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Marvel | Superheroes 2013

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Marvel | Superheroes 2013

S U P E R H E R O E S

A co l l e c t i on o f l i m i t e d e d i t i on art O F i con i c com i c book cov e rs s i gn e d by Stan L e e

STAN L E E b. 1922

Stan Lee is an iconic American comic book writer, editor and former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. In collaboration with several comic book artists, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, the Silver Surfer, The Avengers and many other fictional characters. Stan Lee is credited with introducing complex characters; characters that were not just the archetypal all American superhero, but those that had their demons, those that might, if pushed, lose their temper, or perhaps even become unwell – making them much more human and easier to identify with. This type of characterisation and story-telling had rarely been seen in the industry before. Stan Lee led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation during an era now referred to as the Marvel Revolution. Stan Lee’s Marvel Revolution extended beyond the characters and storylines, to the way in which comic books engaged the audience and created a community between the readers and the creators. Additionally, he pioneered and advocated the use of comic books to comment on social issues of the time, including bigotry, injustice and discrimination. This got him into some hot water with the rather conservative Comics Code Authority but Lee wouldn't yield, he continued to pursue what he believed in and what he knew his audience craved; thus the code changed. In summary, Stan Lee and his collaborations with some

of the greatest comic book artists ever to have lived, changed the game. In 1984, Stan Lee was awarded The National Medal of Arts by the United States Congress, the highest honour awarded to an individual artist in the United States. Previous recipients include Georgia O'Keefe, William de Kooning, Robert Motherwell, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein and Bob Dylan.

SUP E RH E RO E S

Washington Green proudly presents the second instalment to Superheroes, a portfolio of iconic comic book covers, masterminded by the legendary Stan Lee. This collection of twelve limited editions celebrates some of the most iconic characters ever to come out of Lee’s reign at Marvel. Chosen, curated and signed by Stan Lee himself, we present Spider-Man, The Hulk and The Avengers. Penned and inked by some of the greatest artists to emerge from the comic book industry, these iconic covers pay homage to some of the most influential characters that have dominated our society over the many years of Stan Lee’s time at Marvel. The comic book has stood the test of time, as relevant today as ever, and there is much to be said for the life lessons and moral teachings that can be found behind the capes. The popularity of these iconic characters goes beyond the appeal of their special talents, they tapped into a need from society, an inherent demand for a figure of inspiration, someone to look up to, a role model for an ever pressured society fraught with worry. Humanity today is certainly in want of credible role models. Driven by our media obsession, all too often we so freely give this title to sports personalities and stars from the music and film industry. What defines a hero? What makes a role model? It is not surprising that devoid of real human idols, we have carried these fictional comic characters with us year after year, as beacons of hope in an ethically-challenged world. Though Stan Lee never set out to make political comment with his comics, his characters faced the same challenges that we as readers deal with in society today. Influenced by the world around him there are obvious connotations to be found in the

characters and communities that he created. It is often suggested that the Hulk came about as a reaction to war, and provided a disturbing embodiment of the societal fears of a nuclear age. Spider-Man addressed issues of personal identity and social acceptance through a universally relatable character in Peter Parker, and The Avengers championed the individual over the government; the renegade outsiders pulling together for the good of mankind. Rather than to provide whimsical escapism through his stories, Stan Lee stood up to a society that was afraid to push boundaries, holding up a mirror to its problems and waning moral compass. There is a long-established heritage for this form of communicative art, with sequential art predating comics by thousands of years. From cave paintings to Egyptian hieroglyphs, Roman monuments to historic textile tapestries, there has always been a need for art which represents human triumph, struggle, trial and tribulation. Communicating the very essence of character, Superheroes stands graphic novels alongside these artistic outpourings, elevated by fantasy but grounded by the true essence of human nature. This new collection demonstrates the eternal power of the comic book world and celebrates the cultural significance of some of the world’s greatest ever role models. A comic can inspire, elevate, condemn, divide, unite and revolutionise. Through the application of pen and ink a comic can be as socially reflective as any political discussion, as emotive as any gallery masterpiece, as uniting as any sporting championship and as relied upon as any religious tome. Whilst there are questions left unanswered, divisions left adrift, and insecurities left unresolved, there will always be comics, and there will always be capes.

The Amazing Spider-Man - PORTFOLIO OF FOUR Paper Edition - Image Size 24" x 16½" | Paper £1,750 | Framed £2,750 Boxed Canvas Edition - Image Size 40" x 27½" | Unframed £2,950 | Framed £3,950

The Avengers - King-Size Special #2 Limited Edition Giclée of 295 | Image Size 24" x 16½" | Framed £695

Limited Edition Boxed Canvas of 195 | Image Size 40" x 27½" | Unframed £750 | Framed £995 Framed giclée print presentation style shown here | Cover art by John Buscema and Frank Giacoioa

The MIGHTY AVENGERS - PORTFOLIO OF FOUR Paper Edition - Image Size 24" x 16½" | Paper £1,750 | Framed £2,750 Boxed Canvas Edition - Image Size 40" x 27½" | Unframed £2,950 | Framed £3,950

The Incredible Hulk #105 - This Monster Unleashed! Limited Edition Giclée of 295 | Image Size 24" x 16½" | Framed £695 Limited Edition Boxed Canvas of 195 | Image Size 40" x 27½" | Unframed £750 | Framed £995 Framed boxed canvas presentation style shown here | Cover art by Marie Severin and Frank Giacoia

The Incredible Hulk #307 Limited Edition Giclée of 295 | Image Size 24" x 16½" | Framed £695

Limited Edition Boxed Canvas of 195 | Image Size 40" x 27½" | Unframed £750 | Framed £995 Framed giclée print presentation style shown here | Cover art by Mike Mignola and Steve Leialoha

The INCREDIBLE HULK - PORTFOLIO OF FOUR Paper Edition - Image Size 24" x 16½" | Paper £1,750 | Framed £2,750 Boxed Canvas Edition - Image Size 40" x 27½" | Unframed £2,950 | Framed £3,950

SUPERHEROES - BOXED SET OF THREE PORTFOLIOS Paper Edition - Image Size 24" x 16½" | Paper £4,950 | Framed £7,950 Boxed Canvas Edition - Image Size 40" x 27½" | Unframed £8,500 | Framed £11,500

S U P E R H E R O E S

The images contained within this literature are an artistic representation of the collection. To best experience our art, we recommend you contact your local gallery to arrange a viewing. © Washington Green 2013. The content of this brochure is subject to copyright and no part can be reproduced without prior permission. washingtongreen.co.uk