Eric Tan — the $150 man

Back in December 2007, artist and designer Eric Tan posted this awesome X-Men poster on his art blog. He created the image for a Stan Lee tribute art show at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles. Reaction to the posting of this beauty has been heavy and continuous – I was myself very interested in acquiring a print. I contacted Jensen at 1988, who told me that the limited run of 100 prints would be available at the Jan. 8 opening of the show, and if any were left, they’d be available via phone the next day. I’m pretty sure the prints sold out. Tan himself hasn’t posted anything else about it since.

I received an e-mail earlier this week from a woman who purchased a print of the X-Men poster at the exhibit opening. I’m assuming she simply pulled e-mail addresses from the commenters showing purchase interest on Tan’s blog. She is looking to sell the mint condition print (which she is “having second thoughts about”) for what she paid. The thing is, she says she paid $150 for the print. Is that possible? Even in a limited-edition print run, those went for $150 a pop?!

I had no idea the work of Disney artists was in such high demand. It’s a great piece, but I don’t know that I would pay $150 for a print. I’d rather save the money to buy original artwork from a local artist. Damn shame, that thing would look sweet … anywhere.