Hilary Barta

This is the original inked art for page 11 from issue #14 of SpongeBob Comics (published in 2012 by Bongo Comics and United Plankton Pictures) penciled and inked by Hilary Barta. This is the first page of the story “One Night at the Chum Bucket.” The art features the villainous Sheldon James Plankton, otherwise known as just Plankton, as he plots and schemes from his office in his Chum Bucket restaurant. 

The art comes to the NCS directly from the collection of Barta who graciously donated this and two other pages of his art offered in our other auctions today. It measures 11x17” on Bristol board, and is signed in the lower right corner by Barta.

Barta’s comics career began in 1982 as an assistant inker for The Defenders, and quickly started inking on other titles solo. Over the years he has worked on titles such as The Thing, American Flagg!, Power Pack, Plastic Man, The New Mutants, The Simpsons, and Spongebob Comics. Barta’s natural style lends itself so well to humor comics, and whether penciling, inking or both, he is a fan favorite with his extremely entertaining work.

Don’t miss this chance to be the first owner of this original SpongeBob Comics art straight from the files of the artist’s own collection!