Important Filipino Comic Artist
Story Title Page for Specters of Silver Cliffs (Ghosts #37)
Publication: DC, 1975.
Notes: Original art for the first page of a story penciled and inked by Alex Niño (the writer is not identified). The plot involves two antiques pickers and the imagery borrows from the mid-1970s horror of Eerie, although toned down for DC's mainstream audience. In the large first panel (a half-splash), Niño subversively draws rocks with dark black depressions that give the impression of skulls. A skeletal hand in the foreground lends to the effect.
Jerry Weist, in The Comic Art Price Guide, described the artist's work: "Niño's bold, stylized brushwork emphasizes the fantasy elements and the action in every assignment—and every panel. His cross hatching enhances the moments when more detail is needed. As a Filipino artist, he grew up with less Walt Disney influence than his American fantasy counterparts—his work downplays conventional U.S. beauty and cuteness and may remind some fans of Edd Cartier illustrating fairy tales."
DC recruited Niño and other Filipino comic artists in the early 1970s. He worked on a number of supernatural comics before moving to Marvel and finally to Warren (publisher of Eerie) and Heavy Metal.
10-9/16 by 15-13/16 inches. Black ink, pencil, white paint, red pencil, blue pencil, red ink, and blue ink on bristol board.
Edition + Condition: Very good. Trimmed top and bottom, partially affecting editorial notations but not the image. Old original tape on the verso (back). National Periodical Publications (later DC Comics) copyright notice stamped in ink on the verso, with the date and other details filled in by hand. Not signed, as usual.
Item No: #365538
Price: $2,500