On October 5, 2018, during New York Comic Con, Metropolis Gallery will be exhibiting and offering original comic art by master Italian painter Simone Bianchi.
One of the most renowned comic artists working today, Bianchi is best known in the U.S. for his work in X-Men, Avengers, Spider-Man, Thanos, Wolverine, and Star Wars comics, as well as his signature watercolor and ink wash style. Much of the art being exhibited will be immortalized in Upper Deck’s upcoming Marvel Masterpieces trading card collection.
“Simone brings a certain aesthetic to everything he does,” said Metropolis Gallery curator and owner, Vincent Zurzolo. “It’s distinctly European, filled with dynamic tension and a distinct mood that in and of itself can only be described as Simone Bianchi.”
The Metropolis exhibit will feature more than 50 paintings from the Marvel Masterpieces 135-piece set – all on sale, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $14,000. The rest of the collection will be exhibited simultaneously in Bianchi’s hometown of Lucca, Italy.
From 1992 to 2008, release of a Marvel Masterpieces card set was a highly-anticipated comic art event that showcased the work of greats such as Greg and Tim Hildebrandt. In 2016, Marvel revived the tradition – now biennial – with a new, 100-piece card set created by Joe Jusko, who also painted the original 1992 set.
The opening reception, open to the public, will be held on October 5 from 6 PM to 9 PM. Thereafter, the exhibit is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM through the end of December.
As always, the gallery’s permanent exhibit also will be available for viewing, featuring art by iconic artists such as Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Frank Frazetta, Gil Kane, and Neal Adams, among others.
“Think about it,” says Zurzolo. “Here’s a rare chance to own an original piece of art featuring your favorite Marvel hero or villain – and it’s also a trading card, too. I’ve long been a fan of the contemporary Italian comic painters. The chance to represent Simone’s work is quite a thrill for me on a personal and professional level.”
Metropolis Gallery is located at 36 West 37th Street, 6th Floor, a 10-minute stroll from the Javits Center and Comic Con.