John Buscema Family Owned art eBay sale final $83,100 ??? 1 1

[AnkurJ]

While the result was a strong one, It would not surprise me if a dealer purchased it and will mark it between 100-125k.

Regarding shipping and insurance, this is one big reason why I have private insurance. The policy would cover items in transit to me, though obviously a rider would be needed for an amount this large.

[delekkerste]

5 hours ago, stinkininkin said:

While I remember the image from my collecting days, it doesn't have much nostalgia for me and it was never anything more than a large, cool pinup to me. That said, the classic cast of characters, general artistic quality and it's vintage would make this a worthy addition to any JB fan or hard core Marvel fan.

This piece made me reevaluate John Buscema a bit.  I think Buscema is not viewed by many in the hobby as being on par with the architects of the Marvel Universe (Kirby & Ditko), and probably a lot of people weigh his importance a fair bit below Romita as well.  That said, looking at this piece, it made me realize that it's Big John's images of many of these characters that represent the most iconic versions of them of that era, which are arguably the quintessential versions of them out of any era. 

I like Buscema's work but, on the whole, never considered him among my favorites...but, the more I looked at this piece, the more I loved it.  By the time the auction ended, I was kicking myself for not going after it.  I have no direct nostalgia for it, as the 1978 poster isn't something I was previously familiar with, but, looking at these versions of all these characters, it really brought me back to when I had an Avengers lunchbox back in the late '70s or early '80s (something I had totally forgotten about until staring at this piece took me back into a time warp); I think this piece is so great for a lover of Bronze Age Marvel.  It's the closest thing to a one-and-done piece you'll find that encapsulates that era. 

Edited August 31, 2020 by delekkerste

[grapeape]

2 hours ago, glendgold said:

Funny - my favorite Buscema story, hands down, is this one: https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Marvel_Spotlight_Vol_1_30

It's incredibly well-written and illustrated. Always wished they'd done a follow up.

 

 

Oh yes that’s a good one. Great you bring this one up!!

[alexgross.com]

2 hours ago, delekkerste said:

This piece made me reevaluate John Buscema a bit.  I think Buscema is not viewed by many in the hobby as being on par with the architects of the Marvel Universe (Kirby & Ditko), and probably a lot of people weigh his importance a fair bit below Romita as well.  That said, looking at this piece, it made me realize that it's Big John's images of many of these characters that represent the most iconic versions of them of that era, which are arguably the quintessential versions of them out of any era. 

I like Buscema's work but, on the whole, never considered him among my favorites...but, the more I looked at this piece, the more I loved it.  By the time the auction ended, I was kicking myself for not going after it.  I have no direct nostalgia for it, as the 1978 poster isn't something I was previous familiar with, but, looking at these versions of all these characters, it really brought me back to when I had an Avengers lunchbox back in the late '70s or early '80s (something I had totally forgotten about until staring at this piece took me back into a time warp); I think this piece is so great for a lover of Bronze Age Marvel.  It's the closest thing to a one-and-done piece you'll find that encapsulates that era. 

this was interesting to hear. i'm sure you are right about buscema's place in the hobby, as you have a great deal of experience and knowledge in the OA scene. based on some conversations i have had with friends, i would venture to guess that if you asked most comic book artists their opinion, they'd rate buscema well above romita. i know that i would. 

[glendgold]

1 hour ago, grapeape said:

Oh yes that’s a good one. Great you bring this one up!!

I love this splash.  Look at the details in the background. For instance: Volstagg running out the door, plowing into those guys while an Asgardian wedgie is being delivered.

 

[Brian Peck]

5 hours ago, delekkerste said:

This piece made me reevaluate John Buscema a bit.  I think Buscema is not viewed by many in the hobby as being on par with the architects of the Marvel Universe (Kirby & Ditko), and probably a lot of people weigh his importance a fair bit below Romita as well.  That said, looking at this piece, it made me realize that it's Big John's images of many of these characters that represent the most iconic versions of them of that era, which are arguably the quintessential versions of them out of any era. 

I like Buscema's work but, on the whole, never considered him among my favorites...but, the more I looked at this piece, the more I loved it.  By the time the auction ended, I was kicking myself for not going after it.  I have no direct nostalgia for it, as the 1978 poster isn't something I was previously familiar with, but, looking at these versions of all these characters, it really brought me back to when I had an Avengers lunchbox back in the late '70s or early '80s (something I had totally forgotten about until staring at this piece took me back into a time warp); I think this piece is so great for a lover of Bronze Age Marvel.  It's the closest thing to a one-and-done piece you'll find that encapsulates that era. 

It was published as a wraparound cover Art of John Buscema by SQP. John Buscema was the work horse of the Marvel Universe. He wasn't one to come up with ideas for characters like Kirby, Ditko and Romita. John left the writing and character creation to others. Yes he did co-create a number of characters like Ultron, The Vision, Ms Marvel, Mephisto, and Thundra but his 30+ years at Marvel Comics he mostly worked with characters already created by others. Kirby, Ditko, Romita help create the building blocks for  the Marvel Universe alot with other creators. John Buscema took those blocks and continued to expand on them making them stronger and building them up. He brought dynamic story telling to those characters.

[ESeffinga]

7 hours ago, delekkerste said:

This piece made me reevaluate John Buscema a bit.  I think Buscema is not viewed by many in the hobby as being on par with the architects of the Marvel Universe (Kirby & Ditko), and probably a lot of people weigh his importance a fair bit below Romita as well.  That said, looking at this piece, it made me realize that it's Big John's images of many of these characters that represent the most iconic versions of them of that era, which are arguably the quintessential versions of them out of any era. 

I like Buscema's work but, on the whole, never considered him among my favorites...but, the more I looked at this piece, the more I loved it.  By the time the auction ended, I was kicking myself for not going after it.  I have no direct nostalgia for it, as the 1978 poster isn't something I was previously familiar with, but, looking at these versions of all these characters, it really brought me back to when I had an Avengers lunchbox back in the late '70s or early '80s (something I had totally forgotten about until staring at this piece took me back into a time warp); I think this piece is so great for a lover of Bronze Age Marvel.  It's the closest thing to a one-and-done piece you'll find that encapsulates that era. 

I am actually not surprised to see this epiphany of sorts, regarding JB’s place in the pantheon at Marvel. I’ve never really jumped in on the threads about JBs work or his various inking team ups etc. But the one thing that always struck me in such threads by his detractors was, he was the guy that drew the book on Marvel’s house style. Literally.

And, I get it. The book was as much as anything, aimed at kids who were tracing their comics, learning their anatomy from a book about comic characters. Marvel were hopping on a bandwagon of books that taught you how to draw this or that by way of teaching basics of rough observation, using simple shapes at first,  etc. but mostly how to ape a “style” of work that was in many ways a lack of style, by amalgamating a bunch of techniques drawn from the previous decades of much more defined artists’ work. It could be argued that book caused such an artistic stagnation among would-be Marvel artists that lasted for a long time. 

All that out of the way, Marvel could have had any number of folks put that particular book together for them, but they went to the guy that best epitomized the “Marvel Way” at that point and time. For a generation of kids, he really did crystallize a look for a lot of characters.

And for many, he showed them how to draw throwing a punch.
 

 

Edited August 31, 2020 by ESeffinga

[John E.]

“None of these things include comic book art.”

This is a reminder to me that my children and my children’s children are likely to have different interests than me. So when I buy OA, I buy for myself and with only me in mind. I don’t fool myself into thinking my comic art are heirlooms or something else they are not. And I certainly don’t use the idea of a family inheritance to justify the bigger purchases. 

[grapeape]

1 hour ago, John E. said:

“None of these things include comic book art.”

This is a reminder to me that my children and my children’s children are likely to have different interests than me. So when I buy OA, I buy for myself and with only me in mind. I don’t fool myself into thinking my comic art are heirlooms or something else they are not. And I certainly don’t use the idea of a family inheritance to justify the bigger purchases. 

“And I certainly don’t use the idea of a family inheritance to justify the bigger purchases.”

I’m afraid I’m not as strong as you John E.

[ESeffinga]

GrapeApe saying he gives comic art to all family as “gifts” also. 
 

“Happy Birthday honey” gives some Chaykin Flagg art.”

 

“Hey sweetie, happy anniversary.” Gift is Kirby Kamandi. “You know, for the spot over the sofa.”

 

 

[grapeape]

1 hour ago, ESeffinga said:

GrapeApe saying he gives comic art to all family as “gifts” also. 
 

“Happy Birthday honey” gives some Chaykin Flagg art.”

 

“Hey sweetie, happy anniversary.” Gift is Kirby Kamandi. “You know, for the spot over the sofa.”

 

 

“One day this will all be yours kid ape.”

 

[Bronty]

18 hours ago, delekkerste said:

This piece made me reevaluate John Buscema a bit.  I think Buscema is not viewed by many in the hobby as being on par with the architects of the Marvel Universe (Kirby & Ditko), and probably a lot of people weigh his importance a fair bit below Romita as well.  That said, looking at this piece, it made me realize that it's Big John's images of many of these characters that represent the most iconic versions of them of that era, which are arguably the quintessential versions of them out of any era. 

I like Buscema's work but, on the whole, never considered him among my favorites...but, the more I looked at this piece, the more I loved it.  By the time the auction ended, I was kicking myself for not going after it.  I have no direct nostalgia for it, as the 1978 poster isn't something I was previously familiar with, but, looking at these versions of all these characters, it really brought me back to when I had an Avengers lunchbox back in the late '70s or early '80s (something I had totally forgotten about until staring at this piece took me back into a time warp); I think this piece is so great for a lover of Bronze Age Marvel.  It's the closest thing to a one-and-done piece you'll find that encapsulates that era. 

I guess my take is similar and yet different.

I'm not a huge fan of the artist, but I'm a huge fan of this piece.     It was meant to be a showcase piece for a book about his art, and you can see the pride he took in it.

[grapeape]

Reread through the beginning of the thread. Above all an incredible story how this terrified piece of art comes to the eBay market.

The provenance 

The family connection

The final winning bid

All the contributions from you guys on so many points of interest. I think there’s more here for this thread to accomplish . You guys are great I enjoy all the varying  perspectives.

Keep at it lads....and ladies?

Art is for the soul

art is for everyone 

Edited September 1, 2020 by grapeape
Accomplish not complain

[Brian Peck]

17 hours ago, ESeffinga said:

I am actually not surprised to see this epiphany of sorts, regarding JB’s place in the pantheon at Marvel. I’ve never really jumped in on the threads about JBs work or his various inking team ups etc. But the one thing that always struck me in such threads by his detractors was, he was the guy that drew the book on Marvel’s house style. Literally.

And, I get it. The book was as much as anything, aimed at kids who were tracing their comics, learning their anatomy from a book about comic characters. Marvel were hopping on a bandwagon of books that taught you how to draw this or that by way of teaching basics of rough observation, using simple shapes at first,  etc. but mostly how to ape a “style” of work that was in many ways a lack of style, by amalgamating a bunch of techniques drawn from the previous decades of much more defined artists’ work. It could be argued that book caused such an artistic stagnation among would-be Marvel artists that lasted for a long time. 

All that out of the way, Marvel could have had any number of folks put that particular book together for them, but they went to the guy that best epitomized the “Marvel Way” at that point and time. For a generation of kids, he really did crystallize a look for a lot of characters.

And for many, he showed them how to draw throwing a punch.
 

 

I own the original art to "How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way" and I have seen and heard the reaction to seeing the original art from many comic book artists working today. Their artsist styles vary widely. This wasn't a book about how to draw comic in a certain style, but something that gave a budding artist the basics when it came to starting to draw comics, tools of the trade, perspective, composition, figures drawing, storytelling. It didn't say what type of style they should use but basic skills if you want to start to become a comic book artists. From there you go onto books like Bridgman or Hogarth , then Will Eisner's Comics and Sequential Art. 

John was a master at drawing, he differed from Kirby in Buscema drew more realistically and had strong anatomy. In the 60s at one point he was penciling Silver Surfer, Avengers and Sub-Mariner each month drawing 3 pages a day full pencils and later in the 80s was laying out 7 pages a day. Kirby was just as strong of a artist and turned out alot of art each month as well. But Kirby's style wasn't as realistic more exaggeration which worked great for comics. But when you have a new artist, having someone who is more realistic and less of a unique style can help those learn the basic underpinnings of drawing comic books.

I have had so many artist tell me How To Draw The Marvel Way started them off on their journey to becoming comic book artists, many remember certain pats of the book and how it effected them. Yes, they went onto art school and Kurbet school, but that book is what started it for many. You seem no understand while yes it teached the basics, that is what it was ment for not to showcase didfferent styles. Leave the styles out of it, the new artists will learn in time what stylle fits them. Many will create their own styles.

[fsumavila]

On 8/30/2020 at 7:25 PM, grapeape said:

Great insight Scott. I met JB at SDCC shortly before he passed away. We talked and I showed him a Silver Surfer Page I owned. “I did that” he said taking the page from my hand. I watched him amazed as he went back in time examining his work. We talked about Dan Adkins who inked the Page. JB was kind and considerate. It was a thrill for me. So sad when he passed but his legacy is assured.

I guess for me the biggest thrill is that Johns grandson benefited from the sale. This was nuts to watch an auction like this go down on freakin ebay. 
 

A great piece of artwork.

That's awesome that you got to meet John. He's on my short list of artists that I wish I had met.

[grapeape]

21 minutes ago, fsumavila said:

That's awesome that you got to meet John. He's on my short list of artists that I wish I had met.

I was so fortunate. A great man honestly a good soul. I think he’s a giant in this thing of ours. He’s near the top for me.

[BuraddoRun]

I'm about to reread a book (graphic novel) I had as a kid and haven't looked at in many years. Back then, I didn't pay attention to what artists drew what comics; I just liked certain characters and art. But since I'm posting here, you already know who drew it. There's a pretty interesting forward in it that I'll share excerpts from, because I think others will appreciate it.

"It's all John Buscema's fault! He wanted to create his own Silver Surfer story, and he wanted to illustrate it his own way - using only one illustration to a page!"

"Then came the sticky part - getting someone to pen the wondrous words and passionate phrases with which to tie the whole unique endeavor together. Well, apparently all the other writers were out to lunch at the time, 'cause yours truly got the nod."

"As for me, my biggest problem wasn't scripting the yarn; it's a picnic writing copy for Johnny's layouts. No, the thing that tore me up was trying to figure out where to place the balloons and captions without damaging any of the Master's artwork! I'm such a fan of his, that each time I had to toss some copy over one of his fabulous figures or brilliant backgrounds, it was a tortuous, heart-rending moment, like sticking a little dart smack into my heart!"

                                                                                                             - Stan Lee

For me, this specific book, Silver Surfer: Judgement Day, is probably my favorite Buscema work.

Edited September 2, 2020 by BuraddoRun

[NelsonAI]

A major dealer confirmed he purchased the JB cover.  He will display it publicly soon.  

 

[GotSuperPowers?]

2 minutes ago, NelsonAI said:

A major dealer confirmed he purchased the JB cover.  He will display it publicly soon.  

 

Spoilers

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFKbaGwBPeo/

[Will_K]

I'd love to have seen that great professional packaging job.