Overlooked Legend

Some years back, while attending a comic-con, I watched as Joe Kubert wowed the audience, including me, with his talk and demonstrations. But also attending the con was John Severin, legendary EC/Cracked/Marvel artist. He was totally overlooked by the frenzied mob, who were busy mobbing Kubert. I sidled over and talked with Severin, who was good-naturedly bemused by the spectacle. Through the crowd Kubert waved to him. Severin knew he wasn't a star for these kids, who didn't recognize him. But I told him it was a thrill for me to be talking with him, and he seemed appreciative, and we chatted for quite a while, with him asking a lot about my artwork, even comparing notes! Wow.

A few years later I acquired these two little Severin drawings from a friend of mine who published some of Severin's work. I always enjoy seeing originals to see how the dot screens are cut and the whiteout is used, things like that, all disappearing, of course, by final print.

original King Kull drawing

printed

original Frodo Baggins drawing

printed