Heritage to Auction Famous Frazetta/Edgar Rice Burroughs Painting at Wizard World Chicago

Dallas, TX -- Heritage Comics will be offering the well-known and iconic Frank Frazetta painting "Carson of Venus" at their Wizard World Chicago 2002 Signature Auction, July 4-7.

Carson of Venus is one of Frazetta's more recognizable images, and is said to be one of Frazetta's personal favorites. It was used as the cover to the paperback of the same name, by Edgar Rice Burroughs, for Ace Books in 1973. It was also published as page 89 of Under Wood Books' 1998 Frazetta retrospective, "Icon," opposite a smaller photograph of a watercolor of the same subject that Frazetta did for the hardcover version circa 1963. Though quite different in composition, both paintings depict the title character sailing rough seas toward a rearing sea monster. But the later oil painting, which Heritage is auctioning, is far more well-known. The oil painting measures 16"x20" and has been conservatively estimated to realize $75,000 - up. http://www.heritagecomics.com/images/carson.jpg

According to the top Frazetta expert Dr. Dave Winiewicz, "The later painting is a larger, more mature work. For many years, this oil graced the wall of Frazetta's dining room!"

Frazetta himself comments on this oil versus the earlier watercolor: "The first version was too busy and a little stiff. I had a lot of detail in there that was unnecessary. When I got the chance to paint it again, I corrected the whole design. I took a lot out. The second version is far superior artistically."

Heritage is still accepting consignments for its Signature and Amazing Comics Auctions™ sales this year, to sell alongside Carson of Venus, as well as highlights from the legendary Steve Geppi, Russ Cochran and Stan Lee collections. The published deadline for Heritage's July Wizard World Chicago 2002 Signature Sale is May 10, but earlier is better, because space is limited and nearly filled. Prospective consignors are invited to call John Petty at 214-252-4392, or Ed Jaster at 214-252-4288 to discuss consigning rare comics and original art. Or if you have classic movie posters, call their movie expert Grey Smith at 214-668-6928. Or visit http://www.HeritageComics.com and click on the "consign" tab. Or simply email JPetty@HeritageComics.com or GreySm@HeritageMoviePosters.com.

Prospective bidders may pre-order the July sale catalog now for $25 (or Heritage's next 3 Signature catalogs for $50), fully refundable with any successful purchase in the auction. Visit http://www.HeritageComics.com, email your name, address & credit card info to Auctions@HeritageComics.com or phone 214-242-4242 (24-hour voicemail - simply leave your address & credit card info) to order by credit card, or mail a check to: Heritage Comics Catalog Offer, 100 Highland Park Village, 2nd Floor, Dallas, TX 75205

The July Signature catalog will mail approximately June 15.