Over the past couple of months, you will have noticed I have written about a gentleman named Andy Yanchus a time or two. If you missed those articles, the SparkNotes version of the story is about a boy growing up in Brooklyn, New York with a yearning passion for model kits and comic books that he turned into a lifelong career. Andy had worked for Aurora Plastics Corporation as a Project Manager (1965-1975) followed by a seventeen-year stint at Marvel Comics as a staff colorist (1975-1992). This is all in addition to remaining an active member of the collector community too! So now that you are all caught up, let’s take you back in time.
The year is 1974 in Brooklyn, New York at the Aurora Plastics Corporation where Andy was working with his friend (and later Marvel Comics colleague) Dave Cockrum. The Comic, Monster, and Prehistoric model kits they created had been a long running success, but they needed a new line of model kits for store shelves. The plan was to introduce a line of science fiction film inspired kits; these included the War of the Worlds spaceship, Gort from The Day The Earth Stood Still, and Robby the Robot with the Metaluna Mutant from This Island Earth. Alas, that plan never came to be, and for decades it was believed none of these models ever made it to development.
Then, in 2001 a prototype of the Metaluna Mutant surfaced online for sale followed by an illustration mockup of the design by Dave Cockrum. Presumably it was originally a guide for the sculptor to follow in the production process. During this time, the modeling community also became aware of the original production box art by Dave Cockrum, which in Andy Yanchus had in his possession. It was a piece that would ultimately be published in the Atlantis limited edition reissue. Present day, the Metaluna Mutant is one of the most famed models as the Aurora kit that never was – but was always wanted.
This New Year’s Day at Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers, we are excited to announce we will be offering that original (one of a kind!) production box art of the Metaluna Mutant by Dave Cockrum from the collection of Andy Yanchus. Utilizing ink and watercolor, Dave Cockrum brought the mutant to life on paper with an ominous red background, and it displays beautifully!
Comics and collectibles remain one of the hottest markets through these strange economic times. If you have a collection, we are here to help; consigning at auction and having your collection managed is the only way to maximize its potential value – You never know what you might have hidden away in a box!
