“Paddy Payne”, “Modesty Blaise” and Ron Embleton art on offer in latest Catawiki International Comic Art auction

European site Catawiki is currently offering a number of artworks in its latest International Comic Art auction by British comic artists, with bids closing on Thursday (11th March 2021).

While the site often features “Robot Archie” pages by Ted Kearon, with two on offer in this auction, this selection also includes boards by Joe Colquhoun, Ron Embleton, Mike Hubbard and others, alongside work by European artists that include Hugo Pratt, Dick Matena, Enrique Badia Romero, the latter’s work represented by a “Modesty Blaise” strip first published in 1970; and Jean Sidobre, with a page for “The Legend of Roscliffe Hall” from Princess Tina.

Modesty Blaise by Romero (1970
Modesty Blaise by Romero (1970
Modesty Blaise by Romero (1970 - Detail
Modesty Blaise by Romero (1970)

The page from Princess Tina by French comic artist and writer Jean Sidobre, also known as G. Lévis and Georges Lévis (1924-1988), is a bit of a rarity, according to the seller. – although there are several examples of his artwork for the title on ComicArtFans. He first illustrated many books for young people under his real name (including the adventures of Le Club des Cinq in France in the 1960s and 1970s). before devoting himself to erotic works under the pseudonym G. Lévis.

His credits for Princess Tina include “Alona the Wild One“, published between 1965 to 1967, “My Chum Yum Yum” from 1967 to 1970, and “Heir to Roxcliffe Hall“, which ran from the issue cover dated 27th February 1971 until the issue dated 15th May 1971. Later, her would participate in the French magazine, Charlie Mensuel, from 1983 to 1985

"The Heir of Roscliffe Hall" by Jean Sidobre (Princess Tina, 1970)
“The Heir of Roscliffe Hall” by Jean Sidobre (Princess Tina, 1970)

First among the British artists in this auction is a page of “Paddy Payne” page from Lion first published in 1962, by Joe Colquhoun, best known of course for his much-praised work on “Charley’s War” for Battle Picture Weekly, co-created with Pat Mills, but who also co-created “Roy of the Rovers” for Tiger with writer Frank Pepper.

The first panel at the top was redrawn on a thinner paper to cover what was the title in the first publication, this strip reprinted later.

"Paddy Payne" by Joe Colquhoun, for Lion
“Paddy Payne” by Joe Colquhoun, for Lion
Careful unpicking of the art reveals changes made to this art for "Paddy Payne" by Joe Colquhoun, made for later reprint
Careful unpicking of the art reveals changes made to this art for “Paddy Payne” by Joe Colquhoun, made for later reprint

Published in the Dutch magazine KIJK in 1972, but presumably first appearing in a British magazine, also on offer is a large illustration by Ron Embleton, which accompanied an article about the sacking of Antwerp on November 4th, 1576. (A copy of the Dutch magazine is included in the lot).

"The Sacking of Antwerp" by Ron Embleton
“The Sacking of Antwerp” by Ron Embleton
KIJK - 16th - 21st July 1972
KIJK – 16th – 21st July 1972
KIJK - "The Sacking of Antwerp" by Ron Embleton
“The Sacking of Antwerp” by Ron Embleton

This “Allan Quatermain” art for Ranger is the work of Mike Hubbard, published in 1970. Mike is perhaps best known for his work on “Jane Bond, Secret Agent”, published in Tina and Princess Tina between 1967 and 1970, but also drew several boys adventure strips.

The London-based Illustration Art Gallery has more “Allan Quartermain” pages by Mike here.

“Allan Quatermain” art for Ranger by Mike Hubbard
“Allan Quatermain” art for Ranger by Mike Hubbard

Two pages of “Robot Archie” with art by Ted Keraon are, perhaps inevitably given the character popularity in Holland, on offer – a half page from Lion, first published in 1965, and a full page featuring Archie in action, first published in 1968.

"Robot Archie", art by Ted Kearon, for Lion (1965)
“Robot Archie”, art by Ted Kearon, for Lion (1965)
"Robot Archie", art by Ted Kearon, for Lion (1968)
“Robot Archie”, art by Ted Kearon, for Lion (1968)

There’s more action adventure in the air on offer with a page of “Eagles over the Western Front“, the work of artist Bill Lacey, written by Mike Butterworth, originally created for Look and Learn.

This classic story of aerial warfare is set during the days of the Royal Flying Corps, the precursor to the RAF, a strip first published in Look and Learn in 1971-73.

If original art isn’t to your taste, don’t forget Bear Alley Books have republished this entire strip in one volume, available direct here.

Look and Learn - "Eagles over the Western Front" by Bill Lacey
“Eagles over the Western Front” by Bill Lacey

A smashing example of “Billy Bunter” strip is offered here, with Reg Parlett on art duties, an artist whose work spanned a huge number of strips, including “mowser” for Lion.

 “Billy Bunter” by Reg Parlett
“Billy Bunter” by Reg Parlett

This page here is by Romero and is a Modesty Blaise strip

Finally, there are two original illustrations for Treasure by Clive Upton – both bible scenes first published in 1867, featuring Moses and Samson – offered here/

Moses by Clive Upton - for Treasure (1967)
Moses by Clive Upton – for Treasure (1967)
Samson by Clive Upton - for Treasure (1967)
Samson by Clive Upton – for Treasure (1967)

Check out the latest Catawiki International Comic Art auction here – bidding closes on Thursday 11th March 2021

Please Note – potential British bidders for these artworks should be aware that their sale might be affected by recent changes related to Brexit like additional VAT charges, customs fees, shipping costs and shipping delays. You’ll be responsible for paying these costs in addition to the top bid.

EuroSender: Customs Scams and Consequences

The Guardian has a useful guide to EU website purchases, indicating the import charges UK customers have to pay. Consumers now face UK VAT, rather than local rates, as well as customs duty and courier admin charges, and some have been hit with large bills

With thanks to Rajeesh Shah for The Guardian link, Richard Sheaf and Chris Wright



Categories: Art and Illustration, Auctions, British Comics, Comic Art, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Other Worlds

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