CATMAN COMICS (1943-46) #31
CGC FN+: 6.5
(Stock Image)
SOLD ON: Monday, 12/09/2019 3:39 PM
$1,865
Sold For
15
Bids
DESCRIPTION
ow/white pgs
classic L.B. Cole wolf cvrOnce L.B Cole took over the reins of Catman Comics from long-time cover artist Charles Quinlan, it was obvious changes would be in order, as Cole's legendary style resonates through the ages, and the artist is now recognized as one of the towering talents of the Golden Age. This is one of the most sought-after covers of the Catman run and, many panelologists agree, one of the most desirable of the Golden Age. The dramatic image of Catman standing in a ring of light as he is surrounded by snarling wolves while a villainous figure looms in the background would seem like a fitting design for a Wolverine or Conan comic of today. The stunning artwork of L.B. Cole alone would be enough to make this issue a revered treasure, but the addition of the rarity of the books in this run add another level of collectability to the package.
Stark and stunning deep blacks punctuated by white flakes of snow perfectly focus the viewer's attention on the yellow beasts surrounding Catman and an unconscious Kitten in their muted orange-and-red outfits. This book presents as a higher grade than its designation, as the intricacies of the design tend to mask any imperfections, particularly since black backgrounds are notorious for amplifying even the smallest of blemishes. We recommend bidders pay close attention to this important issue.
Artist Information
Leonard Brandt Cole was a comic book artist, editor, and publisher who worked during the Golden Age of Comic Books, producing work in various genres. Cole was particularly known for his bold covers, featuring what he referred to as "poster colors"—the use of primary colors often over black backgrounds. In addition to his covers, Cole did interior art for comics published by Holyoke Publications, Gilberton, and Ajax/Farrell. He also worked as an editor for Holyoke in the 1940s. Cole's comic book career started in the early 1940s, mainly as a cover artist for titles such as Suspense Comics (Et-Es-Go Magazines) and Contact Comics (Aviation Press). He soon became known for his distinctive covers: examples include the covers to Mask Comics #1, Mask Comics #2 (Rural Home), Contact Comics #12, and Captain Flight Comics #11 (Four Star Publications). An avid science fiction fan, Cole was known for slipping in sci-fi elements even when they weren't appropriate, such as rocket ships and ray guns appearing on the covers of Captain Flight Comics and Contact Comics. During this time, Cole created the character "Wiggles the Wonderworm" who appeared in five issues of Taffy Comics, published by Rural Home/Orbit Publications. In 1949, publisher Novelty Press sold its characters and artwork to Cole, who was the cover artist for Novelty's Blue Bolt Comics. Using his new assets, Cole began Star Publications, which operated from 1949 to 1955. After the closure of Star, Cole continued doing cover illustrations, many for Classics Illustrated Junior. In the early 1960s, Cole was art director and editor at Dell Comics. He gained further recognition when comic fandom grew in the late 1960s and through the 1970s. In 1981, he created a new painting that was featured on the cover of the 11th edition of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. During this same time, he began selling re-creations of his classic covers. In the early 1990s, Ernie Gerber published his two-volume Photo Journal Guide To Comic Books which featured on its covers a number of Cole's covers. As a result, the demand for Cole's work increased dramatically.
classic L.B. Cole wolf cvrOnce L.B Cole took over the reins of Catman Comics from long-time cover artist Charles Quinlan, it was obvious changes would be in order, as Cole's legendary style resonates through the ages, and the artist is now recognized as one of the towering talents of the Golden Age. This is one of the most sought-after covers of the Catman run and, many panelologists agree, one of the most desirable of the Golden Age. The dramatic image of Catman standing in a ring of light as he is surrounded by snarling wolves while a villainous figure looms in the background would seem like a fitting design for a Wolverine or Conan comic of today. The stunning artwork of L.B. Cole alone would be enough to make this issue a revered treasure, but the addition of the rarity of the books in this run add another level of collectability to the package.
Stark and stunning deep blacks punctuated by white flakes of snow perfectly focus the viewer's attention on the yellow beasts surrounding Catman and an unconscious Kitten in their muted orange-and-red outfits. This book presents as a higher grade than its designation, as the intricacies of the design tend to mask any imperfections, particularly since black backgrounds are notorious for amplifying even the smallest of blemishes. We recommend bidders pay close attention to this important issue.
Artist Information
Leonard Brandt Cole was a comic book artist, editor, and publisher who worked during the Golden Age of Comic Books, producing work in various genres. Cole was particularly known for his bold covers, featuring what he referred to as "poster colors"—the use of primary colors often over black backgrounds. In addition to his covers, Cole did interior art for comics published by Holyoke Publications, Gilberton, and Ajax/Farrell. He also worked as an editor for Holyoke in the 1940s. Cole's comic book career started in the early 1940s, mainly as a cover artist for titles such as Suspense Comics (Et-Es-Go Magazines) and Contact Comics (Aviation Press). He soon became known for his distinctive covers: examples include the covers to Mask Comics #1, Mask Comics #2 (Rural Home), Contact Comics #12, and Captain Flight Comics #11 (Four Star Publications). An avid science fiction fan, Cole was known for slipping in sci-fi elements even when they weren't appropriate, such as rocket ships and ray guns appearing on the covers of Captain Flight Comics and Contact Comics. During this time, Cole created the character "Wiggles the Wonderworm" who appeared in five issues of Taffy Comics, published by Rural Home/Orbit Publications. In 1949, publisher Novelty Press sold its characters and artwork to Cole, who was the cover artist for Novelty's Blue Bolt Comics. Using his new assets, Cole began Star Publications, which operated from 1949 to 1955. After the closure of Star, Cole continued doing cover illustrations, many for Classics Illustrated Junior. In the early 1960s, Cole was art director and editor at Dell Comics. He gained further recognition when comic fandom grew in the late 1960s and through the 1970s. In 1981, he created a new painting that was featured on the cover of the 11th edition of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. During this same time, he began selling re-creations of his classic covers. In the early 1990s, Ernie Gerber published his two-volume Photo Journal Guide To Comic Books which featured on its covers a number of Cole's covers. As a result, the demand for Cole's work increased dramatically.