Cover Artist For Sinister House of Secret Love

[bronzilla]

Hey all dont know if this interests anyone I thought I would post it. I have always been a fan of the Bronze D.C. Covers that Had the Gothic themes. I think They were really cool and they finally seem to be getting a little respect in recent years. You know, the Sinister House Of Secret Love, and The Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love, among a few others.

Well I allways wondered who did the art to that first issue and could never find the info any where. Most People assumed it Was Neal Adams. I had the opportunity to pick up a Production peice from the JACK ADLER collection that Finally answered my question.

This is a piece of Acetate that was used in the production of that Cool first issue. Evidently this was how the production staff took a large piece of painted art and reduced it to Comic size. I am still researching the exact process used.

If any one can direct me to more info on this process that would be really cool.

Any way if you look to the right of the bridge below the Castle you will see the Artists Name. This is not visible in the finished comic cover but you can see it here.

The Artist is Victor Kalin. He did a lot of Gothic Book covers and a Few Pulps in the 50s thru the 70s.

Any way maybe this is something a few of you all ready know But I am guessing maybe most dont know this. I certainly have never found the information and was pleased to find this out by Buying this piece.

 

[TupennyConan]

Tremendous!! Thank you for posting it!!

[sterlingcomics]

As they say.... "Well now you know!"

 

Thanks for the info! Very interesting. Please share the technical process if you do uncover it.

 

As everyone knows, I love the series. I only have #18 to go to have that one wrapped up.

[bronzilla]

Your welcome to both of you I will post more info on the process when I dig it up.

[bronzilla]

On a side note Jeff Jones is credited with doing the original cover art to the second issue of this series. I know the person who owns the original oil painting and it is not Jeff Jones sig on the painting. It looks like a Jerome Podins Or maybe Enrique something. If the Owner allows it I will See if I can Post a Pic.

I just feel the correct artist should be credited on these peices.

[TupennyConan]

Especially if it is a misattribution to Jones as he is one of my favorites. I'd very much like to know this information. Keep up the good work!!

[bronzilla]

I love Mr Jones work as well he did some awesome covers and I am sure Overstreet has it right in most cases. But not in this instance.

[TupennyConan]

We all rely on OS; so that is worrisome. Perhaps you should write to them about this.

[Stronguy]

I love Mr Jones work as well he did some awesome covers and I am sure Overstreet has it right in most cases. But not in this instance.

 

Ms. Jones

[TupennyConan]

True, but irrelevant insofar as Jones (I'll drop the honorific) draws & paints some of the most beautiful women of any illustrator/painter in the past 40 years.

[Stronguy]

So true.

[bronzilla]

I am going to do that.

[TupennyConan]

I am going to do that.

 

(thumbs u

 

And please keep-up all of this great info too.

[Aman619]

looks to me that what you have is a photographic negative that was shot from the original artwork. Thats what was always done then....they would shoot the art, and then shoot the "mechanical" with all the graphics; and overlay them to make a "combination print" in which the artwork was merged with the artwork, eithwr dropped out (to white or a color) or surprinted over the image.

 

Its done the exact same way now, except the scan of the artwork is mixed with the type and other grapjics in a software program.

 

The red tape was used because red photographs as b;ack: so when exposed, this negative will end with a nice clean rectangular shape withing pure white.

 

Now, if I aint lying, its part eggplant!

[Jayman]

Very cool info! I just did a reverse image of it quickly in photoshop to see the positive side.

[TupennyConan]

Gosh Just look at her face. The composition is very nice, but this piece is all about her face & hands for me. Very special stuff here.

 

Very cool info! I just did a reverse image of it quickly in photoshop to see the positive side.

[TupennyConan]

Geez, not to get too sappy here folks, but I think I just fell in love with this girl!!! Again, great acquisition Bronzilla. Congrats.

[bronzilla]

The Final result. Notice the Signature missing from the cover, or rather obscured by the coloring. Thanks all and thanks to you amen619 for your insight!.

[Jayman]

Ya know, I never realized that the castle was surrounded by water (I thought it was just mist) or that the girl was running down a dock/bridge till you showed the OA negative. The coloring on the printed cover was just too dark.

[TupennyConan]

Ya know, I never realized that the castle was surrounded by water (I thought it was just mist) or that the girl was running down a dock/bridge till you showed the OA negative. The coloring on the printed cover was just too dark.

 

Waaaay too dark & murky.

 

I've always admired this cover but this thread made me feel like I was seeing it for the first time, subconsciously at least.

 

I didn't know why. Now I do.

 

Not only are you right on about the the details you note, but take a look at her face on the book also, the detail about which I made such a big before BZ posted the book; you'll see on the comic that you can't even see her right eye!! What a disservice to the art & image!!