All Words Are Lies, Cover Nr. 26, July, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 26 ---  ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated July, 2001. I later painted two color versions of it. "All Words Are Lies" "Attack 'Em and Erase 'Em!" Price circle: "2K x 10 ¢." In the comics code box: "Not Approved."

The "Death Of" is Dead!, Cover Nr. 25, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 25 ---  ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated June, 2001."The "Death Of" is Dead!" "is this The Final Bye-Bye to Monogenic Modernism!?" "In This World! A Vital Thought!!!" Price circle: "Too Much ¢." One of many attacks I have made over the years on that silly, still circulating, pablum for non-thinkers --- claiming that some art form is "dead." Well, saying THAT is now dead, say I.

All Star Covert Calvinism, Cover Nr. 24, Summer, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 24 ---  ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated Summer, 2001."ALL STAR COVERT Calvinism!" "Presenting ART with NO VISUALITY! & EVEN BETTER --- NO PLEASURE, NO FUN !!!" "featuring DRY, RECYCLED IDEAS!" Price circle: "$ MUCH."

Shout Yourself Asleep, Color Version Cover Nr. 23a, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 23a ---  ink and gouache on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated Summer, 2001.
This is the "Archive Re-do" color version of Nr. 24.
"Shout Yourself Asleep!" "It'll Work!" In the upper left company box: "CK, Koo-entz Practical Therapy System."  In the code approval stamp on the right "Try It!" Images based on enlarged bits of comic-style visualizations of emanating sound. I'm starting to hanker for color, but still wished to do largely black and white as I was also planning them to be a whole wall in the Kunstraum Kreuzlingen installation, and the other elements were very colorful.

Shout Yourself Asleep, Cover Nr. 23, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 23 ---  ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Still dated June, 2001.
This cover is based on another one of the sayings my wife Cornelia has created. I love her sayings and have used them repeatedly.
"Shout Yourself Asleep!" "It'll Work!" In the upper left company box: "CK, Koo-entz Practical Therapy System."  In the code approval stamp on the right "Try It!" Images based on enlarged bits of comic-style visualizations of emanating sound. By this point I have gone on to my real signature, no longer imitating various comic artists' signatures in homage.

Meta-Pictures of God, Cover Nr. 22, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 22 ---  ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. 
"Thrilling Meta-Pictures of God," "In the Image of Jack's Image."
We are still in June, 2001, where I diod the first big group, largely for my first huge "Panels" painting-installation in the Kunstraum Kreuzlingen.
This cover was a riff on some details of drawings the "King" of comic artists, Jack Kirby, did of God.

Jason and the Onanauts, Cover Nr. 21, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 21 ---  ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated June, 2001.
This cover was a riff on the late Jason Rhoades and similar Neo-Dada Neo-Conceptual art. Jason loved it even though I am clearly teasing him and the form. At his request, I made a color version of it for him, which is, I hope, still in the collection of his wife Rachel Khedoori. I wrote an obit article about Jason on Sharkforum and my art articles blog, link here. RIP Jason.

"Jason and the Onanauts," "Your Favoriote Junk Machine Master and his Bachelor Cohorts in Their Own Exciting Comic Drawing!" In the upper left: "Self-Grinding Scatologists." The price: "12 x a lot ¢." In the upper right "Rrose Re-Arose RR." Images based on the cloud symbol for argument or fight in comics and details from Duchamp works.

Say It, Cover Nr. 20, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 20 ---  ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated June, 2001.
This cover is based on one of the sayings my wife Cornelia uses, usually self-created. I love her sayings and have used them repeatedly.
"You Got Something to Say - Say It -" "You Don't Have Anything to Say - Don't Say it!" In the upper left company box: "C.K. Gets to the Point!." The price: "Viele CH Fr.-." In the code approval stamp on the right "Cornelia Cordate & Co." Images based on enlarged bits of Wonder Woman's bracelets shielding from attack.

eX-Bachelor, Cover Nr. 19, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 19 --- ink on plastic transparency. 21 x 30 cm / 8.25 in x 12 in. Dated June, 2001.
On transparent platic, a clear personal homage to Marcel Duchamp's The Large Glass, actual title The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even (La mariée mise à nu par ses célibataires, même), done in a "wrap around cover" style refering to the X-Men comics as well.
"eX-BACHELOR" "Stripped Bare by His Bride, Even" "Look! LHOOQ! Giant Wrap-Around, See-Thru Collectors' Cover!!!" In the upper left company box: "Da-Da-Daddy, Art &/or Comics." The price: "$A.M.A.P." In the code approval stamp in the upper right ("Guaranteed C.C." Images based on enlarged bits of the Glass's images and some of mine.

Two-Fisted Heretics, Cover Nr. 18, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 18 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated June, 2001.
"Two- Fisted Heretics," "Formerly Rootin'-Tootin' Unbelievers," "Fightin' Fraudulence" In the upper left company box: "AO Ask Often." The price: "$Too Much." In the code approval stamp in the upper right just a black square. Clearly based on classic EC comic covers, with an abstract image based on a fist in radical foreshiortening.

Epifunnies, Cover Nr. 17, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 17 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated June, 2001.
"Epifunnies tm," "In this art: Astounding Dichotomies," "Featuring The Change from Cynicism to Skepticism!" In the upper left company box: "Not Ironic in the Least." The price: "A Whole Lot ¢." In the code approval stamp in the upper right "Scene of Instruction."

I redid this in several versions later, included a large fully painted one on canvas.

Look Somewhere Else, Cover Nr. 16, June, 2001

This is"Covers" work Nr. 16 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated June, 2001.
"Always Look Somewhere Else, When Told Where to Look!," the price: "$ Tons."

Dusk Art, Cover Nr. 15 1/3, June, 2001

This is"Covers" work Nr. 15 1/3--- , yes 15 and a third. A "Special Number" as it says.  Ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated June, 2001.
"Dusk Art tm," "TEH MSB GS Dist.," the price: "2k x 12¢ at least."

With the symbol developed as teens with Th. Emil Homerin, made into a rubber stamp.

Staff 'n' Eddie, Cover Nr. 15, June, 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 15 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated June, 2001
"Staff 'n' Eddie," "Once Again Art is So Damn Full of Itself!," "Where are They When You Need Them!" In the upper left company box: "Comic? Art? JEH MSB," the price: "2k x 10¢."

Based on the collaborative duo art team I and Jeff E. Hoke had for a couple years. It was great fun. Check out his Museum of Lost Wonder. In the stamp at the top left, the left side is me, the right side Jeff.

The Man from T.R.O.P.E., Cover Nr. 14, June, 2001

This is"Covers" work Nr. 14 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated June, 2001
"The Man from T.R.O.P.E.," "The Meaning Affair," "* Transcendental Radiant Order for Po-mod Enlightenment," "** or Transumptive Recusants, Operatives for Pugnacious Epifunnies." In the upper left company box, "E Spion-Age Art." "2k x 12 ¢."

I made two versions of this one in color, one in black and white. Clearly based on one of my chief young childhood joys, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. TV show.

Shut Up & Paint, Cover Nr. 13, June, 2001

This is"Covers" Work Nr. 13 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. June, 2001.
"Shut Up & Paint!" "(Think Mark 13)," "Starring," in the upper left company box, "Major League Art." "2K x 12¢."


I enjoyed this piece so much, and it was such a hit, I ended up doing four versions over the years, and there is a theme song by The Handcuffs for me with the refrain being this phrase. I originally made it after being to an opening of a very consensus-correct Neo-Conceptual exhibition which consisted of a polished ostrich egg, which the curator "explained" for and hour and a half. It of course is also a bit of self-deprecating commentary on my use of lettered words in these works.

Too Old to Die Young, Cover Nr. 12, May, 2001

This is"Covers" Work Nr. 12 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. May, 2001.
"Too Old to Die Young!" "I Missed the Deadline!" " No 'James Dean' for This Guy!" "Woops!" In the upper left company box, "Is It Mature Art Yet?" The price, "Too Many ¢."

Hope Against Hope, Cover Nr. 11, May, 2001

This is "Covers" Work Nr. 11 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. May, 2001.
"Hope Against Hope!" "I' Been There Too, "2 thou x Ten Cents," "We Who are Wm. James's 'Twice-Born' Types!" In the upper left company box, "The Interior Battleground." 

Say What You Mean, Cover Nr. 10, May 2001

This is "Covers" work Nr. 10 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Still May 2001.
"Say What You Mean, and Mean What You Say!," "Amazingly Sinple to Do!," "Another Titanically Triumphant Idea for a Post-Hypocritical Age!," in the upper right comic code approval box: "Screw Seeking Approval,"in the company and price box: "No Kidding Art Works, $250.-"
The main "Title" statement is from my wife, Cornelia. Style influenced by 60s Kirby's Thor art and the logo (Artie Simek? or Sam Rosen?). Later this would be among the first I re-did in full color.

Surf Ace, Cover Nr. 9, May, 2001

This is "Covers" Work Nr. 9 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. May 19, 2001.
"Surf Ace." "Feats of Plane Ingenuity!" "A Genuine M.S.B. Drawing. "2K x 10¢."

Th. E. H. The Blue-Collar Scholar, Cover Nr. 8, May 19, 2001

This is"Covers" work Nr. 8 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. Dated May 19, 2001
"Fighter of Lazy Thinking: Th.E.H. The Blue-Collar Scholar, 2001 A.D.," "Portrait of Th. Emil Homerin," "Finally! Not an Origin Issue!" In the upper left company box: "Key Human," the price: "2k x 12¢." Distributor: "Not Two Distribution Co." Other words: "Intense! Original! Mysticism! Poetry!"

A portrait Cover of my life-long close friend, Dr Prof Th. Emil Homerin, who made up the term "Blue-Collar Scholar" for himself, refelcting his background, and I feel it reflects mine as well. Reflecting Magnus Robot Fighter Gold Key Comics Cover style.

Imperious Curator Art, Cover Nr. 7 May 2001

This is"Covers" work Nr. 7 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in.
"Imperious Curator Art," "True Visions from the Drama of Temporary Hegemony," "featuring The Sensational Ability of Artists to Kow-Tow!," in the upper right comic code approval box: "Of Course This is Approved, or You Wouldn't Get to See It.,"in the price box: "1000 x 2 Bits."

Expect a Miracle, Cover Nr. 6 May 2001

This is, well these are, "Covers" work Nr. 6 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. I made two versions. One the B/W I had been doing, the other in color. It would still be a year until I went fully colorful.
"Expect a Miracle," "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet!," in the upper left company box: "Adventure,"in the price box: "$200.-."

Better Cool Than Smart, Cover Nr. 5 May 2001

This is "Cover" work Nr. 5 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. I began to also get very artworld and culturally critical.
"Better Cool Than Smart," " Another Boredom-Packed Academy at Your Expense!," "Don't Doubt Just Spout!," in the upper left company box: "Career Über Alles,"in the price box: "LOts ¢."

The X-Sophists, Cover Nr. 4 May 2001

This is "Cover" work Nr. 4 --- ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. I began to incorporate my philosophical and socially critical thoughts.
"The Strangest Changelings of All: the X-Sophists," " Don't Miss This Cultural Turn-Around," "In the Sensational 'Metaleptical Style," " Will the Desire for Hope Win Out Over Self-Serving Hypocrisy?!!," in the Comic Code approval box: "Not Academic Nor Approved,"in the price box: "2 x 12 K ¢."

Trope and Metonymy, Cover Nr. 3 May 2001

This is the third "Cover" work --- still drawings at that point, still doing almost one a day. Ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in.
"Soon-to-Be- Famous Drawings, Featuring Trope and Metonymy," "20 Thou.¢," A One-Two-Persona Army of Greased Lightning:"

The Fighting Picto, Cover Nr. 2 May 2001

This was the second "Cover" work --- still drawings at that point, but I decided to do many of them for the installation. I began doing almost one a day. Ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. "The Fighting Picto, Painting's Bravest Defender! Price 2 x 10 K ¢. Action-Packed Fast-Paced Art!"

More Fun Art, Cover Nr. 1, May 2001

I made three variations of this image, all numbered Nr. 1. Then I realized I would have a series here and began numbering sequentially after that. This colorful one is oil and acrylic on canvas, 190 x 140 cm / 75 in x 55 in.

This is actually the very first. Ink on paper. 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. I was doodling them, more or less, for fun while planning my first huge sequential painting installation for the Kunsthalle Kunstraum Kreuzlingen in 2001.

I then did a color version, ink on paper, 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 in x 6 in. I had so much fun I decided to paint the big one at the top, but then continue a whole series smaller, at roughly comic magazine and/or show-card display poster size(es). Thus it began.
These and all following artworks are of course appropriately © and TM the given year, Mark Staff Brandl.