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