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Author: [Original Comic Art] Wilson, S. Clay
Title: Original CHECKERED DEMON Artwork by S. CLAY WILSON
Place Published:
Publisher:
Date Published: 1982
Description:

Original art in pen, ink and watercolor on stiff art paper, measuring 7x10", signed and dated by S. Clay Wilson, November 1982. Accompanied by original mailing envelope and letter relating to the creation and care of this artwork ("Dear Betsy.. Here's your inter-galactic hooker attempting to tempt the Checkered Demon.. Use acid-free mat.. Don't hang in direct sun-light Etc." ). Very fine condition, edges toned.

What do you do when you commission an artist to draw something charming to hang in your family home, and the finished product isn't quite what you expected? You put it in a closet for 40 years, then give it to an auction house and hope for the best. At least, that's what our consignor did.

PBA's involvement in this caper began when a chap named Peter emailed Art Spiegelman, asking if Art could suggest a buyer for his outré S. Clay Wilson original. Art replied: "Hi Peter... The two art dealers I know who could do right with this are Ivan Briggs, Director of Comics at PBA Galleries, and [redacted] at [redacted] (tho it MIGHT be too raunchy for the latter). All the best, art."

We're gratified that Art Spiegelman considers nothing to be too raunchy for the gang at PBA – thanks, Art! Sure enough, soon a message from Peter landed in PBA's Director of Comics's inbox:

"Hey Ivan, since the kids moved in we're doing a DEEP cleaning and organizing, and unearthed an S. Clay Wilson original work he did for us in 1982. Unfortunately, it's too gross even for us. It's from when he did the big show here, after which, I believe, he suffered a massive theft. But before that we wanted to buy a picture which had just been sold. He said for the same price he would do one like it. Only, the one we liked was charming and the one we got, cringe. Anyway, here it is, 5x8ish, in color, in the hand-lettered envelope in which he mailed it to us. We would like to sell it. Any suggestions?"

PBA's Director of Comics let him have it straight: "Hi Peter! The artwork is well-rendered, but the subject matter is really gross – ugh!! I'd advise an estimate of $300-500. It might sell for lots more, but offering it with a lowball reserve may incentivize reluctant bidders." And that's where you come in, dear readers, as the ultimate arbiters of auction value. What's your verdict on this piece? Money shot or shooting blanks? Chump change or ka-ching??

Enjoying the Sale? Order a fully-illustrated softcover catalogue for 30 bucks. Only about 100 copies were printed and they're going fast. To reserve a copy, contact PBA's Director of Comics: ivan@pbagalleries.com.

Consign to PBA Galleries. Our comic sales average a 98% sell-through rate, our prices realized are top-of-the-market, and our research-intensive catalogues are the best in the business. Seeking Silver Age Marvel, Golden Age superheroes, and pre-Code horror. Contact ivan@pbagalleries.com.