Collecting Original Art: Interview with Toni Sendra (Spain)

22. Jul / 2026

It’s time to introduce our dear friend Toni Sendra—a collector who not only owns one of the most incredible original art collections we’ve ever had the chance to see, but who has also been by our side since the very beginning. His support has played a huge part in helping TGR become what it is today, and he has always enriched us with his insight into the hobby, the artists, and the world of original comic art.

In today’s interview, Toni shares how his collecting journey began, what he looks for in every piece he adds to his collection, and which artworks hold a truly special place in his heart.

If you ever have the chance to run into him at a convention, a signing, or any other event, don’t hesitate to say hello. He’s genuinely one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. :^)

How did you get into art collecting?

Like most comic collectors and fans, it just happened naturally. My first piece was a Gene Colan page from Sub-Mariner #43.

I’ve always been a huge Sub-Mariner fan. I still have my entire original run in its original single-issue format. The desire to own a page from that comic was what sparked it all. I bought it from the owner of the comic shop where I’d been shopping my whole life.

What’s your favorite piece in your collection?

My original Watchmen page (the one featured in this article).

Is there any piece with a special story behind it?

They all have their own story. The pieces I value most are the ones I’ve acquired from other collectors who later became friends.

What role do galleries play in your collection?

A crucial one. Building strong relationships with trusted dealers is essential for any collector.

What makes you choose one piece over another?

In my case, especially as time has gone by, I’ve developed a set of criteria that I always try to stick to when choosing a piece.

I have a list of artists and specific works I’d love to own a piece from. Beyond that, whenever possible, I try to find pages that were both penciled and inked by the same artist—or, if that’s not the case, I want to make sure the inker is someone whose work I really appreciate. I also look for pages that feature the main hero or villain from the story, preferably with some action, and ultimately, I try to find the best-looking page I can within my budget. I’ve passed on many pieces over the years because they didn’t meet one or more of those criteria.

Has your taste changed over time?

It hasn’t really changed, although it has grown over time. The ’80s have always been, and still remain, my favorite era—from the late ’70s through the early ’90s. That said, I have to admit that we’re fortunate to have an exceptional generation of artists here in Spain today. Their work truly amazes me.

What’s your favorite piece from our gallery?

My favorite piece is Pepe Larraz’s cover for Fall of the House of X #1. I’ve been a huge X-Men fan for years. For many of us, Pepe’s artwork combined with Hickman’s writing represents some of the best X-Men work we’ve seen since the Claremont era.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in art collecting?

Be patient, and don’t buy something just because you feel like you need to add another piece to your collection.