Unused Clown Painted Cover or Splash from 2000 AD (1993) by Greg Staples
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1993
Greg Staples is one of the definitive artists for 2000 AD, helping cement the publication as one of the go-to's for adventurous sequential art and storytelling. Staples' rendition here of The Clown, who writer Igor Goldkin describes as "a sad, stupid character to whom horrible things happen which transforms him into a twisted ludicrously psychopath bent on murderous revenge" is absolutely gorgeous. Staples' use of pen to lay out the piece provides a unique texture which is really only visible in the original art, most apparent in the areas he crosshatched. His painting is stunning, with rich colors and incredible detail that give the piece an unrivaled sense of depth.
Per the Fleetway stamp on the back of the page, it appears that this piece was slated for use in Prog 860, although the piece does not appear there. Staples contributed two chapters of the Clown's second story in Progs 877 and 878, as well as the 1994 2000 AD Yearbook and this piece (unfortunately) does not appear in any of them. Ink and paint on art board. 11 3/4" x 14 1/4".
