Featuring the epic conclusion to Frank Miller’s classic Dark Knight Returns storyline, VaultCollectibles is pleased to offer our exclusive Dark Knight III: The Master Race retail sketch variant cover by acclaimed comics artist Aaron Lopresti. By special arrangement with the artist, we are offering this signed copy as part of a limited number of autographed copies. This is DC’s very first entry into the store-exclusive variant market and we’re excited to be a part of this milestone, especially given the historical significance of The Dark Knight Returns to the comics industry.
The original Dark Knight mini-series, one of the most consistently top ranked Batman stories ever, is credited with inspiring an entire generation of comic creators. And its conclusion features a dream-team of top creative legends that promises to make DKIII the biggest comics event of the year, including the return of both Frank Miller and Klaus Janson. They are joined by acclaimed writer Brian Azzarello and fan-favorite artist Andy Kubert.
Our VaultCollectibles variant features Lopresti’s take on the classic scene from the original Dark Knight Returns where Batman, on horseback, inspires the citizens of Gotham as they face the aftermath of the nuclear generated EMP.
Lopresti, a fan-favorite artist, has illustrated such popular characters as the X-Men, Hulk, Wonder Woman, and Superman. On Batman, he has illustrated the Caped Crusader for DC on such titles as Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, the Batgirl #38 Flash 75th Anniversary variant cover (featuring Lopresti’s cover swipe of the iconic Detective Comics #359), the New 52 Justice League International, “Batman: Year Zero” in Catwoman, as well as in Batman’s flagship title, Detective Comics.
In stock and ready to ship. Please note- the signature is real. It is the actual, hand-signed signature of Lopresti. It is not a copy, print or pre-printed image on the comic. It is strictly limited to only 3,000 produced and is exclusive to VaultCollectibles. Condition is VF. Signature may vary as to location signed, type of pen used, etc., but is clear, not smudged, etc.
Our first DC Exclusive!
VaultCollectibles is pleased to be a part of the conclusion to one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novels of all time. It's a an exciting project for us and we are pleased to partner with DC Comics on such an historic event. In mid-October, we had the pleasure of meeting up with both the VaultCollectibles variant cover artist, Aaron Lopresti, and Frank Miller himself at the 2015 New York Comic Con. Check out these photos from the convention that feature Aaron with his original cover and Frank autographing the artwork. Plus, check out our our video interview on Facebook with Aaron on the NYCC convention floor where he discusses the creation process of his DKIII cover and the influence of the original Dark Knight Returns series.
~Certificate of Authenticity/Provenance:
Excepting pack-pulled autograph trading cards, CGC Signature Series, signed Sideshow prints, and like collectibles, all autographed items Vault Collectibles sells were personally witnessed, by myself, being signed by the writer, artist, or celebrity in question. No third party is involved. Further, art sketches - and most published original art I sell - were obtained directly from the artist themselves.
For buyers desiring this guarantee in written form, this statement guarantees that the above referenced item is as stated in the listing description. A screen capture of the completed auction page, which includes this statement of provenance, may be saved by the buyer as a digital file or print off in hardcopy form. As this serves as written proof of said guarantee, no physical documentation will be included in the package when the item is mailed.
J. Brian O’Bryant
VaultCollectibles
dba as empire.auctions