Rafael Cortiella (1931–2019) was a comic book artist, painter, and creator of advertising and film posters. However, he is best remembered for his remarkable cover illustrations for romance, western, horror, science fiction, crime, and adventure novels, as well as for posters created for films released on home video.
These fast-paced, pocket-sized novels enjoyed enormous popularity from the 1950s through the mid-1980s. In Spain, they became known as bolsilibros, a term coined by the publisher Bruguera. It was a golden age of popular fiction and of hand-painted cover illustrations that captured readers’ imaginations. This was original art in its purest form—long before artificial intelligence existed or was even imagined.
Cortiella produced genuine works of art across every genre he illustrated. His original covers stand out for their dramatic impact, exceptional craftsmanship, and striking compositions.
This summer, at Origin of Comics, you’ll find a selection of these original artworks on special offer, along with many other exceptional pieces from which you can choose your next treasured collectible.
ORIGINAL COVERS – Summer Sale (Ends August 31)
