2000 AD Prog 17 Cover by Brian Bolland

2000 AD is a powerhouse of British comics in stories, characters and the talent it showcases in its pages. Future Shocks, Judge Dredd, Strontium Dog and Halo Jones are just some of its output that reached across the Atlantic and had a tremendous influence.

Here’s a cover from its early days by an artist in his early days.

As published.

Scan of the original art from Heritage Auctions.

I’m going to take a moment to talk about how original art is sometimes treated in the resale market. This page is in great shape for its 40-year age. Light tanning and no significant dirt or creases says it’s been handled and stored properly. The “Top Thrill Flesh” stamp was removed or fell off at some point, leaving a typical rubber cement stain. The “8p Earth Money” stat and the text balloon are original and remain affixed. The price listing and Prog text bits are possibly original, but I can’t be sure.

The 2000 AD logo, though, was added in the recent past. Someone added it either to “complete” the cover for their own enjoyment or – more likely – to increase the perceived value of the art to fetch a higher price at auction. It’s not particularly well done. The new white of the photocopy clashes with the tan of the original art, and it’s not placed accurately to the original paste-up. It’s not even a good copy of the logo.

Owners of original art would be better served by not making alterations and additions to their pieces. It’s one of the reasons I offer digital restoration and packaging services. Your original art remains untouched, and I can make a new file that will meet or exceed its original published quality.

And whether you come to me or to someone else, the point is we need to discourage efforts which actually diminish and devalue these artifacts of the pop culture we love.

Trade dress removed and art cleaned up.

Rebuilt trade dress applied.

New colour, final cover.