Piper vs Valentine - Dog Collar (Way of the Blade Art Print)
"Piper vs Valentine - Dog Collar" - ink & digital illustration
NWA Starrcade 1983 "A Flare For The Gold" - 11.24.1983, Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Another of my favourite illustrations from the original Way of the Blade book & another absolute all-timer of a match!
What can you even say about this one? If you love you some gritty, physical, violent wrasslin' like I do, then I can comfortably say that this one is for you. This was another match that I was delighted to see on Phil Schneider's list but also one that I did feel some pressure on. For such an iconic match that totally defined the 'dog-collar' pro wrestling stipulation (& for me definitely remains the greatest one that I've seen), I really wanted to do it justice!
Both guys are just fantastic in this & it really works to both of their strengths. Bringing out that same sadomasochistic Greg Valentine energy that his all-time legendary father, Johnny Valentine was famous for. And also the gritty 'fighting from beneath' scrappy, charismatic roughhouse battler dynamic that Piper was so perfect at. I honestly adore this match so very much. I tried my best to capture that visceral 'defiance' of Roddy Piper in the moment that I chose for the illustration.
If you haven't seen this one already, what are you even doing?! Highly recommended!
ENJOY!!
Fancy, high quality art prints of this book illustration are now available to purchase for as little as 25 clams, FREE worldwide postage!
HQ Basic Art Prints: Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. (Printing & delivery arranged by Printful).
'Premium' Art Prints: Voluptuously extra thick, textured & hand-signed! Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. 1cm additional border for easy framing unless otherwise requested. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you! + ALL PREMIUM PRINT PURCHASES COME WITH CHRIS THINGS ZINE VOL. 1!!
Pre-Framed Art Prints: For those who don't want to worry about the hassles of framing! Pre-framed basic art-prints printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick, light-weight wooden frame from renewable forests. (Printing, framing & delivery arranged by Printful).
Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you require a different size - all prints made to order.
