Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
The Joker - Comic Book Cover #2
Summary
The Joker - Comic Book Cover #2 (First Edition) is a 2019 hand-finished screen print by Mr. Brainwash, measuring 46 x 34 inches in an edition of 25. It is one of a set of numbered Joker comic-book cover prints, each individualized through hand finishing, presenting the super-villain within a mock cover framework.
Why It Matters
The hand-finished treatment means every sheet varies, blurring the line between edition print and unique work. At a large 46 x 34 inches and an edition of only 25, Cover #2 sits among the scarcer, more labor-intensive entries in the Joker series, combining comic homage with the artist's hands-on studio process.
Collector Perspective
Hand finishing makes each of the 25 impressions distinct, a draw for collectors who value individuality within an edition. The imposing 46 x 34 inch scale commands wall space. Some collectors pursue Covers #1 through #4 as a numbered suite, giving Cover #2 added appeal as part of a completable sequence.
Historical Context
Brainwash's comic-book cover series reframes familiar characters within the visual grammar of vintage comic covers. Released in 2019 amid heightened Joker visibility, the hand-finished Cover editions reflect the artist's tendency to layer spray-paint and hand embellishment over screen-printed foundations.
FAQ
What does hand-finished mean here?
Each print is individually embellished by hand, so no two impressions in the edition are identical.
How large is it?
It measures 46 x 34 inches, a large-format sheet.
What is the edition size?
The First Edition is limited to 25.
Are the covers a set?
There are four numbered Joker comic-book cover prints, and collectors sometimes pursue them as a sequence.
About the Artist
Mr. Brainwash is the pseudonym of Thierry Guetta, a French-born, Los Angeles-based street artist who rose to prominence through Banksy's 2010 documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. Originally a videographer who filmed street artists including Shepard Fairey and Banksy, Guetta reinvented himself as an artist, staging his ambitious 2008 debut show "Life Is Beautiful" in Los Angeles. His work draws heavily on pop-art appropriation, remixing icons such as Warhol, Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, and spray-paint splatters. He has produced album art and large-scale exhibitions across the U.S. and Europe.
Collecting Mr Brainwash at Gauntlet Gallery
What Mr. Brainwash prints should I buy first?
Start with hand-finished screenprints and stencil works from his named exhibitions, where each impression is signed, numbered, and often uniquely embellished with spray-paint or stamps. Smaller editions and show-related pieces from "Life Is Beautiful" and later gallery runs are the most recognizable entry points. At Gauntlet Gallery we prioritize pieces with clean condition and complete signing.
How is authenticity documented?
Gauntlet Gallery sells Mr. Brainwash works with documented studio provenance and the artist's own signature, numbering, and thumbprint or stamp where present. We photograph the exact piece you receive, including signature and edition details, so what you verify is what ships.
What drives value?
Value is driven by edition size, whether the piece is hand-embellished versus a flat print, subject popularity, condition, and provenance tied to a documented exhibition. Signed, low-numbered, and uniquely finished impressions command the strongest premiums.