Here is the published version of that previously rejected splash from THRILLING COMICS #71. You can see the many differences. It is great to see that unpublished version however.
I actually find this published version far superior. It's more dynamic, it shows the valley mentioned rather than feeling closed in like the first version, the girl's expression in the last shot reflects the text better--in short, it tells the story better. And that's what ol' Fritz was all about.
Actually, what I see here is a fundamental change of style. The published version is far more reminiscent of Frank's "funny animal" work, while the unpublished version has more of the early Johnny Comet and romance "realism." Look at Louie's feet in the large panel and the gestures in general- they're all a little exaggerated. The unpublished version, while arguably paying more attention to detail, is stiffer and more formal. And really, the detail actually gets in the way. Frank said it was a struggle sometimes not to put too much in, just to do what was important. I think this "self-editing" is what really makes his art great and it's what a lot of artists influenced by him miss. Taking a image with fewer details and composing them around a lot of negative space in an artful manner is an incredible talent to have, and he had it in spades!
Yes, clearly there is some fundamental change in approach. I wonder why? Art editor or Frank himself? Your reasoning is certainly very compelling in this regard.
Frazetta's instinctive sense of visual design was right on target the first time; both pages are effective, but the unpublished page is a much more dynamic visual design.
Thanks for putting this site together, Dave; I have been a Frazetta fan since I first saw his ERB covers in the early 1960s, and was stunned when I began seeing his work on the Warren Magazines soon after. You've offered a treasure trove of insightful posts and stunning art pieces, and I really appreciate it!
Here is the published version of that previously rejected splash from THRILLING COMICS #71. You can see the many differences. It is great to see that unpublished version however.
Looks like much more went into the unpublished version and sure most prefer the unpublished version. Wonder how old young fritz was when he did this
ReplyDeleteI actually find this published version far superior. It's more dynamic, it shows the valley mentioned rather than feeling closed in like the first version, the girl's expression in the last shot reflects the text better--in short, it tells the story better. And that's what ol' Fritz was all about.
ReplyDeleteI see they went for the clear staging over the detail. I like both, but the unpublished one is definitely more personal.
ReplyDeleteActually, what I see here is a fundamental change of style. The published version is far more reminiscent of Frank's "funny animal" work, while the unpublished version has more of the early Johnny Comet and romance "realism." Look at Louie's feet in the large panel and the gestures in general- they're all a little exaggerated. The unpublished version, while arguably paying more attention to detail, is stiffer and more formal. And really, the detail actually gets in the way. Frank said it was a struggle sometimes not to put too much in, just to do what was important. I think this "self-editing" is what really makes his art great and it's what a lot of artists influenced by him miss. Taking a image with fewer details and composing them around a lot of negative space in an artful manner is an incredible talent to have, and he had it in spades!
ReplyDeleteYes, clearly there is some fundamental change in approach. I wonder why? Art editor or Frank himself? Your reasoning is certainly very compelling in this regard.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DAVE
Frazetta's instinctive sense of visual design was right on target the first time; both pages are effective, but the unpublished page is a much more dynamic visual design.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting this site together, Dave; I have been a Frazetta fan since I first saw his ERB covers in the early 1960s, and was stunned when I began seeing his work on the Warren Magazines soon after. You've offered a treasure trove of insightful posts and stunning art pieces, and I really appreciate it!
Thank you, Cliff. I really appreciate all the support.
ReplyDeleteDAVE
For me, a simple fan,the unpublished piece it is highly erotic.Maybe this was a problem so the master put the tone down in the published piece.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit the male figure on the unpublised version looks a lot like frank. Ive read al williams used photo ref and why not!
ReplyDeleteThere is a clear resemblance, for sure.
ReplyDeleteDAVE