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Al Capp - Original Comic Strip Art for Li'...

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Al Capp - Original Comic Strip Art for Li'...
Al Capp - Original Comic Strip Art for Li'l Abner (United Features Syndicate, 1938). Al Capp created this classic hillbilly strip in 1934 and it quickly became one of America's favorites, a popularity that would last for decades. It was such a cultural phenomenon that it eventually spun off into plays, movies, and more merchandising than you could shake a Shmoo at. Al Capp's political views later on entered the strip, as in this Sunday page were we see the lovable Li'l Abner tangling with a ruffian and coming out on top, showing us that violence is not the solution to all conflict. The story behind this strip is legendary: Al Capp worked as an assistant to Ham Fisher, the creator of Joe Palooka, wherein he introduced a hillbilly character named Big Leviticus. When working conditions in Fisher's studio became intolerable, Capp left, taking his hillbilly with him and eventually using the concept as the springboard for Li'l Abner. This began a feud that would last as long as Capp and Fisher lived, a feud which comes to life in this strip. The boxer character is Capp's parody of Joe Palooka (notice how Abner knocks him flat without even trying), and the manager is a caricature of Fisher. All in all, a rather pointed barb. These strips are very desirable and highly sought after by collectors, especially early examples such as this one. This Sunday page is in very good condition with minor amounts of white-out and light staining and measures 19"x 26" overall. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium.