Batman: Shadow of the Bat. This is definitely representative of Aparo ‘s later work but it definitely captures what I love about his work. The page is so powerful and the dynamic. It’s also a splash page. Which is one of the first few I have been able to acquire. This is also signed by Aparo which is amazing... I wonder who Neal was and how he got this page. Why do I love Jim Aparo? When I was five my Dad bought me my first comic, Batman #442. Prior to this my exposure to Batman was the 1989 Tim Burton film and the Super Power Action figure. I remember picking up Batman #442 off the shelf of Phantom of the Attic in Parkway Center Mall. The cover by George Perez featured Robin (Tim Drake) swinging towards us with the Batsignal shining bright perfectly framing the Boy Wonder. It’s an iconic cover and I can easily see why my five year old self picked it up of the shelf even though the issue was not a new release. The comic was drawn by the incomparable Mr. Jim Aparo. Since that day Jim Aparo’s unmistakable style is, was, and will always be synonymous with my favorite storytelling medium and my favorite fictional character. Aparo’s style was a no nonsense superhero style. His Batman was built more like a gymnast than bodybuilder, which lent to how Batman would move and fight. His pacing was perfect Aparo’s action and storytelling is still my favorite and epitomizes what comics are to me. I have collected comic art and sketches for almost twenty years with the past two being a very active and engaged member of the OA community and in all that time I have not had an opportunity to really afford an Aparo Batman page whether that be because of my own ignorance or financial limitations. I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Aparo but the stories I have heard from other collectors are that he was polite and pretty modest, not quite grasping why the fans loved his art so much. To this day I would love to know more about him and hope to hear more during my collecting adventures. Granted I had just won an Aparo Page, my first and also from this unpublished Inventory story. But when this page presented itself on Heritage I knew I had to take a shot. Previously I had not won any auction on Heritage, to be honest it was never even close. So this time I looked at the page and made my bid, which I was hoping since the page was unpublished would bring me over the top. As I watched the clock run down and the hammer drop I won another piece from my grail Batman/Comic artist. The joy was palpable and I knew that this was an even greater example of Jim Aparo’s work. My Batman artist.

I realize there may not be an answer to this question but I would rather ask the community and know, than not ask and maybe miss my chance. I would love to get a sketch/commission from Dave Gibbons. I have tried at previous cons and have not lucked out. The sketch I would ask for really would not be more than a bust of a single character. Is there a way to reach out to Mr. Gibbons and or a rep? Any advice for this rookie art collector would be appreciated. Thank you.

My second Aparo piece is gorgeous!!! Feel free to share your thoughts, Aparo OA, or just your appreciation of a great artist. My latest addition. Jim Aparo Batman Unpublished Inventory Splash Page 14 Original Art (DC, c. 1990s). A stunning right hook on a powerful splash page autographed "For Neal - Best Wishes - Jim Aparo" in the lower margin. Ink over graphite on DC Bristol board with an image area of 10.5" x 15". The page is has light handling wear in the margins, causing slight discolorations. There are water stains on the reverse side, but not onto the front. In Excellent condition. This is a very special page for me as it is drawn by my all time favorite Batman artist Jim Aparo. The Inker for this page would be Stan Woch. Estimated year of creation is 1997 based on the time period that Jim and Stan collaborated on Batman: Shadow of the Bat. This is definitely representative of Aparo ‘s later work but it definitely captures what I love about his work. The page is so powerful and the dynamic. It’s also a splash page. Which is one of the first few I have been able to acquire. This is also signed by Aparo which is amazing... I wonder who Neal was and how he got this page. Why do I love Jim Aparo? When I was five my Dad bought me my first comic, Batman #442. Prior to this my exposure to Batman was the 1989 Tim Burton film and the Super Power Action figure. I remember picking up Batman #442 off the shelf of Phantom of the Attic in Parkway Center Mall. The cover by George Perez featured Robin (Tim Drake) swinging towards us with the Batsignal shining bright perfectly framing the Boy Wonder. It’s an iconic cover and I can easily see why my five year old self picked it up of the shelf even though the issue was not a new release. The comic was drawn by the incomparable Mr. Jim Aparo. Since that day Jim Aparo’s unmistakable style is, was, and will always be synonymous with my favorite storytelling medium and my favorite fictional character. Aparo’s style was a no nonsense superhero style. His Batman was built more like a gymnast than bodybuilder, which lent to how Batman would move and fight. His pacing was perfect Aparo’s action and storytelling is still my favorite and epitomizes what comics are to me. I have collected comic art and sketches for almost twenty years with the past two being a very active and engaged member of the OA community and in all that time I have not had an opportunity to really afford an Aparo Batman page whether that be because of my own ignorance or financial limitations. I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Aparo but the stories I have heard from other collectors are that he was polite and pretty modest, not quite grasping why the fans loved his art so much. To this day I would love to know more about him and hope to hear more during my collecting adventures. Granted I had just won an Aparo Page, my first and also from this unpublished Inventory story. But when this page presented itself on Heritage I knew I had to take a shot. Previously I had not won any auction on Heritage, to be honest it was never even close. So this time I looked at the page and made my bid, which I was hoping since the page was unpublished would bring me over the top. As I watched the clock run down and the hammer drop I won another piece from my grail Batman/Comic artist. The joy was palpable and I knew that this was an even greater example of Jim Aparo’s work. My Batman artist.

Great piece!!! Bagley is my favorite Spidey artist, hands down.

So last night I won my first Jim Aparo page. Per Heritage.com “The page is most likely from an unused inventory story, as it was created on 1990 DC Bristol board, with no issue number written in the top margin, nor any other publication stamps. Ink over graphite on Bristol board with an image area of 9" x 14.75". Creasing in top left and bottom right corners, but doesn't affect the image area. In Excellent Condition.” This is a very special page for me as it is drawn by my all time favorite Batman artist Jim Aparo. My best guess based on the inking is that the Inker for this page would be Stan Woch. Estimated year of creation is 1997 based on the time period that Jim and Stan collaborated on Batman: Shadow of the Bat. This is definitely representative of Aparo ‘s later work but it’s still absolutely fantastic. When I was five my Dad bought me my first comic, Batman #442. Prior to this my exposure to Batman was the 1989 Tim Burton film and the Super Power Action figure. I remember picking up Batman #442 off the shelf of Phantom of the Attic in Parkway Center Mall. The cover by George Perez featured Robin (Tim Drake) swinging towards us with the Batsignal shining bright perfectly framing the Boy Wonder. It’s an iconic cover and I can easily see why my five year old self picked it up of the shelf even though the issue was not a new release. The comic was drawn by the incomparable Mr. Jim Aparo. Since that day Jim Aparo’s unmistakable style is, was, and will always be synonymous with my favorite storytelling medium and my favorite fictional character. Aparo’s style was a no nonsense superhero style. His Batman was built more like a gymnast than bodybuilder, which lent to how Batman would move and fight. His pacing was perfect Aparo’s action and storytelling is still my favorite and epitomizes what comics are to me. I have collected comic art and sketches for almost twenty years with the past two being a very active and engaged member of the OA community and in all that time I have not had an opportunity to really afford an Aparo Batman page whether that be because of my own ignorance or financial limitations. I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Aparo but the stories I have heard from other collectors are that he was polite and pretty modest, not quite grasping why the fans loved his art so much. To this day I would love to know more about him and hope to hear more during my collecting adventures. When this page presented itself on Heritage I knew I had to take a shot. Previously I had not won any auction on Heritage, to be honest it was never even close. So this time I looked at the page and made my bid, which I was hoping since the page was unpublished would bring me over the top. As I watched the clock run down and the hammer drop I finally won a piece from my grail Batman/Comic artist. The joy was palpable and I knew that this would be the first of many pieces I would eventually own from Jim Aparo. My Batman artist. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet him. I was wondering if anyone here had the chance to meet him at a Comic Con or Signing and if they did, would they mind sharing any stories or anecdotes about this incredible artist. What was he like? Thank you in advance.

So far it’s been a very good art month for me. I have not bought as much original art I as did last year but the pieces I have acquired have meant a lot. Last month I bought a page from the excellent Green Lantern Earth One by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko. Then I lucked out on this gorgeous warm up sketch of Will Eisner’s the Spirit by Daniel Warren Johnson and last but not least I finally own a page by Jim Aparo!!! Aparo is my grail Batman artist so this is a really big collecting mile stone for me and I just had to share.