1949 · New York
by Arnold Drake, Leslie Waller as Drake Waller (text); Matt Baker, Ray Osrin (art)
New York: St. John Publications, 1949. Vintage maquette for the 1950 "picture novel," seen here under the working title "One Man Too Many," created by author Arnold Drake to demonstrate the proposed cover art and layout of the book.
Full provenance included, and accompanies the item.
Considered by many to be the first modern graphic novel, developed by Drake and Leslie Waller to bridge the gap between long-form fiction and comic books. The resultant book was much closer in content to pulp fiction-and described by Drake himself as "a B-Film on paper"-than to the more elaborate productions that would emerge over the course of the following decades.
Arnold Drake had a storied career in comics, including work as a co-creator of DC Comics' "Deadman" and "The Doom Patrol." He was also the co-creator of Marvel Comics' legendary "Guardians of the Galaxy."
Maquette assembled using cello tape, staples, and pages from an older comic book. Consisting of three pages, the maquette presents cover art, a rough sketch of the logo of the planned "picture novels" (an open book with a crossed paintbrush and pencil), as well as two pages demonstrating the appearance of panels in the book.
5.5 x 7 inches. Bifold. Very Good, moderately toned and edgeworn. (Inventory #: 162425)
Full provenance included, and accompanies the item.
Considered by many to be the first modern graphic novel, developed by Drake and Leslie Waller to bridge the gap between long-form fiction and comic books. The resultant book was much closer in content to pulp fiction-and described by Drake himself as "a B-Film on paper"-than to the more elaborate productions that would emerge over the course of the following decades.
Arnold Drake had a storied career in comics, including work as a co-creator of DC Comics' "Deadman" and "The Doom Patrol." He was also the co-creator of Marvel Comics' legendary "Guardians of the Galaxy."
Maquette assembled using cello tape, staples, and pages from an older comic book. Consisting of three pages, the maquette presents cover art, a rough sketch of the logo of the planned "picture novels" (an open book with a crossed paintbrush and pencil), as well as two pages demonstrating the appearance of panels in the book.
5.5 x 7 inches. Bifold. Very Good, moderately toned and edgeworn. (Inventory #: 162425)
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