Heritage Offers "Swordsmen in the Sky"!

DALLAS, TEXAS: Heritage Comics Auctions (HCA) is proud to offer a stunning painting by legendary fantasy artist Frank Frazetta in their upcoming Signature auction to be held April 2-3, 2004 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.

"Swordsmen in the Sky" was originally painted in 1964 for the cover of an Ace paperback science-fiction collection edited by the late Donald Wollheim," explained John Petty, Director of Auctions for HCA. "The painting, which shows a red-cloaked barbarian in desperate battle against a horde of attackers, was purchased from Wollheim's estate after his passing, and has been held in a private collection ever since. This is the first time this spectacular work has ever been offered for public sale."

"The Ace paperback period was an important one for Frazetta," continued Petty. "He had been working in the Al Capp Studio for most of the 1950's, ghosting Li'l Abner, and it was a difficult and creatively frustrating time for him. By the time he left that job, in the early 1960s, there was no work to be had in the struggling comics field, so, with the help of his friend, Roy Krenkel, Frazetta tried his hand at illustrating paperback covers. Some of his first assignments for Ace were for the soon-to-become-legendary Tarzan book covers, which cemented his reputation as the premiere fantasy painter. Based on those paintings, Frazetta was offered work by Jim Warren, for whom he created some of the most memorable Creepy and Eerie cover images. The rest, as they say, is history."

Swordsmen in the Sky, rendered in oil on board piece is in excellent condition. The image area measures 9.5" x 12", and it has been professionally double-matted and framed to a complete size of 17" x 20". An image can be seen by following this link

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HeritageComics.com.

HCA specializes in rare, high-grade comic books, as well as vintage comic and animation art, illustration art, classic toys, movie posters and comics-related collectibles.

Prospective consignors and sellers of top-end comics material, toys, and original art are invited to call Ed Jaster at 214-252-4288 or Fred McSurley at 214-252-4293 to discuss their rare comics and original illustration and comic art. Or visit www.HeritageComics.com and click on the "consign" tab. Or simply email Ed Jaster at EdJ@HeritageComics.com or Fred McSurley at FredM@HeritageComics.com.

Movie poster consignors, please call Grey Smith at 214-668-6928 or email GreySm@HeritageMoviePosters.com.