Byrne, John - The Ithaca Journal: Leisure Section Cover!

Marvel & DC’s Powerhouses United! Spectacular 1982 John Byrne Cover Art

This historic original cover art by John Byrne, created for the Ithaca Journal Leisure section and published on April 16, 1982, is a one-of-a-kind crossover moment featuring Marvel’s and DC’s biggest icons together in one electrifying composition! Byrne, who was only a year into his legendary Fantastic Four run at the time, was at the peak of his artistic abilities, making this piece an extraordinary find for collectors of his work.

The image is pure superhero spectacle: Spider-Man swings into action, The Hulk leaps into battle, Superman soars with effortless power, and Batman broods from the rooftop in the distance. The sheer dynamism and composition showcase Byrne’s masterful ability to render energy, movement, and classic superhero storytelling, all in a single breathtaking illustration.

What makes this piece even more special is the significance of this moment in comic history. Based on extensive research, this appears to be one of, if not THE first time Marvel’s "Big Two" (Spider-Man & Hulk) and DC’s "Big Two" (Superman & Batman) shared a published cover together! And to have them illustrated by the definitive 1980s comic book artist makes it even more remarkable.

Adding to the allure, Byrne’s attention to detail is on full display with intricately rendered city buildings, giving the scene depth, realism, and an air of authenticity. The fine details in the architecture make this a joy to examine up close, further enhancing its visual impact and collectibility.

For one lucky fan of John Byrne and Marvel & DC superhero crossover history, this piece is a Holy Grail, a monumental artistic achievement that belongs in a top-tier collection. But until that lucky fan and this amazing piece cross paths, I'm thrilled to be able to continue enjoying it!

Byrne signed this cover with his classic signature on the awning of the store in the bottom right hand corner of the page, but the pen contained low quality ink that faded away completely over time. However, I've darkened that area of the page in Photoshop so you can see the signature's imprint is still there. I think we can all be eternally grateful that the pens Byrne used to ink the cover all contained quality India Ink in them!

Note: Payment for this item can only be done by Check or Bank Wire Transfer. Serious inquiries only, please.