Beschreibung:

Alex Toth Original Cover Preliminary, CRIME AND PUNISHMENT #68, "Deep Dimension" Author: [Original Comic Art] Toth, Alex Place: Publisher: Date: 1954 Description: Graphite on paper, image area 5¾x7", mounted with logo pasteover to bristol board to a size of 10¾x16½". Signed "Alexander Toth." Excellent condition, age toning to art paper. Tightly-rendered pencil preliminary by Alex Toth for Lev Gleason's Crime and Punishment #68, released at the peak of the short-lived 3D comics craze ("Deep Dimension" was Gleason's low-tech answer to 3D, with layered halftone screens simulating depth effects). The image depects two dope smugglers caught in the act by the police, with Toth's notes indicating "(Dope) package is highlighted in center." Toth's marginal notes, addressed to "Hal" (editor Harold Straubling), indicate that the finished cover art would be achieved by tracing over the pencil illustration ("Hope drawing's complete enough to make a good trace!"). A fascinating piece demonstrating Toth's skill as a draftsman, with the ancillary attractions of pre-Code drug story transgressiveness and 3D craze interest. The tightness of Toth's pencils ensure that this piece will display magnificently in a frame, and the absence of inks guarantees that the buyer is getting pure, prime Toth, unconcealed by the inks of a lesser draftsman (few inkers besides Toth himself could match the clean precision of his pencils). A limited edition of 100 softcover and 15 hardcover catalogues are available. Over 200 pages, fully illustrated. Fun reference, great keepsake. Softcovers $40, dust-jacketed hardcover with limitation plate $200. To order, contact ivan@pbagalleries.com or visit: https://www.pbagalleries.com/content/comics/. R. Crumb says, "I found [PBA's catalogue] so interesting that I am saving it for the texts that accompany the comics which were put up for auction. This is some of the best commentary I’ve yet seen on the quality of the content of comic books. I especially enjoyed the reviews of the post-war horror comics. Great. Priceless." Consignments welcome for PBA's Spring 2021 Comic Book sale. Pre-Code Horror, Golden Age and Silver Age comics, original art and ephemera sought. Send inquiries to ivan@pbagalleries.com. Lot Amendments Condition: Item number: 324249