The Ephemerist

LA-based Gallery 1988 is showing some paintings and other works by fine artists and illustrators, based on the characters that Stan “The Man” Lee at least helped create. There are some amazing works among this Stan Lee Tribute Artwork.

I partiucularly liked Nate Frizzel’s Spider-man evocation (above, aptly called “True Believer”), since it beautifully encapsulates the effect superhero comics, and heroic stories in general, can have on a youthful mind (no age specified). Evan B. Harris‘ Spider-Man (below) appeals to my weakness for “What if” stories - what if Spider-Man was some kind of exotic creature found in the deep jungle of India, and then brought round to London ? I Like it.

Add to :

These promotional card sheets were for sets that Marvel published themselves in 1994, about the Marvel universe in general, and Spider-Man in particular. I particularly like the way the cards on the second sheet match like a jig-saw puzzle.

Read the rest of this entry »

Add to :

In the mid-1990, when trading cards were a vital part of the comics retail business, promotional sheets for new card sets were quite common in magalogs like Previews. These sheets were typically printed on the same cardstock as the actual cards, and featured the same special features (foil printing, embossing, etc.)

The sheets presented here were for several Fleer Ultra sets, dating from 1994 and 1995. I’m presenting these sheets here because they are quite cool, in my opinion, even though I’ve moved beyond them. They are for sale, by the way.

Read the rest of this entry »

Add to :

Not the most original of ideas, but I kinda like the naive quality to the illustrations.  From Ads of the World, as ever.

Add to :

King Kong and Tarzan seem to have the same problem (see Ads of the World) .

Add to :

Spider-Man and Catwoman advertise for Chech bookstore Shakespeare And Sons . A campaign by Publicis, with illustrations credited to Petr Herold, Sattons (but no copyright information on the characters in sight).

Ads of the world provides more info on the books (quoted) :

Spiderman is reading book BEETLES. It is a classic and timeless childrens book written by Jan Karafiat in 1867. It tells stories of a young beatle from his birth to falling love and other adventures and challenges that life brings. It describes wonderfully the psychological growth of a young being and all that one sees and learns about the world.

CatWoman is reading book ALL ABOUT DOGGIE AND PUSSYCAT. It is a chlidrens book by Josef Lada known and loved by generations of children and their parents. All of their stories and adventures relate to their living together and all the things they experience. From keeping the house to making a cake.

(via 2WENTY 4OUR)

Add to :

Merchandising gone absolutely haywire : the Mr Potato Head - Spider Spud Red. I didn’t like the “red vs black” thing the first time around, and I don’t like it now.

Add to :

Julian Beever is a pavement artist par excellence. His trompe l’oeuils are simply awesome. Here are two examples, featuring Spider-Man and Batman. Be sure to check out the rest of his site !

Add to :