FatComicMafia

Looks to have been inspired by Eastwood's High Plains Drifter.

For folk who have items signed on the first page, whether legit or not, would it be a good time to submit now, to get a univeral blue label "name Joe Blow" signed on the first page on the label? Also, if I were to write to "Paul Litch is dreamy" or "Matt Nelson heals all wounds and bends", or "dealer X over grades raw books and sucks" on the first page would CGC note exactly that?

What type of "art" degree that you have? Sounds like a commercial one which may not be so worthless.

Yes, but the Dadaist appropriated first. The Readymade relates to Pop Art, as Warhol would say, (like Duchamp's multiples), I have my assistant do it, my hand is removed, my assistant could do it, a machine could print it, I like being removed from it. And later...Jeff Koons who does not paint, yet sells his signed paintings for six figures. I know of someone who was hired to make some of his paintings while just out of art school for like $25 an hour at the time. It's a bit like Michael Golden, then Todd McFarlane and all the hacks that mimicked Todd, for that nearly Japanese animated style with enlarged eyes, pug noses, crazy spiral webs, lots of webs, line work, and then contortionists like action pose. I am sure I'm leaving others out, but you get the gist. Pop Art is a revision of Dadaism. A comment on society, commercialism, a way of seeing, perception and re-contextualization. Plus, Liechtenstein had a bone to pick with former military superior who was comic book artist. And yes, Liechtenstein approprioated some of his images. A catalyst of some sort? But yes, Duchamp's urinal turned upside down and titled, "Fountain" is not unlike re-interpreting a comicstrip into a painting/high art.

The Dadaist were all doing this roughly 50 years prior to Lichtenstein and the Pop artists. Marcel Duchamp was one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and modern day Jeff Koons etc all are heavily influenced by Duchamp. Duchamp's concept and ready mades challenged the art world and its rules. A snow shovel, for example could appreciated for its great efficiency, design, and beauty. To re-present it in another context/perception and make it his own. Duchamp was also a gifted painter, but focused on his conceptual art in many forms and expression. "Fountain" Plus there were many others in this early and important movement that often overlapped with surrealism, though different. Picabia. Man Ray.

My favorite to try and dodge returns is, "See the photos and judge for yourself. " Omitting details and key areas/images. And yes, " Near Mint' is often used loosely for lower VF copies.

Yes, hard to say, Lee and Kirby may have wanted to replicate more of the Man in the Ant Hill vibe. However, I speculate that the covers (TTA #27 & TOS #32) may have been drawn around the same time? They seem too similar to replicate later, and one direction was chosen at first over the other? Regardless, The first "Ant Man" superhero appearance would be Tales to Astonish #35. TTA #27 is more of the first appearance of the sci fi /mad scientist /pre-hero type, later to be conceptualized as a superhero. I think the CGC label should be modified for TTA #27 as first appearance of Dr. Hank Pym (who later becomes Ant man). Maybe partial origin. Tales to Astonish #35 should be noted as First Appearance of Ant Man. In addition to origin and costume as well. It's pretty clear cut. Now, Sgt. Rock's first appearance, now that is still a little more vague and complicated.

Howdy Ho! I think part of the problem with Ant Man's "first appearance" is that it is defused a bit. Tales to Astonish #27 vs.Tales to Astonish #35. I see that Wikipedia lists Ant Man's first appearance as Tales to Astonish #35 and I concur. If I recall, there were two try out issues during the pre-hero titles approximately January, 1962. I remember reading that whichever similar issue, insect related character had the more favorable response would then return and become a super-hero. So for me, Tales to Astonish #35 features the first super-hero appearance of the Ant Man. (yes, I have a stack of NM copies).In costume, on the cover, the Ant Man super-hero and in action. To drive the point further, I would assume if Peter Parker appeared in Amazing Adult Fantasy #14 and had a partial origin, but not in costume, while it would have extra value, it would not be Spider-man's first appearance. Especially if he appeared in a later issue in costume, as a named super hero, and on the cover to boot.

Hopefully you will be charging enough for shipping to cover the proper costs. A slender mirror like box would be ideal. I do not think there are many short cuts when shipping fragile comic books or art work. Only other alternative I can think of, possibly several layers of card board, or a sturdy heavy duty foam core with card bard on top of that. Good Luck.

Yes, great post, thank you. Several years ago, I posted in some thread... if using the USPS for shipping slabs, then priority box #1095 is absolutely essential. (They are usually ordered online or via phone- they are free) Usually not found at most post office branches currently. After all these years, I still can not believe how many veteran dealers and sellers still continue to use the USPS medium size box, or a flat rate which barely provides any space for wrapping/protecting a slab. The slab pretty much goes to the edge of the box. Totally rolling the dice for cracked slabs or damaged books. Just don't do it! Thank you for your cooperation.

Dug up an oldie but goodie... I used to own this one.

Thank you for the purchase, Jon. On time payment and prompt pms. A pleasure. FCM

Beautiful structure etc WOW!

THAT is a fantastic piece of artwork! Exquisite , indeed! That's great that he wrote , "after Craig" and added a lot of his own style/perspective. Truly unique piece. I love art referencing art. The logo with the little hash marks outside the border etc all great touches and care. To be honest, I was hoping for a home run like this to make it right.

No can do. I'm sure Bill retained the publishing rights for this. No, it's fine to do so. It's making a critique on BS's work and comic illustration in general. Do it, or I just might. I'll hang it in a gallery and call it my own work of art. Thanks for the idea. Let Bill come out and try to sue anyone making posters or shirts of this. The media attention this would generate for B.S. would not be a good thing. Let alone he would probably lose. After 3 years, I wonder if BS had been hanging out with Moose the Mooche ?

I'm a fan of Bill's work, and even personally know a friend or two of his that I will mentioned this to, hmm, maybe a leading professional that Bill looks up to ? Anyways, after all the time and hassle, I feel Mr. B.S. should have given you something refined, or at least decent. You even gave him an open subject, how about that for flexibility? Would this have happened if you asked for a sketch of Dazzler? To put this in perspective, I once commission a younger artist to do up an X-men piece in the late 80's. It was OK, acceptable, but nothing great. His agent had seen the piece after the fact, and told the artist that he could have done better. The artist then contacted me, asked me if I was to received another piece, what character would I like, I said, "spider-man". About 3 weeks later I received a nice, huge, on thick stock, super refined Spidey. One of his better Spider-man illustrations, and better than some of his published work. I still have it to this day, and think fondly of that artist. As for your situation, I wish it had a similar outcome

Thanks! Holding it raw seemed a bit magical, and getting it back in the slab with the gem mint, pristine label, makes those long hours of going through all those books worth it.

I thought this had a shot at Gem Mint, and low and behold..... with Barry Windsor-Smith art!

This one now resides with me. One of the biggest, finished pencils done up by Kirby. I think it's pretty prime as well.

Thanks to Bosco685 for a friendly transaction with prompt payment! (thumbs Also to Cpannell for being a smooth international buyer! Yoko Ono loves you and so do I !!!!

Kudos to Point Five and Snake Eyes, for prompt payment, and confirmation of the books arrival. Hope to deal with again. cheers!