I've been browsing sold lots on Christies and some interesting old stuff comes up from years back.
Like this book of original Fireball XL5 art presented to Lew Grade in 1962.
https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/an-important-century-21fireball-xl5-original-artwork-3957075-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=3957075&sid=a3073645-6e3c-4437-8e91-7989062bbafa
What do you think?
That's from when Fireball XL5 was called Century 21. The name was changed later and a few slight modifications were made to Fireball. I actually think it looked more futuristic as Century 21.
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean about the Century 21 Kid. I prefer it as a name myself and liked the look too. What a fabulous gift!
DeleteFireball XL5 appeared in TV Comic before it had debuted on TV, and the artist was clearly working from reference shots of Century 21. The craft had the Fireball colours, but the Century 21 shape, so maybe the colours were a last minute change to the strip to bring it into line with how XL5 looked in the show.
DeleteFascinating Kid. Its a dramatic illustration of Century 21 from the rear that I usually think of. There's also a wonderful toy by Hoover that's clear;y based on the C21/ XL5 nacelles. Somewhere its on the blog but there's so much its hard to find these days!
Delete