Ian Kennedy “Dan Dare” cover art up for sale

By John Freeman on July 18, 2023

An original EAGLE “Dan Dare” cover, by the legendary, much missed Ian Kennedy is up for sale at Artdroids.

EAGLE Issue 53, cover dated 26th March 1983, art by Ian Kennedy

Yours for £2500, this beautiful fully painted work featured on EAGLE Issue 53, cover dated 26th March 1983, has, we’re told, been available for some time – but has come to our attention thanks to artist David Roach.

Ian Kennedy is one of the giants of British Comics art, best known, perhaps for his cover work for Commando, but he drew strips for a wide range of British comics during his astonishing career, including “Dan Dare” for the 1980s iteration of EAGLE.

This issue marked the first year of “new” EAGLE, and, alongside “Dan Dare” and various features, included “Manix” a photo-strip written by Keith Law, “The Fifth Horseman”, written by Alan Hebden with art by Jose Ortiz, “Gil Hazzard – Codename: Scorpio”, written by Ian Holland with art by Mike Dorey, “Jakes Platoon”, written by Gerry Finley-Day, “Crowe Street Comp” written by Fred Baker with art by Rex Archer, and “Doomlord III” written by Alan Grant with photography by Gary Crompton.

EAGLE Issue 53, cover dated 26th March 1983 - cover by Ian Kennedy — *EAGLE Issue 53, cover dated 26th March 1983, as published – cover by Ian Kennedy*

Measuring 38 X 50 cm, the art is on heavy art board, in very fine condition, with title and lettering on overlay.

Artdroids provide the finest vintage artwork from classic British Comics, and specialise in vintage 2000AD art. They are always happy to help with any enquiries, questions, advice, and are actively looking for quality art from 2000AD, Battle, Tank Girl, and Action comics.

• You can bid on this EAGLE art here on Artdroids

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.