We feature many NEIL GAIMAN comic books, graphic novels, prose books and collectibles in our stores. One of the most interesting items is NOODLES, an Out of Print Sketchbook by popular Sandman artist Michael Zulli.
The book not only features an introduction written by Gaiman, but is most notable because there is an entire section of sketches based on Gaiman and Zulli's "Lost" Graphic Novel SWEENEY TODD. Based on the macabre story of "The Demon Barber of Fleet Street".
This gem was published by Kevin "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Eastman's wildly experimental TUNDRA publishing company in 1991 as a series of Sketchbooks featuring work by alternative and underground comic book artists. Soon after it was published, Tundra went bankrupt and this paperback artbook remains Out of Print.
SWEENEY TODD was to be a serialized comic book story beginning with volume 7 of the legendary TABOO Graphic Novel horror anthologies. TABOO was self published for most of it's run by STEVE BISSETTE, best known as one of the primary artists on ALAN MOORE's revolutionary SWAMP THING run. TABOO was where Moore and EDDIE CAMPBELL serialized their Jack the Ripper story FROM HELL, which eventually was collected into a highly acclaimed Graphic Novel and adapted into a movie starring JOHNNY DEPP. Depp of course would also star in the adaptation of STEPHEN SONDHEIM's musical version of SWEENEY TODD.
Only one installment of Gaiman's and Zulli's SWEENEY TODD ever saw print before TABOO ended it's run (also due to the collapse of Tundra). TABOO Volume 7 ran a prologue story which featured Gaiman himself researching the historical context for SWEENEY TODD. There was also a SWEENEY TODD "Penny Dreadful" published, a 16 page promotional pamphlet that accompanied TABOO Volume 6.
One can only imagine how wonderful and creepy Gaiman's and Zulli's SWEENEY TODD Graphic Novel would have been if it had ever been completed and collected. Although there appears to be no plans for Gaiman or Zulli to complete this work, we can always hope and dream. After all, another "Lost" Graphic Novel from TABOO was recently completed and published... ALAN MOORE's and MELINDA GEBBIE's LOST GIRLS!
In regards to NOODLES. This sketchbook also contains many other highlights from MICHAEL ZULLI's career. There are animal sketches for his earliest indie comic book, the eco-fable PUMA BLUES. HP LOVECRAFT illustrations. Sketches for another "Lost" comic book based on the LITTLE BROTHERS novels by author RICK HAUTALA. Studies based on a collaboration with RAMSAY CAMPBELL. Prep work for his TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES run.
Also of note is his SWAMP THING Sketches. Zulli had finished drawing most of his controversial issue written by RICK VIETCH which featured Swamp Thing's time traveling encounter with JESUS! At the 11th hour, DC COMICS got cold feet and the issue was pulled. Yet another "Lost" Zulli project we hope will one day finally see print, particularly since DC Vertigo has become much more daring in later years with comics such as PREACHER.
Finally, we have some great SANDMAN sketches. Zulli is probably best known for illustrating the SANDMAN story that introduced the immortal character of Hob Galding in Sandman #13. Zulli would later return to the title to illustrate the final Sandman story arc entitled THE WAKE. That story arc should be of interest to those who enjoy this sketchbook because the illustrations in that volume were reproduced and colored directly from his delicate pencil work (rather than inked as is the norm with traditional comic books)!
Noodles is Highly Recommended!
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
NOODLES. SKETCHBOOK STUFF, RANDOM DRAWINGS, and TELEPHONE SQUIGGLES BY MICHAEL ZULLI!
Fantastic Softcover Artbook filled with lavish illustrations.
A HISTORICAL ARTIFACT OF NEIL GAIMAN'S UNPUBLISHED SWEENEY TODD GRAPHIC NOVEL.
HARD TO FIND COLLECTOR'S ITEMS FEATURING LAVISH ARTWORK FROM THE "LOST" SWEENEY TODD GRAPHIC NOVEL WRITTEN BY NEIL GAIMAN AND DRAWN BY MICHAEL ZULLI!
RARE ART BY SANDMAN ARTIST MICHAEL ZULLI, SHOWCASING HIS SKETCHES FOR THIS UNFINISHED WORK! An entire section is devoted to Zulli's Sweeney Todd sketches and designs.
With an introduction by NEIL GAIMAN.
RARE AND OUT OF PRINT.
PUBLISHED IN 1991. 1ST EDITION.
Also Featuring...
* SWAMP THING sketches from Zulli's controversial unpublished issue written by Rick Veitch.
* NEIL GAIMAN'S SANDMAN!!!
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
* HP LOVECRAFT creatures
* Wildlife studies for Puma Blues
* Assorted creatures and beauties
* much much more
MICHAEL ZULLI is one of he acclaimed artists on Neil Gaiman's legendary graphic novel series The Sandman. He helped to create the character of Hob Galding and also illustrated the final story arc The Wake.
Best of all, a fantastic section featuring the never published "Lost" work by Zulli and Neil Gaiman, a graphic novel entitled SWEENEY TODD. Starring the Demon Barber of Fleet Street Himself!
IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND!
Posts
