En 1981 (comme l’atteste la signature), la marque Fruit of the loom, qui commercialise des sous-vêtements pour filles et garçons, a financé des publicités animées avec certaines héroïnes de DC : Batgirl, Supergirl et Wonder Woman. C’est Alex Toth qui s’est chargé des dessins préparatoires.
Batgirl and Supergirl Underoos Illustrations by Alex Toth (DC/Fruit of the Loom, c. 1977-81). Here’s a real « girl power » lot! In the 1981 live action/animated TV commercial for Underoos, both DC and Marvel superheroes were combined. Three female characters were in the spot – Wonder Woman, Batgirl and Supergirl, as the Fruit of the Loom clothing line had product for both boys and girls. This is the original Alex Toth character design artwork for Supergirl and Batgirl in ink and marker on sheets of 11" x 14" paper. Both pieces are signed by Alex Toth (1928 - 2006), one on the bottom right and one on the bottom left. Batgirl has four images of 6" - 10", while Supergirl has three images measuring 8" - 12". Mr. Toth’s work on this TV commercial is highlighted in the coffee table book about his career in animation, Genius Animated: The Cartoon Art of Alex Toth, where these images may be found on pages 317 and 319. Minor Handling. Fine condition.HID03201242017 Grade: 0, Service: Uncertified, Service No.: 1436808
La promotion nous vaudra aussi une illustration où les héros DC côtoient leurs homologues de chez Marvel.
Pour ma part, je trouve que Toth déploie à ces occasions un style qui rappelle celui de Gil Kane.
Jim