Gary Guzzo and longtime Marvel graphic designer Dawn Geiger opened Atomic Studios after relocating to Boothbay Harbor. The graphic design and marketing firm specialized in entertainment and tourism there. They transitioned from tourism work back to comic book production via what is now called the Atomic Studios Bullpen. An injury forced Guzzo to take a break from Atomic Studios, and during that period a long conversation began between himself and Steve Geppi, chairman of Geppi Family Enterprises, the parent company of Hake’s Auctions.

As the comic art consultant and artist representative for Hake’s, Guzzo will draw on his own comprehensive knowledge as a collector, comic shop owner, Marvel publicist, and industry consultant. He will seek original comic art for consignment to Hake’s auctions, paying close attention to fresh-to-the-market material; and help authenticate comic art prior to acceptance.

“I am a huge fan of comic book history, so tracking down original art will move from a casual hobby to a job, now that I have found the right auction house to work with,” Guzzo said.

As an artist representative, Guzzo said he plans to “act as an in-house representative for artists and their estates, and as an advisor and curator who can bring the consignor the best possible return on their items by being aware of the depth of the material they have and bring that material to auction in a logical and profitable way.

“Helping the older artists has been high on my list for decades. Hakes was the perfect fit, because I got to meet them all and really respect the way they do business. When comics stopped shipping in February, I got shifted to the things that were still operating. I will be running "Special Projects" for the whole Geppi Enterprises companies, so I get to play with everything.

“I plan on being a representative who gives artists quicker results when marketing their art,” Guzzo said. “I also plan on involving artists as much as they care to be, so expect this to add a whole new social media component to spotlight the careers and accomplishments of these artists in a way that is fun, for all of us.

“My long-range goal is to keep a steady stream of original comic art, mostly unseen for decades, flowing through Hake’s premier auctions,” Guzzo continued. “Having so many contacts among comic book artists and comic book collectors, you can expect a wide variety of artists and characters to become a regular part of Hake’s Premier Auctions.”

Being friends with a lot of comic book artists, I have been approached numerous times about representing them in the sale of their original art, but I never had the correct outlet to dedicate myself to doing that for them,” Guzzo said. “After many long talks with Hake’s president, Alex Winter, I realized that I would be very comfortable representing my friends in the sale of their cherished artwork. Having this relationship with a company that I admire finally added the last piece to my desire to help artists sell their work for decent prices.”

“Over the past few years Hake’s has added several consultants and specialists to our staff, passionate collectors and respected experts in their fields,” Alex Winter said. “This now continues with the addition of Gary Guzzo, a person who has a pedigree that is second to none. Gary’s exuberant passion and impeccable reputation are a perfect fit for Hake’s. Even after 53 years, Hake’s is always looking to take things to another level, and with bringing Gary on board, America’s first collectibles auction house has done just that. We hope artists, bidders and consignors enjoy working with Gary as much as we know we will.”

“Steve Geppi and I spoke of establishing some innovative programs that will be a great aid to the people who have created some of our most cherished comics,” said Guzzo. “As we all get older, there is a need for financial stability and security, and we hope to be able to offer all sorts of aid to comic creators. Hake’s Auctions have a long history of selling all sorts of Americana makes them the logical choice to lead the way for the future of comic book art auctions. The same sources that have stockpiles of comic artwork also possess their own varied collections of art, comics, toys and other memorabilia that can also be sold with great success via Hake’s. I am here to help Hake’s grow to the position that I believe they deserve, which is the very top of Americana and pop art auctions,” said Guzzo.

Visit Hake’s online at www.hakes.com. Contact Gary at comicart@hakes.com