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Description

Gahan Wilson - Single Panel Gag Cartoon Illustration Original Art (undated). Dark, surreal, and unmistakably Wilson! "Off-hand, I'd say its diet goes a long way toward explaining the lack of reported sightings." Gahan Wilson's macabre wit shines in this unsettling yet hilarious scene. A prime example of his dark humor, featured across Playboy, National Lampoon, and beyond. This one was created in ink and watercolor. Signed in the lower right of the 7" x 9.75" image area; plexiglass front framed to 14" x 17.25". Exhibits light handling. Unexamined out of frame. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

"Once upon a time, having had lunch with Gahan Wilson, we discussed this drawing and his days as one of [Hugh] Hefner's favorite cartoonists as well as his most recent work. He was consumed with the composition of his single-image stories. And how they could tell a narrative arc with a beginning, a middle, and an end. He found it delightful to catch the story 'in mid-action' as it was happening and provide background and tone with the color palette and line work. This is a prime example of those principles." From the personal collection of Guillermo del Toro.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Auction Info

Proxy Bidding Ends 
September
26th Friday 10:50 am CT
Auction Dates
September
26th Friday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining 
11 Days 16h 19m 40s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: 22
Page Views: 299

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This lot is in: 1 - Signature® Floor Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 89001-89132) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Friday, September 26, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]

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Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261

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