Page 26 - Journal of Antiques and Collectibles June 2019
P. 26
D ecorating is an important factor in Action Heroes
personalizing the man cave, and this can
Superheroes have become a near-constant presence in movie
be achieved in many ways. Movie poster
theaters, accompanied by variations on the posters with single
collecting presents the opportunity to express
individual preferences with artwork that reflects character portraits and team collages. Long before the current wave
of superhero movies, some of the most beloved wearers of the cape
personality and tastes. Not only do movie posters starred in movie serials. Those early chapter posters for Superman,
offer many creative options, they also have the Captain Marvel, Batman, Captain America, and Green Hornet have
added entertainment of hunting for the perfect gorgeous painted artwork of the courageous heroes. Superman’s
showpiece or most desired expression. They are 1978 film has three enticing designs – two silver logo teasers and
easily accessible in a thriving market and can be another that shows him streaking through the sky. Batman’s movies
found in any price range, from a few dollars up to have many interesting poster designs, with the campy 1966 version,
exceptional rarities valued at six figures. the ‘89 Bat symbol, the Batman Returns Catwoman teaser, and The
Before collecting, it’s important to understand Dark Knight’s “Why So Serious” Joker image.
and identify the different poster sizes. A one-sheet From Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic
(27” x 40-41”) is the most popular size in the U.S., Universe has a few dozen poster designs for superhero fans. But,
then there are smaller ones known as half-sheets because these posters are photo-based and attempt to fit as many
(22” x 28”), and larger like three-sheets (41” x 81”) characters as possible into the space, they are not known for
and six-sheets (81” by 81”). Some of the other great artwork. Some of the better designs are on Avengers,
varieties include inserts (14” x 36”) and lobby cards Doctor Strange teaser, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 teaser, Spider-
(11” x 14”), which are made of heavier card stock. Man: Homecoming teaser, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and
These different sizes can be displayed in any man Captain Marvel.
cave from small dens to large basements.
Early Classics
GROUPING BY GENRE Early film was heavily influenced by stage productions, inspired
by plays, vaudeville, and other live performance acts that could
A collection can be as simple as a few favorites or translate to the screen. Among those dependable hits from the first
fine-tuned by theme, genre, series, director, and half of the 20th century were incredibly talented comedy teams.
star, among other focuses. Posters for these acts capitalize on their talents through
illustrations of their humorous hijinks.
Sports Laurel and Hardy posters for Another Fine Mess, Sons
Sports movie posters of the Desert, Way Out West,
typically fit into one of two Babes in Toyland, and Pardon
camps – the ones centered Us, have caricatures, cartoon
on competition and those versions, and realistic render-
that instigate laughs. In the ings that epitomize their chem-
boxing ring, the Rocky istry and charisma. The Marx
poster is a consistent hit with Brothers’ creativity can be seen
a simplistic yet inspiring on posters for classics like
design, whereas Raging Bull Animal Crackers, Duck Soup, A
is a bit more macho, empha- Night at the Opera, Monkey
sizing the lead’s grit by Business, and Horse Feathers,
showing his bruised face. which are similarly designed
Rudy is a great gridiron with caricatures of the boys in
option with a hopeful quality their signature looks. Posters for
that shows his determination. the Three Stooges bring together
The emotional side of base- their knucklehead antics and
ball can be enjoyed through physical comedy for some of
Field of Dreams, which has a their popular hits like Three Little
hopeful theme, and The Pride Beers, Playing the Ponies, Hoi
of the Yankees with a simplistic Polloi, and Plane Nuts. Abbott
design of Gary Cooper and and Costello poster designs are
Teresa Wright. Caddyshack based on the tone of their movies,
and The Bad News Bears with the straight-up comedies get-
reinforce the comedic tone of ting a circus appearance while
their movies, one showing the their horror blends take on a qual-
menacing gopher looming over ity of mystery. Some important
the cast and the other has artist Top: The Rocky poster (seen entries are The Time of Their Lives,
Jack Davis’ rendering of the here as an insert) shows the emotional center of the dramatic boxing movie. Left: Star Wars The Naughty Nineties, Abbott and
raggedy team. posters are some of the most popular among collectors, such as this style D/circus poster one-sheet. Costello Meet Frankenstein, Who
Right: The one-sheet for Batman takes a simplistic approach, focusing on the iconic Bat symbol. Done It?, and Hold That Ghost.
Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
24
personalizing the man cave, and this can
Superheroes have become a near-constant presence in movie
be achieved in many ways. Movie poster
theaters, accompanied by variations on the posters with single
collecting presents the opportunity to express
individual preferences with artwork that reflects character portraits and team collages. Long before the current wave
of superhero movies, some of the most beloved wearers of the cape
personality and tastes. Not only do movie posters starred in movie serials. Those early chapter posters for Superman,
offer many creative options, they also have the Captain Marvel, Batman, Captain America, and Green Hornet have
added entertainment of hunting for the perfect gorgeous painted artwork of the courageous heroes. Superman’s
showpiece or most desired expression. They are 1978 film has three enticing designs – two silver logo teasers and
easily accessible in a thriving market and can be another that shows him streaking through the sky. Batman’s movies
found in any price range, from a few dollars up to have many interesting poster designs, with the campy 1966 version,
exceptional rarities valued at six figures. the ‘89 Bat symbol, the Batman Returns Catwoman teaser, and The
Before collecting, it’s important to understand Dark Knight’s “Why So Serious” Joker image.
and identify the different poster sizes. A one-sheet From Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic
(27” x 40-41”) is the most popular size in the U.S., Universe has a few dozen poster designs for superhero fans. But,
then there are smaller ones known as half-sheets because these posters are photo-based and attempt to fit as many
(22” x 28”), and larger like three-sheets (41” x 81”) characters as possible into the space, they are not known for
and six-sheets (81” by 81”). Some of the other great artwork. Some of the better designs are on Avengers,
varieties include inserts (14” x 36”) and lobby cards Doctor Strange teaser, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 teaser, Spider-
(11” x 14”), which are made of heavier card stock. Man: Homecoming teaser, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and
These different sizes can be displayed in any man Captain Marvel.
cave from small dens to large basements.
Early Classics
GROUPING BY GENRE Early film was heavily influenced by stage productions, inspired
by plays, vaudeville, and other live performance acts that could
A collection can be as simple as a few favorites or translate to the screen. Among those dependable hits from the first
fine-tuned by theme, genre, series, director, and half of the 20th century were incredibly talented comedy teams.
star, among other focuses. Posters for these acts capitalize on their talents through
illustrations of their humorous hijinks.
Sports Laurel and Hardy posters for Another Fine Mess, Sons
Sports movie posters of the Desert, Way Out West,
typically fit into one of two Babes in Toyland, and Pardon
camps – the ones centered Us, have caricatures, cartoon
on competition and those versions, and realistic render-
that instigate laughs. In the ings that epitomize their chem-
boxing ring, the Rocky istry and charisma. The Marx
poster is a consistent hit with Brothers’ creativity can be seen
a simplistic yet inspiring on posters for classics like
design, whereas Raging Bull Animal Crackers, Duck Soup, A
is a bit more macho, empha- Night at the Opera, Monkey
sizing the lead’s grit by Business, and Horse Feathers,
showing his bruised face. which are similarly designed
Rudy is a great gridiron with caricatures of the boys in
option with a hopeful quality their signature looks. Posters for
that shows his determination. the Three Stooges bring together
The emotional side of base- their knucklehead antics and
ball can be enjoyed through physical comedy for some of
Field of Dreams, which has a their popular hits like Three Little
hopeful theme, and The Pride Beers, Playing the Ponies, Hoi
of the Yankees with a simplistic Polloi, and Plane Nuts. Abbott
design of Gary Cooper and and Costello poster designs are
Teresa Wright. Caddyshack based on the tone of their movies,
and The Bad News Bears with the straight-up comedies get-
reinforce the comedic tone of ting a circus appearance while
their movies, one showing the their horror blends take on a qual-
menacing gopher looming over ity of mystery. Some important
the cast and the other has artist Top: The Rocky poster (seen entries are The Time of Their Lives,
Jack Davis’ rendering of the here as an insert) shows the emotional center of the dramatic boxing movie. Left: Star Wars The Naughty Nineties, Abbott and
raggedy team. posters are some of the most popular among collectors, such as this style D/circus poster one-sheet. Costello Meet Frankenstein, Who
Right: The one-sheet for Batman takes a simplistic approach, focusing on the iconic Bat symbol. Done It?, and Hold That Ghost.
Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
24
