Button 034: Famous Cartoonist Peter Poplaski (Zorro, Superman, Batman)

Famous Cartoonist Button 34

Peter Poplaski. Perhaps the most versatile artist in the field, Poplaski's own style can be seen in Quagmire, The Bugle, Death Rattle and Corporate Crime to Consumer Comics. But his chameleon talent has given him a reputation as the best mimic in the business. He has convincingly ghosted talents as diverse as Al Capp, Joe Shuster, Harvey Kurtzman, Dick Sprang, Bob Kane, Keiji Nakazawa and C.C. Beck in covers for Li'l Abner, Superman: The Sunday Classics; Superman: The Dailies; The Spirit Jam; Batman: The Sunday Classics; Batman: The Dailies; Gen of Hiroshima and a recent story for Tom Strong. He made a guest appearance as Zorro in R. Crumb's Hup. Kitchen Sink Press' longtime art director, Poplaski has edited and designed publications ranging from Steve Canyon to The R. Crumb Coffee Table Art Book. Poplaski is also a fine art painter in the classic tradition, which is why his self-portrait sports a hat (and cigar) in the style of the Dutch masters.

Pinback Jack issued this "Famous Cartoonist Series" of self-portrait buttons back in 1975. All of the participating cartoonists were alive and created self-portraits specifically for this button set. With very few exceptions, the images have not appeared elsewhere in print. The buttons were distributed by Krupp Comic Works and Phil Seuling. This set was originally announced as 52 buttons, and the alphabetical numbering reflects that. However, two artists (Neal Adams and Rick Meyerowitz) turned in their self-portraits late, after the first 52 had already been designed. They were included in the set, but numbered 53 and 54 respectively, out of alphabetical sequence. Steve Krupp's Curio Shoppe is now the exclusive source of the remaining limited inventory.

All the color buttons in this set are metal with clear celluloid covers, are 2.25 inches in diameter, and have "safety" pinbacks. This button is listed for sale as an individual, but we do offer the complete set as well.