Rare Starblazer cover art offered on eBay

By John Freeman on January 12, 2022

A cover from DC Thomson’s long-running, much-missed SF and fantasy “pocket” title, Starblazer, is being offered on eBay, painted by the late Jon Davis MBE.

Jon Davis' original art for Starblazer No. 62, "Terror Tomb", which his son Ethan says measures about three feet wide by two and a half feet in height — *Jon Davis’ original art for Starblazer No. 62, “Terror Tomb”, which his son Ethan says measures about three feet wide by two and a half feet in height*

On offer – with bids invited from £250 – is the original Starblazer artwork for No. 62, “Terror Tomb“, by Jon Davis, who died last year, who’s perhaps better known to veteran comic fans for his work on strips such as “UFO” for the weekly comic Countdown in the early 1970s.

Starblazer 62: Terror Tomb — *The cover as published*

Jon, who received an MBE for Services To Children’s Literature in 2013, had been an illustrator since 1960, working on book jackets, and magazine illustration, and drawing for comics that included Boys’ World, Lady Penelope, TV21 and annuals, and, later, Countdown.

Jon began drawing science fiction and fantasy art in 1973, after reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. He also published his own book, The Fantastic Adventures of Trevor & Eric.

“The artwork is in fantastic condition and measures approximately three feet by two and a half feet,” says his son, Ethan, who is selling the art.

• You can bid on the Starblazer “Terror Tomb” art here on eBay

The auction closes on 18th January 2022 – please note that a copy of “terror Tomb is not included in the lot

• Read our tribute to Jon Davis here

• Jon Davis web site is at: wixsite.com/jondavistv21

• You can order the UFO Comic Anthology Volume One from Anderson Entertainment

• Check out our guide to Starblazer and checklist of issues here, compiled by Jeremy Briggs

UPDATE: This art sold for £431.21

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.