Namora Illustration by Bill Black
1970s
After inking What If? #9 which featured a story about an Avengers team that formed in the 1950's, Black was inspired and pitched a book to Marvel featuring an all-female superhero team with a proposed cast of Venus, Miss America, Blonde Phantom, Sun Girl, Golden Girl, Silver Scorpion, Namora, and anyone else they'd let him have. The pitch was, of course, rejected as "female characters don't sell" leading Black to create Femforce in 1985, a title that is currently on its 208th issue! This is an absolutely stunning piece with beautiful, detailed linework and an unrivaled sleekness. Signed by the artist. Ink on vellum. 8 1/2" x 11"
