Terry Funk vs Harley Race (Way of the Blade Art Print)
"Terry Funk vs Harley Race" - ink & digital illustration
On the way to the upcoming Way of the Blade sequel, here's another flashback to an illustration & match that I LOVED from the original (from the great guys at Hybrid Shoot, written by the rad Phil Schneider, illustrated by yours truly!).
This wonderful, bloody NWA World Heavyweight Championship bout took place on July 1st, 1977 for Paul Boesch's Houston Wrestling at the Sam Houston Coliseum.
So this was actually the very first illustration that I completed for the original Way of the Blade book. For this reason, this one will always hold a very special, sentimental place in my heart. The match is totally incredible as well!
I mean, we're talking Harley Race vs Terry Funk here! Two of the biggest names of Professional Wrestling the 70s. Two NWA World Champions who defined the era. "The Greatest Wrestler on God's Green Earth" versus in my humble opinion, the best to ever do it. This match encapsulates so much about what was so darned great about 70s wrestling & big time NWA World Championship matches. Big personalities, big-time drama, an excellent slow build, hitting a perfect crescendo & BLOOD!
Phil makes an excellent point in the book in his write up on this one by calling Terry "the most versatile wrestler of all time" and I don't think anyone could disagree with that statement after watching this match.
This match is also a great glimpse of the wonderful, massively underrated Pro Wrestling Territory that was Houston Wrestling. We've thankfully had a good deal of classic Houston footage become accessible in recent years. This match might very well be the best part of it. Paul Boesch really was one of the greatest promoters this business has ever seen. Texas wrestling sure was awesome!
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.
