C. C. Beck and Pete Constanza (attributed) Whiz Comics #19 Captain Marvel Cover Original Art (Fawcett, 1941)....

Description

C. C. Beck and Pete Constanza (attributed) Whiz Comics #19 Captain Marvel Cover Original Art (Fawcett, 1941). This iconic Golden Age cover of Captain Marvel battling a tiger-shark is only the second Whiz Comics cover we've ever offered -- and the last one was over two decades ago! It's hard to overstate just how scarce these early superhero covers are, and this one is an absolute gem. Drawn by the legendary C. C. Beck, this stunning image showcases the red-clad hero affectionately known as the Big Red Cheese, Fawcett Publications' answer to Superman. Co-created by Beck, Captain Marvel quickly became one of the most popular superheroes of the era, often outselling even Superman and Batman at his peak.
Beck's crisp, cartoony linework defined the look and feel of Captain Marvel and the entire Marvel Family. His covers struck a remarkable balance of being playful yet precisely composed, with a minimalist charm and storytelling clarity that continues to influence artists today, including the likes of Jaime Hernandez and Chris Ware. Adding historical weight to the piece, Beck inscribed the artwork in the image area to Marc Swayze, a fellow Fawcett alum who worked at the publisher from 1941 to 1953. Swayze not only illustrated countless Captain Marvel and Marvel Family stories but also co-created Mary Marvel, making this a personal artifact that connects two key figures of the Golden Age.
Created in ink and white paint highlights over graphite on Bristol board with an image area of 11.25" x 16", adhered to a support board that measures 17.25" x 21.25". An acetate overlay with a reproduction stat text paste-up on the overlay is taped to the top edge of the support board. It is possible the piece has had minor cleaning/restoration, with reproduction stat logo/trade dressing and shield paste-ups. The cover has toning, minor graphite smudging, whiteout corrections, marginal production notes, and light handling wear. In Very Good condition.
From the Keif Fromm Estate.

More information about C. C. Beck. See also: Beck, C. C., Charles Clarence Beck, Beck, Charles Clarence, Charles Beck, Beck, Charles, C.C. Beck, CC Beck Artist. Lookup the Comic Book in our Guide