About Allen

Learn more about me

I was born in Manhattan and studied at the High School of Industrial Arts. I eventually became a staff artist at Timely during the Golden Age of comics. While still a teenager, I did the backgrounds for Syd Shores' Captain America in 1942, and eventually worked on titles such as: The Patriot, The Destroyer, The Human Torch, Jap Buster Johnson and Jet Dixon of the Space Squadron, All Winners Comics, Marvel Mystery, Sub Mariner Comics, Young Allies and so much more.

My self-created back-up crime feature Let's Play Detective. I also contributed to pre-Code horror, crime, war and western tales for Atlas. I worked in the comics field until the early 1950s.

After 18 years I moved down here to South Florida where I joined the art department of a major daily newspaper, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. After that I went into photography. I won many nationwide photography contests, winning out more than 20,000 entries. Hundreds of my photos have appeared in hardcover books, have been on exhibit in museums in Florida and received great reviews in numerous newspapers. I still attend many comic books shows, and I am still available for commissions.

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Past
Work

Some of my past artwork

Timely History

The 1940s comic-book publishing company

Timely Comics is the 1940s comic-book publishing company that would evolve into Marvel Comics. During this era, called the Golden Age of comic books, "Timely" was the umbrella name for the comics division of pulp magazine publisher Martin Goodman, whose business strategy involved having a multitude of corporate entities (including Red Circle Comics) all producing the same product. Timely was originally located in the McGraw-Hill Building on West 42nd Street in New York City, and later moved to the 14th floor of the Empire State Building.

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In 1939, with the emerging medium of comic books proving hugely popular, and the first superheroes (most notably the archetypal Superman) setting the trend, Goodman contracted with newly formed comic-book "packager" Funnies, Inc. to supply material. His first effort, Marvel Comics #1 (Oct. 1939), featured the first appearances of writer-artist Carl Burgos' android superhero, the Human Torch, and Paul Gustavson's costumed detective The Angel. As well, it contained the first generally available appearance of Bill Everett's mutant anti-hero Namor the Sub-Mariner...

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Marvel Comics was rechristened Marvel Mystery Comics with issue #2 — the magazine would last through #92 (June 1949) — and Timely began publishing additional titles, beginning with Daring Mystery Comics #1 (Jan. 1940), Mystic Comics #1 (March 1940), Red Raven Comics #1 (Aug. 1940), The Human Torch #2 (premiering Fall 1940 with no cover date and having taken over the numbering from the unsuccessful Red Raven), and Captain America Comics #1 (March 1941). Going on sale in December 1940, a year before the bombing of Pearl Harbor...

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Fan Letters

Past and Present Fan Letters to Allen

Hi Mr. Bellman,

Hi! I wanted to let you know that I received the commission on Saturday and it is AMAZING!!!! Thank you so much for such a beautiful piece. I am going to have this professionally framed ASAP! You are an outstanding artist!! Thank you once again for your time, your talent, and your attention in regards to this piece. I will treasure it.

Thank you!

Best Regards and may God Bless you and your family!
Brian F.

P.S. I hope you will return to Cincinnati for another convention in the near future.

Allen,
We were honored to meet you and your beautiful Wonder Woman. I owe you $10 because you were kind enough to give my son Nick another special piece of yours because you didn’t have any change. I will say that was kind but more over taught my son a life lesson he will never forget. Nick and I thank you very much and will cherish your art. We hung them proudly in our special movie viewing room framed as art should be. You became the highlight of the show for us.

Thank you Allen!
Your a special person and God bless you.
Leo Siwicki
Nick Siwicki (Thanks you for the hug too)
2017 Motorcity Comic Con, May 20th

Allen, I have just received your masterpiece and I couldn’t be more pleased. I’m going to share this with my friends on FB and Twitter and Instagram if you don’t mind. Give my love to Roz and I pray we get to meet again.

Sincerely,
Thomas H.

Good afternoon, I wanted to say thank you so much for all the updates and for being so easy to work with. I received the Art today and I absolutely love it! I can’t thank you and Allen I am so proud to be able to add this work of art to my collection.

Thank you again,

Cory

Mr Bellman – The Batman (and Joker) arrived the other day. I can’t thank you enough for working on it for me. It will hand on my wall, and I can remind everyone who sees it that a living legend created it for me!

Thank you for all you’ve done for the medium as well and your profession. I’m looking forward to seeing you again at a conference soon!

Tom

We received the package today. It’s fantastic! He said no one had ever given him such a thoughtful gift. I took a picture after he opened it and his expression was priceless! Do I have permission to tag you in the photo if decided to share on Facebook? Thank you so very much for helping to bring a smile to the face of someone who’s brought so many smiles to mine!

Melanie

Hello Mr. Bellman,

My name is Adam Vega. I was the guy who attended the East Cost Con in New Jersey this weekend with my friend Eugene. Eugene is the one that provided the magazine celebrating the 75th anniversary with your interview by John Rhett Thomas. It was nice of you to provide that sketched print to my friend afterwards. You are a scholar and a gentlemen.

Anyhow, I am happy that your work is acknowledged, and that it is not going in vain. I am proud to let you know that the people of my generation do not take you for granted, and we honor you for giving us the heroes that symbolize hope through pressing times.

As another surprise, last year you did an interview for me for my masters degree on the globalization of comic-books. I just submitted my 30 page thesis, and attached your interview online for the world to see and to preserve your great legacy.

So, I am providing you a link to the work you have provided me. I love how the characters of Marvel are flawed, demonstrating just how human we are. It is through your great art work that makes these beloved super-heroes so symbolic.

By the way, thanks for signing my copy of the magazine, and I hope I have your approval for showing you the interview you so graciously provided.

Can view here – http://www.metalmachine.net/2015/05/01/artist-allen-bellman-on-marvel-comics/

We got it in the mail, and love it!! We already have it on display in our room ? We definitely plan on getting more commissions from you in the future! Thank you for bringing us so much joy through your artwork and making this such a pleasant experience.

Your friends,

Joe and Yvonne

Dear Mr. Bellman,

I am not a comic book person, but I happened to watch a WUCF Artisode where they highlighted your work and you inspired all of us with your outlook. I know you said it gives you such joy when others appreciate your work, so I had to jot you a quick email. You moved me as a person. I loved your comics, the art of your drawings, the sensible advice you gave to future cartoonists, but I’m sure your spirit, pursuit of growing your talent, and your work ethic were role models for many who worked with you or were fans of your work.

Thank you for sharing your art and advice through the Artisodes, but most importantly your outlook. Thank you for giving us such cartoons to admire. I am inspired by you even more than your art.

Debbie

Allen,

The art arrived and it is spectacular! Took me back in time when I bought my first timely comic and poured into the stories! Words cannot express the gratitude I have for you and your work. I had an amazing time with you and your wonderful family at your booth at the Cincinnati show and now this! You are a lucky man to have Roslyn…she is a catch! You are a fantastic artist but more importantly to me…a great human being and you have made my life better! Best thing a person can do for another in my mind. I will never forget the experience.

Thank you and I look forward to talking with you again!

Johnny C.

Good afternoon Mr. Bellman,

Thank you again for taking on these two commissions and working so hard on them I really appreciate it. Both pieces look simply amazing and I can’t express how great they look. I really appreciate you going the extra mile on these and adding so much detail. The background on the “A Cut Above the Rest” piece is spectacular and I absolutely love the one liners you did for both pieces. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for working Tojo into the piece, I really like how you have his glasses falling off his face.

It was a pleasure talking with you on the phone and I can’t wait to see you again in Cincinnati so I can thank you in person. I’ve attached pictures of the pieces to this e-mail along with the three sketches I previously received from you back in 2012 at the Cincinnati Comic Expo. Thank you again for drawing for me.

Your fan,
Jason J.


Allen,

Today I received the Captain America sketch cover in perfect shape. I love it, thank you so much. The piece turned out great and is exactly what I was looking for. The added color to Cappy’s shield makes the commission even better. I hope to meet you next year here in Denver. Please stay away from the rocking chair and keep busy.

Best Regards,

Justin B.


Hi Allen,
I just want to thank you for your wonderful artwork, I just received in the mail today.
It was truly amazing and I can not stop looking at it. I am going to get it framed right away.

I hope you had a great time at you Granddaughter’s wedding and I wish her and her groom only the best!
How was the Atlantic City Con? I hope you were treated very well by everyone.

I really got to say it was a great honor and a privilege to talk to one of the all time greats!
I hope to see you again in the future.

Best Wishes,
Mark S.


Dear Mr. Bellman,

I recently saw a TV program about you and your life as a cartoonist. Thank you for inspiring me and many others to be their best. You inspire many. Hope you continue doing your great work. God bless.

Warm regards,
William


Mr Bellman,

I received the cards yesterday. They were so wonderful. Each piece is so perfectly executed. Your style is certainly unique, and has become a favorite of mine. From the menacing open mouth grimace of Red Skull, Thor with Hammer, Sub Mariner with one eyed sea creature, Tony Stark Iron Man, Bucky, Hulk, Thor, and of course, Captain America, each one is priceless, simply miniature masterpieces. Thank you so much.

I am going to send you a photo of my son Troy Jr. with the sketches.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Troy


Allen-

At last I watched the “feud” segment on YouTube this evening and got quite a kick out of it. I thought you and Al were both quick on your feet. Thanks again for the photo of you, Al and Nick from the con. A very happy 2015 to you and yours. Very proud to call you friend.

Best,
Bryan


Hi Allen,
Sorry for the delay, just wanted to let you know that we received the artwork as promised and Joe absolutely LOVED it…he said it was one of the best presents he’s ever received, and I know he’ll treasure it for many years to come. You did a terrific job on it. Thank you again!!!

Merry Christmas!
Lindsey


I am only 42 so I did not grow up in the golden age but I have been a fan of that time since I was 7. I had not heard your name before your interviews in Alter Ego, but now knowing your resume/bibliography I have always been a fan. I am so excited that you will be visiting South Carolina for our comicon and will be great to meet you in person. I guess if I had a question for you it would be out of all your creations what would be your favorite? Thank you for your time and hope to see you at the convention.

Sincerely,
Brian P.
Belton, SC.


Allen,
Thanks so much! I love it!
Captain America has always been one of my favorite heroes; your Skull-cracking scene reflects the reasons why.
Thanks again for taking the time to create such a POWerful piece.
All the best,
Scott


Hi Allen,
It was such a pleasure meeting you and your beautiful assistant at the NYCC. Talking with the you really was the highlight of my convention and it was fun to meet you on the anniversary of your first day in comics. Thank you for the heads up on my art, I figured you were busy after returning from New York and that you would take a few days to relax after the show. Take your time, I am not in any rush and don’t want you to feel any pressure in getting it done quickly.

That being said, I am excited to see the piece and just know it will be fantastic. I attached the pictures we took at your table and thought that you would like to see them. Thank again for entertaining us at your table and I look forward to seeing you again and certainly purchasing more art from you! God Bless, take care and enjoy that life of luxury down in Florida.

All The Best,
Brian S.


Allen,

The sketchbook arrived today and the Torch drawing is fantastic. You did a truly exceptional job. The detail is amazing. In fact, I would swear you are getting better with every passing year!

I can’t thank you enough. I really appreciate it.

Dewey C.


Dear Mr. Allen Bellman I am the reporter who met you today at the NYC Comic Con.

As I promised, here is the picture of the Pro-Democracy protestor in Hong Kong. As you can see, he is holding the symbol that stood for Freedom that you, Mr. Joe Simon, and Mr. Jack Kirby drew for many years at Timely/Marvel. You pioneers knew what this symbol meant, what it stood for, in the most horrific of times. Unfortunately, it takes horrible times for a generation to be reminded of this Freedom. One that this generation has taken for granted and must fight for once again.

I hope you see sir that this symbol still stands for Freedom. Even on the other side of this planet, a single person in Hong Kong recently faced down Communists with it so that his people can be reminded of that Freedom. That glorious shield from a comic book transcended pages of pulp into something greater; and you were and remain part of it. What you did mattered.

It was indeed an honor and a privilege to have met you today sir.

Your print of Captain America and Thor which I gladly purchased today and that you generously signed will hang on my wall of cherished possessions that I will pass down to my children. The memory of meeting you, shaking your hand, and speaking with you will stay with me forever. I walked away a better man for it. I do hope to see you at some of the other conventions you have posted on your site.

God bless you and yours.

With most sincerest regards,
Dean Plakas


Hi Allen
I received the art in the mail and it is perfect! Thank you for the “little extra” touch as well. My brother will love it and be very surprised. Best wishes to you and thanks again for continuing to share your talents!

Cheryl


Allen,
I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you again for the great Captain America picture you drew for me at Denver Comicon last month. It is a cherished item in my collection and means so much that you were willing to draw it for me. I hope you and your wife are well, and I wish you continued health and happiness in the future.

Best Wishes,
Sam McGuffey


Dear Allen,
One of my greatest possessions is a small drawing I bought from you at San Diego Comic-Con. I tried to get to your booth the last two times I was there, but I may as well have been a piece of wall for the amount of movement I managed. I did remember just recently, looking at your artwork that I had taped your business card on the back of the matted frame.

I hope that you are still active and creative as ever, and that there is nothing but good news in your life. Because of your encouragement, my heroes now are online at http://CATHESCOMICZ.COM as Ratmando-the Ratgirl, Meeker’s Manners, and even am starting an animated version of a game based on the latter.

Even as a woman, even as a disabled Veteran, you looked through my drawings and told me that I was saying something important. I never heard this from anyone else. Even as I struggled with physical issues that encouragement got me through some rough times. I am even able to walk more, and although my hands still are very painful most days, using software, a drawing pad on the computer, and even using vocal commands, I am able to so much now. Your words keep me going, and nothing can stop me because you made it important for me to prove I could BE an artist no matter what got in my way.

I keep hoping I will run into you at another con. We live in las Vegas, and if you ever are out this way please let me know. My husband is in the Penn and Teller show and I would be honored to have you as guests. You helped change my life and I can never thank you enough.

Cathe J.


I just got the art today, and to say I love it is quite the understatement! I can tell a lot of work went into it, especially the research it must have taken for the look of the ship and the fine details on her uniform. Thank you so much!

Sara


Dear Allen,

I want to again thank you so MUCH for doing the piece for us. I waited till today (5.28.14) to give to her as a birthday gift. She absolutely loves it! When she read it was to her and realized who had signed it, the smile she gave was priceless.

Thank you for being very kind and generous to us, in addition for helping make it a birthday she’ll never forget. Mike

Dear Allen,

Sorry to be slow in writing, but wanted to have a few uninterrupted minutes to properly compose my thoughts. Your wonderful art arrived safely, and I am most grateful to have it. Not only is it a wonderful addition to the book, but it is a keepsake to mark our recent communications; and a salute to Captain America, paragon of good and a character new to my sketch collection. Also, and most of all, it is a tribute to Al, and will remind me of my good friend each time I view it.

Funny; while imagining how a sketch described by an artist might turn out, when the thing actually arrives, it is usually quite different than what was expected. Not in this case. You told me what you wanted to do, and you did it simply, elegantly, and in a straightforward manner. People who see this in Plastino’s biography will immediately recognize its intention to commemorate a life well-lived. It is fitting that both of you worked on Captain America in what is now known as the Golden Age of comics. There is an understanding conveyed via that connection, which also goes back to the fateful weekend you finally met at the 2013 Florida Supercon.

Okay, sorry for the grandeur, or drama, of this message. It is my way of letting you know how grateful I am. Thank you again for wanting to do this, and for thinking of it in the first place. Good job, sir. And the only color being those red roses, with green leaves, was a nice touch, as well.

I hope we meet at a con one day ere long,

Eddy


Hello there, Mr. Bellman! I hope you are doing well. 🙂 My husband and I spoke with you briefly in Lexington; I mentioned that I love your Cap suspenders, and we told you we’d be back by with a copy of the Golden Age comic. We did stop back by, but we were told that you had gone to the restroom at that time, and we missed you after that. We saw you walking by at the end of the convention and discussed if it’d be appropriate to stop you (we didn’t want to bother you). By the time we decided, my husband actually went after you, but you apparently move a lot more quickly than we’d anticipated and were gone by the time he got to where he thought you’d be. We would have loved to have had the chance to get your signature and to talk with you further, perhaps to have done an interview with you for the website we write with (we were at the convention as media press), as there really was no one else like you at the convention, or I’d even wager there is no one quite like you in the world. I just wanted to let you know that we are very glad we got to meet you, and we hope to see you again sometime soon!

G-d bless you and yours, Mr. Bellman! Thank you for doing what you’ve done in the world. 🙂 Ashley W.


Mr Bellman, I was honored to meet you and your wife yesterday. I will be praying for you both as you continue to touch younger lives and teach about the GOLDEN AGE…

I am anticipating seeing you again!
God bless!
michael m.


I’d like to thank you for the two great comic covers you created for 2 of my brothers. I met you last year (2013) at Megacon in Orlando Florida. The two comic covers were Christmas gifts for my brothers and they absolutely loved them (even more after telling them your story)! In-fact: my father whose not even that much into comics was jealous and I could easily tell that he wanted one. Yes, my two brothers and my father all are/were in the military (father is a retired full eagle colonel, brothers are Army as well). I was the one whole told you I had heart surgery at birth so I can’t join the Army (reason I love Captain America so much). So naturally I told him I’d be glad to see if you’d like to do another commission for me this year at Megacon. I attached one of the comic covers in the E:mail as a reference (other brother already framed his). This year I’d like to ask you for a full character portrait of Captain America in his 9/11 pose with sand dunes behind him (will be a Desert Storm theme) since my father was apart of that war. Naturally I wanna talk more about it with you in person. I can’t wait to meet you again and again thank you for the great work!

Your fan:
Matthew M.


Allen and Roz,

Thanks again for coming to Dallas and spending time with us. You were both a delight and the fans loved you. It truly was an honor to be able to host your appearance. Have a great week and con season!

Chris Latshaw
North Texas Comic Book Shows


Allen, I wanted to thank you again so much for the wonderful gift of your art. My husband was so excited to receive such a wonderful piece and we have been showing it off daily! I’ve already taken it to be framed, nothing big and hulky, just perfect! It hangs in my office as a bit of daily inspiration! I hope you and your wife have wonderful upcoming trips and retreat to the comforts of home.

With great admiration, Jessica D


Dear Mr. Bellman,

Thank you very much for coming to Young At Art Museum on the 27th and sharing your artwork and your passion to our families, students, and visitors. We had close to 500 visitors that day and have received a lot of great press. Attached you will find copies of the press for your record.

We were so honored to have you come as our special guest, and we sincerely hope that you will be able to join us again for our future events!

Thank you very much and wish you a very happy new year!

Yumina Kaneko Myers
School and Public Program Manager/Cultural Liaison
751 SW 121st Ave
Davie, FL 33325
954.424.5056 (direct)
954.424.0085 (main)
ymyers@youngatartmuseum.org


Mr. Bellman,

You are the man! Thank you very much for the Lecture today! You are part of a very intense moment of the America and World history. I would love to spend more time with you to hear all the gold that is your experience! You said that maybe comics wasn’t paying well enough so you had to quit the industry.

It is true, but what amazes me is to see that you and the comics still touch so many people and generations in a special way that any other job would do it. It is really a joy! Today we were among the young kids that are probably at the age of blasting creativity. We must never forget that it was in that same age that you and me got passionate about drawing comics and that make us closer today. It really amazes me. I think you were perfect today using humor and inspiration in your Lecture. Thank you so much!

All the Best
Ricardo P.


Mr. Bellman,

I have been wanting to write to you in regards to the Lexington event and now I have summoned the fortitude to do so. I can’t wait to see you again at this event, the last time we met was at the Cincinnati Expo 2012 and I was so disappointed at the short-sightedness of event planners in Cincinnati for 2013 that I didn’t even attend the event here in Cincy as protest to your absence. When we last met in Cincy 2012, you and Roz were so kind to my daughter and I, it will never be forgotten. In closing, I cant wait to see you again, I am a true believer in you and your art, and thanks for all you do, Sir.

Respectfully,

Dan C., Cincinnati, Ohio.

P.S. You did a very kind act for my daughter which I will tell you of to remind you at Lexington, it makes you who you are….the best!


Hey Allen: I received your art today and could not be happier. You said you would do a good job, and you did. You obviously are a talented artist who takes pride in his work. The facial expression, the colored shield, and the bullets bouncing off the shield are outstanding accents to the art. You are a kind and honest man. What you did for me is very much appreciated,
Dave


Dear Allen,

I’m so glad that I got to meet you and Roz this past Saturday at Rhode Island Comic Con. I hope your friend likes the comic books that I signed for him. You and Roz are very kind in how you help him collect signatures on the comics, and I feel fortunate that he wanted my signature, because that led to my introduction to you and Roz!

I’m sorry I was not able to visit your table again on Sunday, but I was coordinating a blood drive and also a fundraiser, which kept me busy to the end. And then I had to race home to dinner with my family (we live in Providence). But please know that it was my great pleasure to meet you and Roz. I hope this message finds you well.

Best regards,
-Ryder W.
(writer of Star Wars books and comics)


Mr. Bellman I just wanted to thank you again for coming to RI. You are a gracious and wonderful human being. Just so you know when I met Stan Lee he talked about you as one of the greats that he has worked with.

Thanks again,
John F.


Dear Allen,
You have made my guys look wonderful. I will treasure these pieces of art. Pat and I are going to frame them properly and display them in our offices.

Thank you for the treasures.
Lynn W.
Look forward to seeing you next year.


Hello Allen,

I just wanted to tell you I got my Daredevil art and I really enjoyed it. The head shot and the figure in the corner right down to his spike belt, even nicer than I had anticipated. Some of the best money I’ve ever spent, thank you for the work you’ve done; and continue to do.


Dear Mr. Bellman,

Received the art in the mail a few days ago, opened it this morning. Awesome head shot of Cap… I love it! Thank you again… I appreciate it greatly… Have a good day!

Michael


Mr. Bellman,

It is my honor to have met you, and you’re wonderful wife Roz, today at the Alabama Phoenix Festival. You are wonderfully gracious people, and to see how you love her and speak of her today was inspiring to me when it comes to my marriage. As a creator, so much can be traced back to your work, and we fans would not have the medium that means so much to us without you. The time that you took with me and my son will be something that I will never forget, and the art I got today is a prized piece to my collections. “Living legend” is not a term people toss around freely, and it is one you have deserved. You said today Marvel owes you nothing, and I understand what you mean, but what they have is built on the shoulders of the creators like you building the foundations for them.

Thank you again for your time today, and taking the time to read this. All in all, what I’d like to end with is this… I hope I’m as cool a guy as you are when I’m your age!

Best wishes to you and your wife. Adam S.


Allen,

The book arrived quickly and safely. It also looks GREAT! Thank you for drawing what is now a cherished piece in my collection!

Brian


Hello Mr Bellman,

It was an honor meeting you today. I was with my brother when i met you. You took a photo with us. I didnt get to talk to you very much because i didnt want to take time away from the other customers. Today will be a day i will always remember for the rest of my life. Captain America is one of my favorite heros and thanks to him my childhood was amazing. You are an American hero, because you light up children and grown men’s imaginations alike. Your art brings worlds and places to life and allow others to dream and create wonderful ideas of their own. I have a 2 year old son, i intend to show him your work as he grows, and watch his eyes light up as he sees his heros come to life. I appreciate everything you have done for all of marvels fans. You are truly one in a million, and you are a legend. Meeting you was a pleasure. Thank you very much for your time. My only wish is that more people would bring as much beauty to this world as you have done.

Your fan,
Manuel F


Allen,
Thank you so much for the drawing. I received it yesterday and I have been showing it off like wild fire. It is so amazing and I appreciate all of the hard work that you put into drawing it. Thank you again.
Kyle


Just like to let you know that I received all your artwork and it is truly amazing! I didn’t even expect the two extra full body copies you gave thank you for going above and beyond!

The comic-covers; themselves are fantastic!

Matthew


Hi Allen,

Just wanted to let you know that I received your art today.

I was extremely pleased with the quality & effort you put into the drawing.

I am also very excited that I can finally add this piece to my collection… Cappy holding the old shield definitely makes it unique. I will be grabbing a frame soon so I can proudly display it.

Thanks again!

From one of your Canadian Fans,
– Armando


Hi —

Just wanted to let you know that the art arrived today — and it’s wonderful! Even 70 years later, you can’t beat an image of Captain America punching Hitler.

Thanks very much for the great sketch (not to mention the little “bonus” on the envelope) and the quick turnaround. It will have an honored place in my collection of comics art.

All the best,
Shoily


Hi, Allen. I received the art yesterday and it’s beautiful. I’m really, really pleased. Thank you so much!

I must admit that I’m puzzled as to why Marvel would’ve printed a blank cover (even as a variant edition.) But it sure worked out for me. I love having a sketch on the cover.

(By the way, I would’ve written yesterday, but I had several small deadlines to get out of the way first.)

Again, thanks!

Best Wishes,
John


hi,
I just wanted to say that i was extremely happy to meet you at the winnipeg comic con this. I wish i would of had more time to talk to you and ask you some more question. We ended up buying a limited print that you had brought with you and you took a picture with us which also made my da. You are a legend and i will always be grateful for the opportunity that i got when i spoke with you. You are a very kind and humble man and the world could use a few more people like you. Thanks again.

Your fan always
darcy


Mr. Bellman,

I just received a scan of the two comics that you did for me. They are absolutely amazing and I really loved how great the drawing of you with Cap turned out. Adding the giant pencil in your hand was a stroke of genius. I just wanted to say thank you and let you know that I will be anxiously awaiting to get them in my hands.

Respectfully,
Jay W.


Good morning Allen,

I finally saw the sketch, words cannot describe how great/amazing it came out. It truly is everything I expected & a whole lot more. By far hands down my favorite sketch in my whole collection, I thank you for really giving it your best. I cant wait to finally have it in my hands, I feel like a kid all over again on Christmas morning and for that I thank you.

I really hope I have fulfilled my job as a fan in letting you know how great you are as an artist but more importantly as a person. I feel like I sincerely have not only gained awesome art work but more importantly a friend.

I look forward to our next venture, hopefully soon.

Have a great day!

Ken


Dear Allen,

Dan sent me a picture of the sketch, I’m speechless, I knew it would be great….but this was just simply perfect 🙂

Once again thanks for the previous sketch, it was everything & more than I had hoped/wished for.

Cheers!
Kenneth


Dear Mr Bellman,
I would like to say you are truely amazing. You are a legend in the world of comics and yet you treat your comic art fans like your friends. Really looking forward for the art print and the sketch cover. Once again thanks for your kind heart and effort.

Best,
Bob


Dear Mr. Bellman,
This photo was taken at the Lexington Comic and Toy show last March in Kentucky. My wife took this when we visited your table and I just wanted to say what a pleasure and privilege it was to meet you and your lovely wife and to be in this picture.

I was also fortunate enough to purchase one of your Captain America sketches which hangs on the wall next to this photo. Thank you both for your time and your kindness, it was the highlight of our time at the show.

Sincerely,
Shannon L.


Mr. Bellman,

My Captain America commission arrived today from CGC. My jaw actually dropped as I looked at Cap punching Hitler. I really cannot thank you enough for putting so much work into this great piece of art. As I am sure you recall, Desert Wind Comics almost forgot to pick this up and it caused a slight delay in me getting it. Stan Lee had left by the time they got it so hey had him sign it at another convention on the 23rd. I used that opportunity to also have Mark Morales, who inked the comic, sign it.

Not only do I have your artwork and signature, but I also have two additional signatures, one of which is Stan “The Man” Lee and the copy you sketched on was in such great condition that CGC graded it a 9.8. I do not think I could possibly be any happier. This is truly a unique piece. I just wanted to let you know how much it means to me that you took time to make a fan happy. EXTREMELY HAPPY.

Now if you will excuse me I need to go stare at it some more!

Respectfully, Jay W.


Dear Mr. Bellman,
I received my book today and wanted to say I couldn’t be happier with it, you really out did yourself. Your a great artist and I very happy to see your still in the comic book seen. Hope to see you next your at the Denver comic con.

Thanks,
Vince


Allen,
Just wanted you to know that the artwork arrived yesterday (actually, I think it arrived Tuesday, but my work schedule didn’t let me pick it up until yesterday). I just wanted to say that it looks absolutely FANTASTIC. If anything, it’s even better than I was expecting. Worth every penny. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this and for doing it so quickly. Best of luck at the Denver show and in all of your future endeavors.

Thanks again,
Marty L.


Hi Allen,

Two years ago you gave our untested convention a chance to succeed. You graciously provided art and moral support. On the show floor I see you pulling fans to your table and giving each one a special moment. You are funny, sincere and most of all a Good Man. We love you and a CCE without you would not be the same.


FAN LETTERS

Allen! I got it in the mail this morning when I came into work! It’s great, absolutely great! You did an amazing job, and I’m proud to have this piece from you for my Mad Hatter collection!

Thank you so much!
Ethan


Hello Mr. Bellman,

I recently had the honor of meeting you at Mike Carbo’s NYCBM. First I wanted to say it was a pleasure having the opportunity to speak with you and to have you sign a sketch, thank you so much. I was, however, unable to see the specific sketch I was looking for, so I checked your web site and found that sketch and another I’d like, if they are available. They are Captain America vs. Hitler and Cpataian America, Namor and the Human Torch. Please e mail me back at your convenience to let me know availability and price. Once again, it was an honor to meet you and I hope I get the opportunity again in the future.

-Patrick L.


Dear Mr. Bellman,
I just wanted to thank you for signing my Torch and Submariner pages at the comic con last Saturday, and for the special deal that you gave me. They are a treasured part of my collection. Meeting you was the highlight of the day, which just happened to be my birthday. I hope to see you again at future conventions and hopefully getting a few more pieces of your fantastic art signed.

Until then, stay well and God bless.
Your Fan,
Rob C.


Hi Allen,

The sketch arrived today! It is AMAZING!!! Thanks so much for your hard work. It is an honor to add your sketch to my collection.

Thanks again!
Matt


Mr. Bellman,

I apologize for not emailing you sooner! I wanted to thank you again for drawing the cover of a comic book to help make my leap year proposal perfect! I wanted to let you know that he said “yes” and we are now engaged!! He love the comic and was very surprised. Thank you for your help and making the day special!

Sincerely,
Kristy Q.


Mr. Bellman,

Thank you again for helping my Mom acquire such an amazing gift. I can’t wait to hang the art and show it off to my friends. We are already talking about Orlando and I hope that I can take the leave to be able to come meet you.

Happy holidays and best wishes,
Mike H. and family.


To Allen Bellman,

Hello, this is Jeremy Kahn. I met with you a couple of weeks back when I was visiting my grandma in Florida. I wanted to get in contact with you to let you know how much of an honor it was to meet with you. I had a wonderful time talking with you and looking at your work. It means a lot to me that you were able to make time in the day to meet with me. So thank you very much again. I learned a lot from our conversation and will do my best to apply it to my own furore work and career. Please have a great day and I look forward to hopefully getting a chance to talk with you again.

From,
Jeremy K.


Just want to take a moment to say what a great experience Mitch and I had at the Cincinnati Comic Expo this weekend! Even flight cancelations and seemingly never ending travel delays on the way out, could not tarnish the truly perfect time we had. Gracious hosts, wonderful guests, and friendly, enthusiastic fans. We really couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

One of the biggest highlights was the Captain America retrospective panel Mitch and I were honored to speak at with comics legend, Allen Bellman. To top it off, we were able to spend time visiting with and soaking up tales of yore from industry heroes, Allen, Stan Goldberg, Jose Delbo and their beautiful wives, Roz, Pauline, Mabel, and Jose’s daughter Silvana. The icing on the cake was the 3 day Oktoberfest street celebration taking place outside our hotel in downtown Cincy. If I’m not mistaken, it is the 2nd largest Oktoberfest in the world! The streets were lively and friendly, filled with Bavarian treats, polka music, and Lederhosen!

All in all, what an incredible experience! Definitely one we will never forget.

Sincerely, Bettie Breitweiser


Thank you so much, Mr. Bellman, for coming back to cincy for the comic expo. Thank you for being so kind and such a nice person. It was an honor to talk to you again, and I loved your poster so much I made it my profile pic.

God bless,

Mark


Hi Allen!

I’ve been meaning to tell you I received the Captain America art that you drew for me, and I really love it! It’s truly an honor to have it in my collection.

It was great meeting you at the Florida Supercon – I have lots of good memories from that weekend. Hope to bump into you again at another convention someday.

Cheers,
Paul


Hi Allen,

sorry. I forgot to mention that I recieved it and it made for a wonderful birthday surprise!

I can’t thank you enough and meeting you was definitely the highlight of the convention.

Best wishes,

Freddy


Dear Mr. Bellman,
Your sketch arrived today in perfect condition, and I could not be happier. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into this piece, it’s absolutely wonderful! Also, thanks for the extra you added. Have a great summer, and thanks again for all the years of fantastic art you made, and for the tremendous sketch you made for me.

Curt


Mr. Bellman,

I received the Captain America sketch that I had commissioned at the Texas Comic-Con in San Antonio last month. It is FANtastic! Thank you so much for the sketch and the details that were put into the drawing. I will display it with pride and enjoyment.

Thank You,
Jim H.


WOW! I just received the sketch today and it was truly beautiful. Seeing the package in the mail made me fell like a little kid on Christmas morning. I paused in awe of what you did in a space the size of a comic book cover. It will be one of my most cherished pieces. Thank you again, Allen, to meet you and get a sketch like this means a lot to a fan like me. Again, thank you and hope to see you again.

Rodrigo


Mr. Bellman, I received the Captain America sketch that I had commissioned at the Texas Comic-Con in San Antonio last month. It is FANtastic! Thank you so much for the sketch and the details that were put into the drawing. I will display it with pride and enjoyment.

Thank You,
Jim H.


Mr. Bellman,

I just wanted to let you know that I got the Chaplin sketch in the mail today and I could not possibly be happier. I knew that it was going to be great and I was still surprised at how great it was. I can’t thank you enough. It was a real treat meeting you in Orlando and I wanted to let you know that this piece will be something that I cherish forever. Hopefully I’ll see you at a con sometime in the future.

Best,
Dan B.


Hey Allen,

Thank you so much for the fantastic art work. I’m getting a nice high quality frame and it’s going on the wall in a prominent spot in our house. Captain America is my favorite character and you did an awesome job. The head shot alone was well worth the price of admission, but the additional full figure in the bottom right hand corner put this piece right over the top. So, thanks again Allen, this is something I will always treasure.

A Fan Always,
Ken L.


Allen, Thank you so much and I look forward to adding your unique art piece to my ever growing Captain America collection. Furthermore, I look forward to meeting you in person at the con it will be a dream come true for me.

Thanks again
Trey C.


I just received it today. Absolutely amazing sketch! I want to thank you again and know that I will treasure this piece of art forever. I hope to see you again soon at a convention. Take care.

Matthew K.


Dear Allen,

Hello. I wanted to let you know that I e-mailed a picture of the Captain America sketch you did for me to Roy Thomas. He liked it, and said he might publish it in a future issue of his magazine Alter Ego.

Take care, and have a good weekend.
Ben H


“I got them and they are wonderful. I’m doing a happy dance as I type. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Stewart P.


Dear Mr. Bellman, First of all, let me say that it was an unexpected pleasure to meet you at the art show here in Melbourne.To be honest, I’ve just recently become serious about comic books. I’ve always enjoyed the art of comic books, but haven’t really been knowledgeable about the artists and writers behind them. But when I found out that you had worked on the early Timely/Marvel titles, I was eager to have you sign something.

And finally, I’ve begun writing on what I hope will become a long running comic book series, as yet untitled (The title I had in mind was apparently used recently, much to my chagrin). I was wondering if you could offer some advice for an up-and-comer. I know that you were an artist, but I was hoping you could tell me the things Stan Lee did that were particularly helpful/memorable, so that I can help my artist capture my vision, as you did for Stan.

Again, thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you, and seeing you at an upcoming convention.

Sincerely,
Ryan C.


Dear Mr. Bellmen i thought you’d enjoy this photo of you and i at the brevard art museum

P.S.
I’m having your autograph picture etc framed that way when i draw I’ll think of my hero 😉 hope you liked my superman costume


Hi Mr. Bellman,
Thank you for encouraging me with my artwork. I appreciate your friendship. God Bless you!!!
George M.


“Well, Allen…after I opened the package my new precious and priceless gift came in – my heart was filled, nigh immediate, with awe, delight, and true appreciation. I had to express my thoughts right away. I’m not usually set back easily like that. Then you responded and we even became FB friends, again being blessed with another gift.

I sure would love to chat some time and get to know you, though I know your time must be limited. Bryan and you have given me such a great and inspiring gift beyond compare, and I now have a really awesome Cap picture too. 😉 Thanks for everything

Mark P.


Allen, I met you on the cruise. I liked hearing you speak. Thanks for your time and letting me take pictures.

Michael G.


“WOW! This is awesome! What a great drawing. My own piece of Golden Age treasure!

Thanks, Michael P.”


I’m looking forward to getting the art. I saw the scan on Michael’s site. It looks awesome! I’ll always treasure this. I’m going to get it framed for my office wall.

Thanks,
Mark


Hey Allen,

I received the drawings last night and they are wonderful–just awesome. Thanks so much again as I have a true legends artwork in my collection. I do want another piece done and I will email you soon–something with a battle ship and sub mariner—thanks so much for making my Christmas–happy holidays and best wishes in 2011–also love the signed photo of you

Thanks james


“WOW! This is awesome! What a great drawing. My own piece of Golden Age treasure! Thanks, Michael and Mr. Bellman!”

Moe P


Allen,

I love the website. It is very well done.

(I think you’ll like my holiday card this year. I’ll be mailing them shortly.)

Best of the season to you.

Dewey Cassell

Dewey C


I was hoping to visit with you and your wife at Comic-con this year. I hope that you are both well and that I will have the chance to see you sometime. I have given the great Human Torch drawing that you did for me an honored place in our home. Thank you for the wonderful drawing. Best wishes always.

Steve B


Here are some recent fan letters that I have received over the years and wanted to share them with you.

An absolutely beautiful job, Mr. Bellman. I took the liberty of leaving you a voice mail message with my appreciation.

Thank you!

Bryan


Dear Allen,

Hello. I received the Captain America drawing in the mail today. I want you to know, I am very happy with it. Thank you so much for doing such a wonderful job on it.

By the way, I ordered a copy of the All Winners hardcover that reprints some of your work for Timely from the 1940s. I am really looking forward to seeing your work in print. Once I receive the book, if it is possible I would like to mail it to you to be autographed. On your website, you indicated to include a check for $10 with it to cover return postage, which I can certainly do. Please let me know if that is okay.

Also, if you need a photo of the Cap commission you drew for me, let me know, and I will e-mail it to you.

Thanks again for your time. Take care, and have a good weekend.

Ben H.


Hi, Mr. Bellman,

Thank you for taking time to come to Comic-Con. It was wonderful to meet you and your lovely wife in San Diego. As a writer/producer, I feel fortunate to be able to stand on the shoulders of giants such as yourself.

Best,

Michael L.


Here are some recent fan letters that I have received over the years and wanted to share them with you.

Dear Mr. Bellman,

Hello. I came across your website because I had seen several “sketch cover” commissions you had done, which had been put on display at the Comic Art Fans website. I did a search on Google, which led me to your site.

The reason I am writing is that I have been a tremendous fan of Captain America since I was nine years old. Okay, I am only 34, but still that is quite a while. Fortunately, I’ve been able to collect either original issues or reprints of Cap’s stories from the 1960s onwards. However, the material from the “Golden Age” of the 1940s is more difficult to locate. I have a two volume hardcover set reprinting the ten issues Joe Simon & Jack Kirby did, and have also come across scattered reprints of other stories here and there.

So I was very pleased to be able to look through your website and view some examples of your artwork. Offhand, I cannot recall having the opportunity to read any of these. But looking at a list of your published work, I see a few have been reprinted by Marvel recently, so I’ll try to locate them.

Anyway, I collect original artwork featuring Captain America and his supporting cast.

I would love to get a commission from you. Unfortunately, at this time I am unemployed, and so cannot really afford anything expensive. I do not know what your rates are. If you can, let me know what they are. I could always mail you one of those “sketch cover” issues with payment, and you could draw a head sketch of Captain America on it. Just a thought. If not, it’s no big deal.

Anyway, I just wanted to write and let you know that I was thrilled to discover you website and your work. You definitely still have fans who appreciate the fine work you did on those classic comic books.

Thank you for your time. Take care, and stay well.

Ben H.


Dear Allen,
I hope this message finds you doing well. It was a real pleasure to have met you at the Cincinnati Comic Expo. I loved your presence at the panel – very humorous and insightful. In fact, I got the real sense you had many stories to share. I wish more time had been given for you (perhaps individual panels for you and Mr. Heath and Mr. Anderson would have been more appropriate).

As I noted in my FaceBook message, I’m a professor in the Dept. of Theatre and Film at the University of Toledo and my area of research is the superhero genre and comic books. I am currently writing a book on the genre, which takes up a good amount of my time. That said, I would like to take some time to speak with you in more detail about your experiences working in the industry in the 1940s. Do let me know if you would be available for this. Perhaps I could send you some questions sometime?

Thanks for your consideration.

Kind regards,
Matt


Hey allen how are you? its been a long time since we last spoke. i just wanted to see how are you doing ? are you still drawing and doing comic conventions? well me im doing good thank go. My barbershop is doing good, and also im one semester away from graduating from college. i will never forget the speech you gave me , that in this country you can accomplish anything. it has really motivated me to achieve all my dreams, and i owe a big part of that to you. For that you will always be a special person in my life. Thank you so much allen and i hope to hear from you soon.

Raimondo


No, Thank YOU, sir, for all of your creative toil in comics. I’m sure it never occurred to any of you working in the business back in the forties and fifties that anyone would know or care all these years later, let alone make a fuss over your work. It is appreciated!

Thanks,
Steven T.


I’m glad it arrived in good order. No rush at all. I look forward to seeing your work. You are a true gentleman, Mr. Bellman.

Warmest regards,
Bryan

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