Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
The Joker - Comic Book Cover #3
Summary
The Joker - Comic Book Cover #3 (First Edition) is a 2019 hand-finished screen print by Mr. Brainwash, measuring 46 x 34 inches in an edition of 25. As the third numbered entry in the Joker comic-book cover set, each impression is individually hand finished, presenting the villain within a mock comic-cover composition.
Why It Matters
Cover #3 continues the series' fusion of comic homage and hands-on embellishment, with hand finishing ensuring each of the 25 sheets is one of a kind. The large 46 x 34 inch format and tight edition place it among the more exclusive, craft-intensive works in the Joker cycle.
Collector Perspective
The number 3 designation gives this print its place in a completable four-cover sequence, appealing to collectors assembling the full run. Hand finishing renders each impression unique, and the substantial scale makes it a statement piece. The edition of 25 keeps availability limited.
Historical Context
Part of Brainwash's 2019 comic-book cover series, Cover #3 draws on the visual conventions of vintage comic covers while spotlighting the Joker at a moment of renewed cultural prominence. The hand-finished process reflects the artist's signature layering of embellishment over screen-printed imagery.
FAQ
Is each Cover #3 unique?
Yes, hand finishing means every impression in the edition of 25 differs from the others.
What is the size?
It measures 46 x 34 inches.
How many were made?
The First Edition is limited to 25.
Does the number 3 matter?
It marks this as the third of four numbered Joker cover prints, relevant to collectors building the 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.