About the item:
From the Dell Movie Classics adaptation of the iconic John Wayne motion picture, this nearly 60 year old original art page features pencils and inks by Jack Sparling and is based on the film The Sons of Katie Elder, written by William H. Wright, Allan Weiss, and Harry Essex. The page features the initial moments of one of the films most iconic scenes, instigated by John Wayne's character, John Elder, when he strikes Bud Elder (Michael Anderson, Jr.) as Tom Elder (Dean Martin) looks on. The comic was published in September-November, 1965. Please note- this is an actual, original piece of artwork pencilled and inked by hand by Sparling. It is not a copy, print or pre-printed image. It is a one-of-a-kind original. The issue cover is shown for reference. But please note that the comic itself is not included in with the listing. The listing is for the original artwork only. In good condition overall, there is a small box cropped out by the editors at Dell - likely when the top two panels were taped to the bottom four (please see scans). It will be shipped with the utmost care.
Please further note- the editors rearranged the top two panels (by removing it from another finished page and taping it to the top of the bottom four panels). This is how the story was published actually, however, such editing methods being not uncommon before the computer era (when such rearrangements could be easily made digitally). The page measures approximately 11 1/2 by 14 inches. Depicts two of Hollywoods true legends, John Wayne and Dean Martin.
About the Artist:
Jack Sparling (1916-1997) was a prolific artist whose career began in the Golden Age of Comics and lasted into the last decade of his life- the 1990s. He worked for several publishers, including Harvey, Charlton, Classic Illustrated, DC, Marvel, Dell, and Gold Key. He also covered a variety of generas; horror, thriller, romance, war, Super Hero, Sci-Fi, and film adaptations as well as illustrating a variety of Disney comics while at Gold Key.
Certificate of Authenticity/Provenance:
Excepting pack-pulled autograph trading cards, CGC Signature Series, signed Sideshow prints, and like collectibles, all autographed items Vault Collectibles sells were personally witnessed, by myself, being signed by the writer, artist, or celebrity in question. No third party is involved. Further, art sketches - and most published original art I sell - were obtained directly from the artist themselves.
For buyers desiring this guarantee in written form, this statement guarantees that the above-referenced item is as stated in the listing description. A screen capture of the completed auction page, which includes this statement of provenance, may be saved by the buyer as a digital file or print off in hardcopy form. As this serves as written proof of said guarantee, no physical documentation will be included in the package when the item is mailed.
J. Brian O’Bryant
VaultCollectibles
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