Smaller 10x14-7/8" artboard mounted to larger 11.75x17-3/8" Sparta illustration board has pen and ink original art by Neal Adams (1941-2022) for cover to World's Finest #209, published by DC Comics Feb. 1972. Art spotlights Mike Friedrich's "Meet The Tempter...And Die" Superman and Hawkman story and shows both heroes dangling over fire, held with puppeteer strings by the Tempter, who looms over them, larger-than-life.

"While Neal Adams is perhaps best remembered for his groundbreaking work on Batman during the Bronze Age, it bears noting that he also dipped his toes in the Metropolis pool from time to time," noted Hake's Senior Consignment Manager Mike Bollinger. "His take on the Man of Steel was just as imbued with action as his work on the Dark Knight. That vibrant depiction makes the obvious peril Superman and Hawkman have been placed in for this cover all the more eye-catching. Who could pass up this cover on the newsstand?"

The Tempter, as well as Superman, Hawkman and the roaring flames below them are all original art. The background has has extensive white correctional fluid added as the final published comic featured a printed gradient effect. The "World's Finest" logo as well as the titles/logos for Superman and Hawkman are pasted stats as are the issue's publishing indicia. Story title and "Special!" Tweedledum and Tweedledee text boxes have both been hand-lettered on separate artboard that has been custom cut and applied to main artboard. Top margin has inked title and issue/page numbers w/inked "W. Finest" title abbreviation at upper right. Bottom margin has been signed in black felt tip pen by Adams at lower right. Board has printed printer registration marks along margins. Back of artboard has DC Comics copyright and Comics Code Authority inkstamps as well as handwritten printer job notes and dated sign-off. Varying degrees of aging to pasted stats and text blocks. Left margin of smaller artboard has aged strip of masking tape with applied spine text stats. Larger artboard has some scattered tape residue at upper left and piece of clear tape at upper right (which does not affect art in any way), but main art image remains clean and VF overall. Comes with reading copy of the comic this art was produced for, signed on front cover in black felt tip pen by Adams. Lawrence Klein Collection.

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