Greg Goldstein's Comic Art Gallery

Ernie Colon & Al Williamson — A New Hope

Original Art and The Artists

Droids #8, June 1987

Original Marvel Comics Star Wars comic book art by Ernie Colon & Williamson from the collection of Greg Goldstein

George Lucas thought SF comics legend Al Williamson (EC, Flash Gordon) was an ideal choice to draw the original Marvel adaption of Star Wars. (Now officially titled Chapter IV: A New Hope.)

Unfortunately, Al was locked into his deal for the Secret Agent Corrigan newspaper strip and couldn’t take the gig.

(Fortunately for George, his other choice came through: Howard Chaykin, who was extraordinarily familiar and comfortable with SF and swashbuckling came on board for the adaptation and a few additional issues. But, as always, we digress.)

Al ultimately ended up doing wonderful adaptations of both Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The stories are gorgeous.

But… Al gets another shot on the original film, when, 10 years after the fact, Marvel decides to adapt A New Hope again — this time as a three-part story in the kids’ comic, Droids. 

Ernie Colon provides lovely storytelling, and Williamson provides his beautiful inks, giving him credits on all three Star Wars original trilogy films.

As for the story itself — the main selling point is that this adaptation is told from the Droids’ point of view — which seems odd, since Lucas told interviewers that the films were told from the Droids’ POV, in the first place.

Deja Vu all over again?

Jeffrey Brown — Dad Jokes For Star Wars Fans

Original Art and The Artists

Star Wars: Vader’s Little Princess, 2013

Here are two wonderful cartoons from Jeffrey Brown’s delightful Star Wars “kid’s” books. Kids is in quote marks, because honestly the jokes play even better with adults, especially those that have seen the films multiple times.

I acquired two of the originals, because, well, I have two kids, and they may want souvenirs from my art collection. (Adults now actually, but still my “kids.” Oops, more quote marks.)

Not to mention that they are beautifully done, and I would probably acquire more if they weren’t so pricey.

Come to think of it that might apply to the kids, as well as the art.

Don’t them I said that.

From the Publisher:

“Darth Vader is learning that being a Sith lord and dedicated father to Princess Leia isn’t quite so easy…

In this irresistibly funny follow-up to the breakout bestseller Darth Vader and Son, Vader—Sith Lord and leader of the Galactic Empire—now faces the trials, joys, and mood swings of raising his daughter Leia as she grows from a sweet little girl into a rebellious teenager. Smart and funny illustrations by artist Jeffrey Brown give classic Star Wars moments a twist by bringing these iconic family relations together under one roof. From tea parties to teaching Leia how to fly a TIE fighter, regulating the time she spends talking with friends via R2-D2’s hologram, and making sure Leia doesn’t leave the house wearing only a skirted metal bikini, Vader’s parenting skills are put hilariously to the test.”

Klaus Janson — The Apprentice

Original Art and The Artists

Star Wars Annual #3, 1983

Original Star Wars Comic Book art by Klaus Janson, from the collection of Greg Goldstein

1983 was a busy year for Star Wars… and Klaus Janson.

Janson pencils, inks, and colors a terrific looking stand-alone Star Wars annual which releases in the summer. At the same time, he’s inking and penciling over Frank Miller’s layouts on Miller’s legendary Daredevil run. (Ultimately penciling and inking four issues on his own.)

On the Lucasfilm front, Return of The Jedi releases in May 1983, concluding the original trilogy — with the gazillion licensed products that follow suit. (The Jedi adaptation from Marvel is released as a separate series, in addition to the monthly Star Wars ongoing comic book.)

The first three pages of this Star Wars annual came up for auction late last year and fortunately, I snagged one.

Russ Manning — Star Wars, Sunday Best

Original Art and The Artists

Star Wars Sunday Strip, #39, December 12, 1979

Russ Manning Star Wars Original Comic Strip Art From The Collection of Greg Goldstein

I finally checked off a piece of art from my OA “bucket list” with the acquisition of this terrific Russ Manning Star Wars Sunday strip late last year.

I own some great Star Wars original art, but not much focusing on Leia, so I’m especially pleased I won this strip at auction. Coincidentally, I was the underbidder the previous time it had appeared at auction — second time is the charm, apparently.

When we had the opportunity to collect the complete Star Wars strip collection at IDW Publishing, it was yet another box checked off from the publishing bucket list. Dean Mullaney and the Library of American Comics (LOAC) crew produced (as always) an amazing three-volume set.

Welcome to Star Wars “month.”  May the force be with you throughout.

Did your newspaper make room for the full strip, or the “abridged” version, featuring Sundays without the top tier?

Nestor Redondo — Birds Of Paradise

Original Art and The Artists

Rima, The Jungle Girl #6, March 1975

Original comic art, Nestor Redondo, Rima --- from the collection of Greg Goldstein

Dear DC, 

Please collect the short-lived Bronze Age series, Rima The Jungle Girl, featuring gorgeous art from Nestor Redondo* in his prime. It might not be a best-seller, but fans in the know will thank you profusely will their support. 

Trust me on this.

Your pal,

Greg

(No scan or photo will do real justice to this dazzling splash page featuring dozens of exotic and detailed tropical birds.

*Joe Kubert layouts, Redondo pencils and inks.

Frank Thorne —Emperor Of Doom

Original Art and The Artists

Savage Sword of Conan #23, October 1977

Frank Thorne original comic art featuring Red Sonja --- from the collection of GREG GOLDSTEIN

Here’s a gorgeous and splashy Frank Thorne washtone page from a terrific Red Sonja story published in the black and white Savage Sword of Conan magazine.

Thorne is one of those artists that I enjoyed as a kid but did not fully appreciate until much later. Excellent draftsmanship, storytelling, and an imaginative sense of design.

And, of course, beautiful women. That part was always obvious.

I acquired this page earlier this year at OAX. Paid too much for it.

But not sorry about it.

George Perez — Avengers & JLA, Assemble!

Original Art and The Artists

Avengers / JLA #4, May 2004

George Perez Original Art, JLA / Avengers --- from the collection of Greg Goldstein

Captain Marvel fighting alongside… Captain Marvel? Only on this great battle page by the legendary George Perez from the Justice League / Avengers crossover that took more than 20 years to make happen.

And, appropriately, 2024 is the 20th anniversary of its publication. Twenty years ago? How on Earth (1,2, or 616) did that happen?

(Thanks to pal and super collector Michael Lovitz for parting with this one.)

Jordi Bernet — Darkly Masterful

Original Art and The Artists

Torpedo Collection Volume #3 (IDW Publishing, US), April 2011

Jordi Bernet, original Torpedo 1936 art page --- from the collection of Greg Goldstein

On each page of Torpedo, the much-lauded Spanish graphic novel series, artist Jordi Bernet provides a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. 

Bernet transports us into the gritty, noir-infused world of 1930s New York City. His stylized art captures the essence of the era, from smoky back alleys to sleek underworld nightclubs. Even Central Park provides no respite from the grit and violence.

Torpedo is not for everyone; The “hero” is a ruthless hitman — and the term misogynist doesn’t begin to define his violent approach to women. Writer Sanchez Abuli often pushes the envelope too far, which is why Alex Toth, the original artist of the series, bolted.

But Bernet’s art? Always terrific.

Howard Chaykin — ‘Round About Midnight

Original Art and The Artists

Midnight Men #4, September 1993

Howard Chaykin, Original Art page from Midnight Men #4, from the collection of Greg Goldstein

Never let a great idea go to waste.

Howard Chaykin turned an unused Batman pitch into an imaginative new series for the extremely short lived “Heavy Hitters” imprint from Marvel/Epic in 1993.

I’ve seen most of the original art for this title, and each page is beautiful: Great storytelling, terrific draftsmanship, and a generous use of deep India ink and screen tone for depth and effect.  He worked his ass off on these pages, and it shows.

Bonus: Great lettering, as always, by John Workman.

Honestly, the only thing I don’t like about the series is the coloring (not by Howard), but hey, it was the 90s.

The four-issue series has never been collected, but individual issues typically turn up in dollar bins, and are worth seeking out.

Remember, you can’t kill the Midnight Men.

I’m sure I’ve used this photograph elsewhere, but, we are pals, and I like it. Sue me.