ElfQuest OA going to Columbia University 2 2

[Carl Elvis]

I was just reading an interesting article about collections after you die and they go into where all the ElfQuest art will end up.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/30/style/collectors-estates.html?unlocked_article_code=Y2ksbVpJFv9Jr7aq1bg4qWjaJjSLWBZOE6c2xZDzlE3bvc5DmmBg26LT0RjHL-Y2kyTwpakGnEDitF3Rbcmkp1tznqHPCOLUCO8U6ngpZJQc6vpGEj_0-iJt71YzSLYe0vRhQgjLQhxWs-stM4dGNLgThbBteucGOamkZT4mY1lF8dZ45hBUM_NZe2isGvskLC5k3OYE2Y3QyP0IdGVThPNNN1-6XUY-BbvLbV30IEBagb1r8X8chXTDmLhRshzZKVVqFXeVsSFQvnOInVbAWYlSXGFAzq5hYYanZh0rqywQKj1c11stJu8aiuGSm1Q32VGHBHq0Q-m8Xg&smid=url-share

 

[cstojano]

I thought it was already there actually. A few pieces seem to have slipped out, but these were the covers from the Donning TPBs and the a couple of Marvel re-run covers sold on Heritage many years ago. I'd like an original from this series.

[MAR1979]

That flat file cabinet is totally sweet!

 

[BanjerD]

Columbia University Libraries Acquires Elfquest Comic Archives 2013

https://library.columbia.edu/about/news/libraries/2013/2013-2-25_Elfquest_Acquisition.html

 

[BCarter27]

It's all fun and games until the Work Study freshman knocks over a bubble tea on top of that thing.

 

Seriously, makes me a little sad. All of that art locked away from the collectors who would really love it -- until it fades into obscurity. Donate a key issue or cover or something -- not the full shebang.

[Carl Elvis]

It is sad.

I’m going to look into the possibility of the public being able to view the art, hopefully you don’t need to take a course at Columbia just to see the art.

[delekkerste]

On 8/11/2023 at 10:45 AM, BCarter27 said:

Seriously, makes me a little sad. All of that art locked away from the collectors who would really love it -- until it fades into obscurity. Donate a key issue or cover or something -- not the full shebang.

Yep. Most of it will never be displayed and will just sit around collecting dust in a dank basement in NYC or in storage across the river.  

I think it must be an ego thing to think that a prestigious university will hold your life's work and that many students and scholars will descend upon the archives to study it. But, let's face it - the fantasy is nicer than the reality as described above. 

I totally agree - donate a small portion if you must, but, otherwise, get it out into the hands of the people who care about your work the most - the fans. Your work will live on as it's displayed online and trades hands periodically in perpetuity. 

[Readcomix]

There is a little bit of it out there, apparently. HA archives show a few published Wendy Pini Elfquest pieces, and a few from Barry Blair. None from Charles Barnett. I can’t recall any other illustrators who worked on the Elfquest books; of course the majority of it was Wendy Pini.

[Bronty]

On 8/16/2023 at 1:28 PM, delekkerste said:

Yep. Most of it will never be displayed and will just sit around collecting dust in a dank basement in NYC or in storage across the river.  

I think it must be an ego thing to think that a prestigious university will hold your life's work and that many students and scholars will descend upon the archives to study it. But, let's face it - the fantasy is nicer than the reality as described above. 

I totally agree - donate a small portion if you must, but, otherwise, get it out into the hands of the people who care about your work the most - the fans. Your work will live on as it's displayed online and trades hands periodically in perpetuity. 

Good thoughts.    I’ve seen similar gifts in other collecting areas and while I know nothing about this particular gift I’ve come to think these gifts are often exclusion in the guise of “sharing”.    
 

I suppose given you’ve worked with a museum you’re in a good position to weigh in on that.     Would you say some donors are interested in ensuring that, effectively, no one gets a hand on their precious? 

Edited August 17, 2023 by Bronty