(Stock Image)
SOLD ON: Monday, 08/27/2018 1:40 PM
This auction has ended.
PUBLISHER: EC
COMMENTS: Pg. 24; Al Williamson pencils and inks, Frank Frazetta as Fritz inks; 14.5" x 21.5"
"Fired!"
Read Description ▼
Pg. 24; Al Williamson pencils and inks, Frank Frazetta as Fritz inks; 14.5" x 21.5"
"Fired!"This is the original Al Williamson art for seven juicy panels from the Golden Age EC comic, Crime SuspenStories #17, featuring a searing pulp-fiction treatment of the "battle of the sexes." Enjoy the conclusion to the ironically titled "Fired," a story about an itinerant ranch foreman, Roy, who feels like moving on, and his female boss, Pat, who refuses to let him go. The tale supplies a graphically symbolic take on the theme of the possessive woman and the footloose man, with Pat claiming her right of ownership with the help of a hot branding iron. Could the "Circle-Diamond" brand be a Freudian substitute for a wedding ring? She appears in the penultimate frame as a spiteful femme fatale who must have revenge on those she loves. The final panel shows Roy's branded face and Pat "sobbing hysterically" with astonished ranch hands in the background. This a choice depiction of sexual tensions in the post-war era. The added kicker here is the ink work, executed by one "Fritz" aka Frank Frazetta, a name that never fails to draw hordes of attention to any piece of art he imbued with his legendary talent.
Artists Information
Frank Frazetta was an American fantasy and science fiction artist, noted for comic books, paperback book covers, paintings, posters, LP record album covers and other media. He is often referred to as the "Godfather" of Fantasy Art, and one of the most renowned illustrators of the 20th century. He was also the subject of a 2003 documentary "Painting with Fire".
Williamson is an American comic book artist who specialized in Western, Adventure, and Science Fiction/Fantasy.