SPX Executive Director Warren Bernard's astonishing comics collection, a treasure trove of history, is slated for the Library of Congress.
Warren Bernard, Executive Director of the Small Press Expo, possesses an astonishing collection of comics history, much of which is earmarked for donation Library of Congress. His suburban Washington D.C. home houses a vast archive, from early Dr. Seuss illustrations to rare indie comics and wartime works by Will Eisner. This treasure trove has already contributed to multiple museum exhibitions and served as a resource for numerous books.
Bernard's collection extends beyond typical mini-comics from SPX contributors. It includes a massive array of publications featuring early illustration work by Theodore "Dr. Seuss" Geisel, stacks of vintage Sunday comics inserts, and tear sheets dating back medium's earliest days. Significant holdings also encompass World War II cartoons, rare leftist newspapers with incredible comics, and shelves of exceptionally rare books and memorabilia.
Bernard attributes his collecting passion to his grandfather, a coin and stamp enthusiast. His own journey began around age nine or ten, sparked by reading Superman #162 while recovering from tonsillitis. By fourteen, he was seriously acquiring Golden Age comics, and a high school friendship with John Knott introduced him Marvel universe, which was scarce in his New York neighborhood.
A pivotal moment arrived when Bernard and Knott discovered Bob Madle, a member of First Fandom, whose basement was stacked floor-to-ceiling with science fiction pulps like Amazing and Astounding. Bernard worked for Madle, taking his pay in pulps, primarily Astounding Stories. This connection led to encounters with sci-fi legends such as Isaac Asimov, L. Sprague de Camp, and Forrest Ackerman at conventions.
Bernard's lifelong dedication to collecting has cultivated a unique and invaluable repository of comics and pulp history. His meticulous curation ensures that these often-overlooked cultural artifacts are preserved and made accessible for future generations of scholars and enthusiasts. The eventual transfer of significant portions Library of Congress solidifies its legacy as a vital resource for understanding the evolution of sequential art.
