LOT #92010 |
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Al Milgrom The Amazing Spider-Man #194 Cover Black Cat First Appearance Original Art (Marvel, 1979)....
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Sold on Jan 10, 2025 for:
$1,020,000.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Description
Al Milgrom The Amazing Spider-Man #194 Cover Black Cat First Appearance Original Art (Marvel, 1979). Felicia Hardy is one Black Cat you'd be lucky to have cross your path! The ever-alluring Black Cat made her debut in ASM #194, with this iconic cover giving readers their very first glimpse of Marvel's captivating, catty criminal. Not only is this cover a striking piece of artwork and an important milestone in Spider-Man history, but it also offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the illustration like never before -- including a rarely seen glimpse at Milgrom's impressive and stunning detail work.During the original coloring process, much of the cover was darkened to create the illusion of Felicia blending into the shadows, which obscured many of the highlights and details of her costume and figure. Here, on the original art, these previously hidden elements shine, adding even greater allure to Marvel's premier Feline Fatale. This piece captures the magic of Black Cat's first appearance and serves as a testament to her enduring legacy in the Marvel Universe.
From her premiere, Black Cat instantly captured the hearts of fans, becoming a pivotal figure in the Spider-Man mythos and a regular presence in Marvel comics for decades. Her compelling character has cemented her status as one of Spider-Man's most recognizable and beloved allies, adversaries, and even romantic interests, standing out prominently among his iconic roster of characters.
Since her 1979 debut, Black Cat has graced countless Spider-Man titles, headlined several of her own comic series, and appeared in video games and animated television shows. While Felicia Hardy has yet to make her big-screen debut, rumors suggest this will change with the fourth Spider-Man film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, currently slated for release in 2026.
Cover artist Al Milgrom notes of the cover's conception, "As I recall, in April or May of 1979, I was working feverishly on a bunch of freelance work as well as still being on staff as an editor at Marvel. Someone in the office - I don't recall if it was Marv Wolfman (writer/editor of The Amazing Spider-Man title at the time) or John Romita (our terrific art director) - asked me if I could pencil and ink a cover for the book right away. I said, "sure," and they gave me a nice little Dave Cockrum sketch to work with. Based on that sketch, I then penciled and inked the cover art on board. I inked it using lots of dramatic blacks on the sky, Spidey (nicely framed in a bright yellow spotlight), and the Black Cat herself. Little did I know that my artistic effort on this cover would go on to become one of the most iconic covers of the 1970s. I've signed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of autographs on this comic for legions of fans. I don't know if it's common knowledge, but the artist of the interior of the issue, Keith Pollard, had actually done a fine cover for the issue. It was rejected, I believe, because on his version the Black Cat was leaping in from off-panel and was shown from the back. The decision was made that the introduction of this major new character needed to have a full-on front view. The rest, as they say, is history!"
This cat-tastic cover is rendered in ink over graphite on World Color Bristol board with an image area of 9.75" x 15". Lightly toned, with warping to the top half of the board (caused by adhesive), residue staining, whiteout, stains, and handling wear. Stat paste-ups used for the title, trade dress, and text. In Very Good condition.
At our consignor's direction, a portion of the proceeds from this lot will be paid to Al Milgrom.
More Information: EDIT: Additional historical information about the piece added to description.
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Auction Info
2025 January 9 - 12 Comics & Comic Art Signature® Auction #7399 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2025
9th-12th
Thursday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 33
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.
Jerry Weist's Comic Art Price Guide 2011
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