Since the early 1970s, comic book writer, penciler, inker and editor Al Milgrom has been a staple of the comic industry. The Detroit-native started his career as an assistant to inker Murphy Anderson at Charlton Comics on such titles as Many Ghosts of Doctor Graves and Star*Reach. Milgrom later contributed to Warren Publishing and Atlas/Seaboard before officially joining Marvel Comics. During this time, Milgrom rose to prominence as a penciler on Captain Marvel from 1975 to 1977 before penciling the Guardians of the Galaxy feature in Marvel Presents.
Between 1977 and 1978, Milgrom served as an editor at DC Comics where he co-created the original Firestorm, Ronnie Raymond, with Gerry Conway. He later returned to Marvel in 1979 where he began his 10-year run as editor of Marvel Fanfare, while also editing The Incredible Hulk and designing the costumes of the U-Foes. As an artist, he drew in The Avengers, The West Coast Avengers, Kitty Pryde and Wolverine, and Secret Wars II, as well as writing the limited Mephisto series. Throughout the mid-1980s, Milgrom returned to The Incredible Hulk as writer and artist, along with penning a story arc for The Amazing Spider-Man. Together with Danny Fingeroth, the pair collaborated on The Deadly Foes of Spider-Man limited series.
The prolific inker is also known for his eight-year stint on X-Factor, in addition to inking Thor and Thunderstrike. In his later career, Milgrom worked on Captain America, Generation X, The Micronauts, and the Uncanny X-Men before inking A-Next, J2, Marvel: The Lost Generation, Thanos, and The Spectacular Spider-Man. To this day, Milgrom’s work at Marvel remains highly coveted by collectors and fans alike.
Fortunately for collectors, Hake’s Auction #228 is open for bidding and includes a piece of original art by Milgrom. The 11” x 17” artboard features Milgrom’s pen and ink original art for the cover to Captain America Vol. 1 #242. Published by Marvel in 1980, the art was inked by Klaus Janson and showcases a great battle scene with Captain America in the center. He is depicted throwing his shield, which connects with Iron Man’s head, as fellow Avengers Thor and Vision also attack while Falcon is seen chained to a wall. Captain America’s face was later altered for publication, with Milgrom covering the original art with white correctional fluid and drawing a new expressive face overtop.
This is just one of the over 2,000 exceptional pieces offered in Hake’s Auction #228. Bidding has already begun and closes on November 6-7, 2019. Head over to hakes.com to get started on bidding today.
