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Friday, February 28, 2020

Columbia University Library gets John Fantucchio's fanzine collection

John Fantucchio lived in Arlington, and was a major part of early local fandom. I was lucky enough to meet him and his wife Mary once, through Joel Pollack, and thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon with them. Click through to read the entire article and see photos.

RBML welcomes "Fandom's Fantucchio" fanzine/fan art collection

The Rare Book & Manuscript Library is delighted to announce the acquisition of the collection of the late artist John Fantucchio (1938-2016), consisting of fanzines, art, con programs, and more. We extend our profound thanks to Mary Fantucchio for her generous gift.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Auction of first part of John Fantucchio's collection closes tonight

John is survived by his wife Mary, of Arlington who is consigning these.

Closing Today: A Truly Amazing Spider-Man Run!

Among the Featured Auction lots that start closing this evening at 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific is one of the best groupings of Spider-Man comic books to ever surface within in a single auction. The selection is led by an rare Near Mint range example of Amazing Fantasy #15 (1st Spider-Man) CBCS 9.0, a strong CGC 7.5 of the same important issue, and examples from a recently coined Silver Age pedigree collection featuring Amazing Spider-Man #1 (CGC 9.0) to #52 as well as Annual #1 (and don't forget the rare Strange Tales Annual #2 in CGC 9.4 closing on a subsequent evening).

 

The headliner is the exceptional Amazing Fantasy #15 example you see to your left. Certified by CBCS at the VFNM 9.0 tier – it's got an unusually fresh look from front to back, even for a 9.0!

 

This auction offers our bidders first shot at Amazing Spider-Man #1-#52 (plus ASM Annual #1 and Strange Tales Annual #2) from the newly coined John G. Fantucchio Collection--a CGC recognized "pedigree" collection stretching back to the early Silver Age. When these were removed from the estate late last year, it was the first time, figuratively speaking, that they had seen the light of day since they were acquired off of the newsstand 50+ years ago! These high-grade books have striking visual appeal, newsstand-fresh colors and nearly all of them still have white interior page preservation. View Collection Lots

 



Thursday, February 16, 2017

Auction of John Fantucchio's comic collection begins with Spider-Man 1-50

From his widow, Mary, "The first group of John's comic books are now up for auction - Spider-man 1-50.  You can see it at www.comiclink.com/Auctions/search.asp?FocusedOnly=1&where=auctions&title=spiderman&GO=GO&ItemType=CB.  Also - for any of you who are interested, some of his superhero toys are being sold at www.hakes.com."

Monday, January 02, 2017

Deaths in the comic arts for 2016 (UPDATED)

As any reader of this blog knows, I lost my good friend Richard Thompson this past summer.  Unfortunately, a lot of other people in the field passed away as well. Here's my list from the Comics Research Bibliography, which is always greatly dependent on the work of DD Degg. Additions and corrections would be appreciated. (Updated on January 5th with more contributions by DD Degg, and John Freeman's Down the Tubes article; updated on February 1)

Deaths in 2016 included British artist Martin Aitchison, Jumble writer Michael Argirion, publisher Alvin Buenaventura, Ken Barr, comic book dealer Stephen Barrington, Universal Press Syndicate and Andrews McMeel editor William Beasley Jr., UK girls comics artist Shirley Bellwood, Ted Benoit, Bennington Banner political cartoonist Gene Blasen, editorial cartoonist Don Bloom, MAD art director Leonard Brenner, animation producer Al Brodax, Solson Publisher Gary Brodsky, Raymond Burki of Switzerland, MAD cartoonist John Caldwell, The Comic Depot store owner Darren Carrara, Tits & Clits co-founder Lyn Chevli, Jack Chick, Angel Smurf voice William Christopher, Jok Church, Darwyn Cooke, British cartoonist Bernard Cookson, Lawrence Eagle Tribune political cartoonist Al Cote Jr., New Yorker cartoonist Michael Crawford, animator Clay Martin Croker, Belgian colorist Janine “Nine” Culliford, The Simpsons' Kevin Curran, Jack Davis, British cartoonist Frank Dickens, Steve Dillon, Norman Doherty, German writer Lothar Dräger, Jerry Dumas, Don "Duck" Edwing, Mark Trail's Jack Elrod, Genevieve Elverum aka Genevieve Castree, fanzine artist John Fantucchio, Italian comic book artist Gallieno Ferri, political cartoonist Glenn Foden, comics scholar Conseula Francis, Paul Fung Jr., Studio Ghibli animator Makiko Futaki, Angel "Pat" or "Pasquale" Gabriele, animation writer Daniel Gerson, British comic book artist John Gillatt, Kenya's Edward Gicheri Gitau, animation voice Ron Glass, UK comic book writer Scott Goodall, Marcel "Gotlib" Gottlieb, New Yorker cartoonist William Hamilton, British comic book artist Wilfred “Wilf” Hardy, Belgian cartoonist René Hausman, Stowe (Vt.) Reporter cartoonist Ralph T. Heath, Dick Hodgins Jr., commercial animator Gary Hughes, "Heat Miser" animation voice George Irving, Shigeji Isojima aka Tomoe-Satoo aka Pariotto, Dallas Morning News editorial cartoonist Dick Johns Jr., British comix artist Andrew 'Andy Dog' Johnson, alternative cartoonist Jess Johnson, Greek cartoonist Yannis Kalaitzis, voice actor Marvin Kaplan, webcartoonist (and Archie inspiration) Jewel Kats, Nellie Nifty RN cartoonist Lawrence "Kaz" Katzman, Disney idea man Al Konetzni, New Yorker cartoonist Anatol Kovarsky, comic book price guide publisher Chet Krause, comic book fandom founder Richard Kyle, caricaturist and CIA officer James Lawrence, Mell Lazarus, Roger Leiner of Luxembourg, Dave's Comics store owner Dave Luebke, British cartoonist Tony Luke, Tumbleweeds gag writer Steve Mamlin, Singapore cartoonist Man Tian Fei (aka Lin Yucong), Linus Maurer, editorial cartoonist Shaw McCutcheon, Thornsby cartoonist Fred McLaren, Free for All cartoonist Brett Merhar, Benton Courier editorial cartoonist Ron Meyer, British comic writer Alan Mitchell, Mikiya Mochizuki, New Yorker cartoonist Frank Modell, Sparky Moore, Spanish comic book writer Victor Mora, Howard Munce, television's Lois Lane Noel Neill, Carlos Nine, Indian cartoonist S V Padmanabha, British comic book editor Gil Page, British comics archivist Roger Perry,British comic book letterer Derek Pierson, Paul Peter Porges, Finnish cartoonist Heikki Porkola, British small press cartoonist Stephen Prestwood, Spanish cartoonist Angel Nadal Quirch, Caliber Comics founder Gary Reed, Croatian cartoonist Oton Anton Reisinger, United Media editor Susan Reinhard, Rugrats animation voice Jack Riley, collector Ethan Roberts, Duxbury Clipper cartoonist Charles Rogerson II, Magic: The Gathering artist Christopher Rush, Paul Ryan, Gaspar Saladino, animator Morton Schindel, Augie Scotto, Clyde Shelley, Maurice 'Sine' Sinet, Marc Sleen, Spotlight Newspapers editorial cartoonist Reverend Donald W. Stake, Chuck Stiles, colorist Matthew Swift, Joe Szabo, Rev. Thom Tapp, Indian cartoonist VT "Toms" Thomas, Richard Thompson, Kelly Air Force Base cartoonist Emilio G. Torres, Don Vannozzi, Dutch cartoonist Peter van Straaten, syndicated cartoonist Fred Wagner, Judy Jetson voice Janet Waldo, Swiss-German cartoonist Hansrudi Wäscher, New Yorker cartoonist Robert Weber, comic book writer Robert E. "Bob" Weinberg, George Wildman, TV's Green Hornet Van Williams, "Cooking with Cancer's" Venus Winston, animator Tyrus Wong, Studio Ghibli's Michiyo Yasuda, Iranian cartoonist Mohammad-Rafi Zia.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

John Fantucchio's comic collection to be sold


From: Mary Fantucchio

Dear family and friends - as most of you know, John died in August of a stroke.  Please pass this on to anyone you know who might be interested.  For more information about John's work in fandom, see Aaron Caplan's website www.fantucchio.com.  




CGC recognizes a new pedigree!
CGC has recognized a new Silver Age Pedigree. The John G. Fantucchio Pedigree features nearly every comic published by Marvel and DC Comics from the inception of the Marvel era in the early 1960s through the mid-70s. Rounding out the collection are numerous other high grade comics from other publishers including Charlton, Gold Key, Dell, ACG, Tower and many others. 

"This collection was beautiful," said Paul Litch, CGC's Primary Grader, "It is a rare treat when a previously unseen collection of high grade comics becomes available to the public. It is even more rare for a collection to be recognized as a pedigree... a collection like this, cannot be denied." 

The books were collected by artist John G. Fantucchio and stored in ideal conditions. The result is a collection of beautifully preserved comics with amazing color and page quality. John had been a serious collector since the 1940's and was an adult at the beginning of the Silver Age.  These books had been stored for decades until being viewed by Rick Lowell of Casablanca Comics.

"I had known about these books for years, but nobody had ever seen them"  says Lowell. "I was unsure what I was going to find and as I unpacked them I was amazed at the quality. I was also stunned at how complete the collection is." 

John Fantucchio was one of the most prominent artists during the early days of comic fandom. He created hundreds of covers and illustrations for fanzines such as Rocket's Blast Comic Collector, Fantastic Fanzine, Comic Crusader and many others. John also did covers for the early issues of The Buyer's Guide for Comic Fandom, including the very first issue. 

"It has been over eight years since we've brought out an original owner collection dating back to the early Silver Age of comics with depth like this," stated Josh Nathanson, Founder and CEO of ComicLink.  "There is a distinct beauty in looking at book after book with a homogeneous look and feel, having been stored in the same place in the same way for decades.  It's one of the perks of this job that I relish.  I'm thrilled that ComicLink is working with Rick to disperse the collection into the hands of today's collectors.  We've decided that Amazing Spider-Man will be the first title to be offered, within the ComicLink.com Winter Featured Auction commencing on February 15th.  I'm looking forward to the event!"
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Friday, August 05, 2016

Fanzine and fine artist John Fantucchio has died

Fantucchio's art, possibly for Gary Groth's first Metro Con

It's being reported on Facebook that Arlington's John Fantucchio passed away yesterday, August 4th, at age 78. He was at Virginia Hospital Center after suffering a stroke.

Big Planet Comics founder Joel Pollack writes, "John Fantucchio was my mentor when I was 16. He taught me about the great strip artists Alex Raymond and Hal Foster, as well as illustrators such as Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, and Howard Pyle. I'm happy that we rekindled our friendship in the last five years."

Joel noted that Fantucchio's influence wasn't limited to him. "John's nephew, Rick Lowell, owns Casablanca Comics, Maine's coolest comics stores!, in Portland, ME, and counts John as a mentor, as well." Fantucchio eventually left the fan community and made a name for himself as a fine artist.

Joel took me to meet John, who coincidentally lived right around the corner from Richard Thompson, and we had a great time looking at his paintings and his collectibles. John had a fondness for the Shadow just like me. He wasn't all that interested in revisiting his fanzine days, so we never did an interview, but he does have several mentions on ComicsDC, mostly about his later career.

John is survived by his wife Mary.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

June 1: John Fantucchio art exhibit opening

From: Mary Fantucchio:


"John G. Fantucchio will have three paintings on display in Alexandria at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery. We'd like to invite you to the opening reception - food and drinks will be served. Come and meet John on Friday, June 1, 7 - 10. The title of the show is 'Art On the Edge.' It's an all experimental art exhibit. His stuff may look like something you'd find hanging in the lounge on the Starship Enterprise - but sorry, no comic book artwork. The address is 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301-1124. Their phone number is 703-838-4827."

For those joining us late, John is a comics fanzine artist of the 1960s who turned to fine art and teaching.



Sunday, May 20, 2012

June 1: John Fantucchio in Art On The Edge

From: Mary Fantucchio:

John G. Fantucchio will have three paintings on display in Alexandria at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery.   We'd like to invite you to the opening reception - food and drinks will be served.   Come and meet John on Friday, June 1, 7 - 10.  The title of the show is 'Art On the Edge.'  It's an all experimental art exhibit.  His stuff may look like something you'd find hanging in the lounge on the Starship Enterprise - but sorry, no comic book artwork.  The address is 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301-1124.  Their phone number is 703-838-4827.

For those joining us late, John is a comics fanzine artist of the 1960s who turned to fine art and teaching.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Fantastic Fanzine featuring locals Groth and Fantucchio

Gary Groth's 1969 Fantastic Fanzine #10 is featured here. #15 is here.  Groth lived in the DC area at the time and John Fantucchio is in both issues and mentioned in the column too. John's also featured here as well.

Friday, January 13, 2012

John Fantucchio's 1967 Rocket Blast 7 fanzine cover

Check it out here:

Parente,William.  1967.
The End of an Era [EC Comics].
Rocket's Blast Special (7): 1-8.
Scans online at  http://randomactsofgeekery.blogspot.com/2012/01/fandom-library-rbcc-special-7-screen.html

John's got artwork on exhibit in Alexandria now.

Monday, January 09, 2012

PR: John Fantucchio at Apocalyptic Adventure

You are cordially invited to the most controversial art exhibit in the metropolitan area!  The theme this month is "Artist Warriors Post Apocalyptic Adventure."  Artists imagine themselves surviving in the landscape of a post Apocalyptic world.  John G. Fantucchio has three paintings which have the art community stirring.  This veteran artist of Arlington will be at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery Sunday, January 22,  from 12 noon to 3 p.m.   The address is 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301-1124.  John found paintings by his fellow artists thought provoking and of such intense quality that he bought one himself for his personal collection.  If you are a Sci-Fi fan, a mystery lover, a graphic novel enthusiast, and an EC connoisseur, you dare not miss this exhibit.  Each work of art will grab you by the throat, and you'll try to say 'I want to see more!'  John will be there to answer your questions.  Each of his paintings is rendered in a different medium: pastel, thick and juicy acrylic, and marvelous mixed media.  Collectable post cards are also available while they last.  Save them, and after Doomsday they'll be worth a small fortune.  Looking forward to seeing you, and please bring a friend.  

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Dec 9: John Fantucchio at Del Ray Artisans December Show

Passing this along from John...

The Del Ray Artisans Exhibit for the month of
December  theme is 'It's All About the Little Things' - December 9 - 18, 2011.  The Del Ray Artisans Gallery is located at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA., 22301-1124.  Opening reception is Friday, December 9, 7 - 10 p.m.  Fantucchio will be there for the reception.  He will have three 8:" by 10" paintings showing the versatility of this prolific artist's range - three completely different approaches, all very thought-provoking and priced for the holidays at way under $200 each.   Bring a friend or two.  Mouth-watering food and drink will be served.  A unique opportunity to meet other patrons of the arts, and a good time to talk with John and ask him questions about his recent works.  If you're not able to attend the reception, John will also make a special appearance on Saturday, December 17, 12:30 - 3:30.  (Sorry, no food or drinks at this time.)  Now is the time to corner him on the meanings of his works. 

Thursday, August 25, 2011

PR: JOHN G. FANTUCCHIO CANCELS HIS SHOWING AT GLEN ECHO

Approximately a week ago you received an invitation to view John G. Fantucchio's two paintings to be shown at the 41st Annual Labor Day Art Show at Glen Echo in Maryland.  Due to unexpected circumstances, John and his paintings will not be there.  He's still in pretty good health.  Glen Echo's still a great place to visit and have a picnic and view the paintings of other artists.  Sorry if this is an inconvenience; but the good news is John's paintings will be at the Del Ray Artisan's exhibit for the month of September, beginning September 2 – October 2, 2011.  John G. Fantucchio will be there for the reception, and will also make a special appearance on Sunday, September 18, 12:30 – 3:30.  Looking forward to seeing you there.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

PR: JOHN G. FANTUCCHIO, ARTIST, WILL HAVE PAINTINGS ON EXHIBIT AND FOR SALE

John G. Fantucchio, former comic fanzine cartoonist, ex-CIA illustrator, award winning designer and fine artist, is exhibiting paintings this fall. Here’s the PR:

JOHN G. FANTUCCHIO, ARTIST, WILL HAVE PAINTINGS ON EXHIBIT AND FOR SALE IN TWO EXCITING SHOWS IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER


Number 1:

You are cordially invited to an art exhibit and sale.  The Del Ray Artisans Exhibit for the month of September theme is 'Retakes & Transformations . . . Art From Everyday Life' - September 2 - October 2, 2011.  The Del Ray Artisans Gallery is located at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA., 22301-1124.  Opening reception is Friday, September 2, 7 - 10 p.m.  John G. Fantucchio will be there for the reception.  John will have two paintings - one is titled 'Phil and Mac,' and the other is titled ' The Edge of Truth.'  These have two completely different approaches and different media, and both are thought-provoking and haunting paintings.  Other paintings by Del Ray artists will also be on exhibit and for sale.  Bring a friend.  Mouth-watering food and drink will be served.  A unique opportunity to meet other patrons of the arts, and a good time to talk with John and ask him questions about his works.  If you're not able to attend the reception, John will also make a special appearance on Sunday, September 18, 12:30 - 3:30.  Now is the time to corner him on the hows and meanings of his works.  Looking forward to seeing you there. 


 Number 2:

You are cordially invited to the 41st Annual Labor Day Art Show at Glen Echo Park in the Spanish Ballroom, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812.  John G. Fantucchio will be there Sunday, September 4, 2011, between 12 and 3 p.m.  John will have two paintings on exhibit.  One is titled 'Aerea Fresca,' a large mixed media painting; the other is also a mixed media, titled 'Ayuh, Maine.'  These will both give you a breath of fresh air, and you'll want to touch the beautifully textured surface - but don't!  John says 'touch with your eyes only.'   They are not behind glass, and both are appropriately framed.  You will find John in the Spanish Ballroom exhibit hall at Glen Echo Park.  If you don't remember what John looks like, he's about 6 feet tall, losing his hair, and has a gray beard - very much like Monte Woolley in the old time movie ' The Man Who Came To Dinner.' Refreshments may be purchased outside the ballroom, and if you want to relax, you can always jump on to the carousel.  You may bring a picnic lunch - there are picnic tables.  Great for kids and the young at heart.  Bring a camera.  Many other paintings by local artists will be on display.  This is a good time to see John and talk art with him.  If you haven't been to Glen Echo before, or if it's been a while, bring your spouse and kids, a friend - you owe yourself a nice cool day off.  Looking forward to seeing you there. 


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Fanzine turned fine artist John Fantucchio in U.S.A. Art Show through this week

Sorry for the short time left in this - a computer virus crippled my machine recently.

This is a courtesy reminder of John Fantucchio's art exhibit and sale at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA., 22301-1124.  The artwork is inspired by U. S. people, places, and/or things.  He has two exciting paintings - one reminiscent of the good old days, and the other is a futuristic trek to a far distant world painted with electrifying colors, which will dazzle the senses and take you one strop beyond.  Many paintings by other Del Ray artists are also on exhibit and for sale.  Any questions, call 703-237-6887.  The exhibit will run until Friday, July 22, 2011.