Mr. A (1973 Steve Ditko) "H" Hero Series D1A

Add to cart CGC 8.5 $6,950.00 View scans CGC Signature Series Paper: White This copy of Mr. A comes from Steve Ditko's personal collection and includes a certificate of authenticity from the Estate of Steve Ditko that is signed by his nephew Patrick. The initial sale of this piece noted that it was the final item ever to be sold by the Ditko estate and was not cleaned or pressed so as to preserve all traces of his handling; fitting as it represents Ditko's artistic expression in its freest form! It is signed by Steve Ditko and has been authenticated by JSA. Label #4489455001

Add to cart VG/FN 5.0 $38.00 View scans

Mr. A is the first in a series of quarterly magazines, each of which was written and drawn entirely by Steve Ditko, without any editorial direction. Somewhat controversial, Mr. A was inspired by Ditko's interest in Ayn Rand's writings. A superhero who espoused an objectivist philosophy, his symbol was a card which was half black and half white representing good and evil, as stated in the comic- "White and Black is Mr. A's symbol of justice: of non-contradictory identification; good is good and evil is evil and neither can be both at the same time. Each is the antithesis of the other! So, if the good is to survive, no compromise with evil is possible!"

While Ditko famously eschewed the nostalgia that influences most (if not all) collecting, Mr. A was the exception for the artist as he once said "He's one character from the past that I'd like to see in the present and the future." Reactions from fans and critics upon release were mixed, though the character did inspire a legacy as Alan Moore used Mr. A as direct inspiration for the character of Rorchach (alongside The Question) in Watchmen. 40 pages, B&W. Cover price $0.50.