One of the most recognizable and successful franchises of Marvel Comics is the mutant superhero team known as the X-Men. Over the years, numerous prolific writers and artists have lended their talents to the extensive franchise. Among the most popular artists to have worked on X-Men is Dave Emmett Cockrum.
Born on November 11, 1943, Cockrum developed a passion for comic books at a young age. He went on to become a dedicated “letterhack,” with letters printed in the letter columns of Fantastic Four #22, The Amazing Spider-Man #12, The Atom #1, and Fantastic Four #36. Interestingly enough, Cockrum’s letter in Fantastic Four #34 led to a correspondence with Andrea Kline, who later became his first wife. After graduating, Cockrum joined the United States Navy for six years but always had ambitions to become a comic book creator. During his service, Cockrum contributed artwork to such fanzines as Star-Studded Comics and Fantastic Fanzine.
After leaving the military, Cockrum was hired as an assistant inker working on a variety of titles for DC Comics. Eventually, he took up the position of series artists on “The Legion of Super-Heroes” back-up in Superboy. He redefined the look of the Legion, creating new costumes and designs that would remain until a later revamp in the 1980s. Cockrum later left DC and ventured over to Marvel Comics where he began working on the new X-Men series. Alongside Len Wein, Cockrum co-created the iconic X-Men – Storm, Nightcrawler, and Colossus. These characters made their debut in Giant-Size X-Men #1 and then in a relaunched Uncanny X-Men.
Cockrum stayed with the title until 1977, where his work was praised for giving the new X-Men “a sumptuous, late ’70s cinema style that separated the book from the rest of Marvel’s line, and superhero comics in general.” He was succeeded by penciller John Byrne, but later returned to the title with #145 and remained until #164. In the late 1980s into the 1990s, Cockrum returned to the X-Universe with a four-part Nightcrawler limited series, a two-part Starjammers limited series and an X-Men short story for Marvel Holiday Special #1.
Although he passed away in 2006, Cockrum left a lasting impact on the X-Universe that continues to be seen to this day. Which is why it’s no surprise that early X-Men work by the dynamic artist remains highly coveted by collectors when it crosses the auction block. Hake’s Auctions happens to have such a piece in their current Auction #227, which is open now and closes on July 10-11, 2019.
The 11-1/2” x 17-1/2” artboard features Cockrum’s original title splash page art for X-Men Vol. 1 #95, inked by Sam Grainger. Published by Marvel Comics in 1975, the issue features the third appearance of the New X-Men (Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Banshee, and Thunderbird), led by Cyclops; as well as the death of Thunderbird. The cover depicts the imminent danger facing the X-Men after Count Nefaria’s attack at the climax of the previous issue destroyed their ship, leaving all seven mutants plummeting towards the Rocky Mountains.
This dynamic image from Chris Claremont and Cockrum’s classic run, has the “Warhunt!” story title hand-lettered at the top – although it was later altered for publication. The bottom has been signed by Cockrum in blue ink and is inscribed “Best Wishes To George.” The artboard is evenly aged and has very slight trim along left margin, with only some scattered dust soiling. Overall this piece is in great condition and offers collectors a rare chance to obtain a historic page of original art from one of the most important Bronze Age X-Men issues.
Bidding on this remarkable piece, as well as the over 2,000 featured in Auction #227, has already begun and closes on July 10-11, 2019. Head over to hakes.com to browse through further selections and get started on bidding today.
