Greetings. Offered for sale is the original artwork for the comic strip YOUNG RAY BOLD by Fran Matera.
Description:
-Art Type: Daily comic strip original artwork.
-Medium: Pen and ink over pencil/graphite on art paper/board. Zip-A-Tone (dot matrix plastic overlay used for shading) to both panels.
-Publisher: The Associated Press (?)
-Publication Date: Unknown (1950's?)
-Dimensions: 19" wide by 5.5" tall (board dimensions; image slightly smaller)
-Signed: Yes. Signed "Fran Matera"
-Description: This is the original artwork for the daily comic strip YOUNG RAY BOLD by Francis "Fran" Matera (1924-2012). Matera also drew the comic strips Dickie Dare, Mr. Holiday, Legend of Bruce Lee, Steve Roper and Mike Nomad and others. He also drew for most of the major comic book companies.
This daily, titled "Will Something Click?" features the title character, hoping to find uranium, on his way to purchase a Geiger Counter. Meanwhile, a sneaky ranch hand looks to be up to no good. This appears to be an unpublished pilot or try-out strip. It lacks a copyright indicia or date. The strip is numbered "A6" and "Young Ray Bold" is written in (faded) red ink in the top right margin.
As per Maurice Horn's "Comics of the American West" (Stoeger, 1978; see page 58), Young Ray Bold was syndicated by The Associated Press (the only western strip the AP handled) and was published for "a couple of years" in the 1950s.
This daily features beautiful inking by Matera, particularly in the first panel where the interplay of light and shadow is superb. Matera clearly took a great deal of time and care with this artwork. BS
Condition:
-The art is in good overall condition. Appears to be mounted on another (backing) piece of art paper. Minor to moderate waviness (possibly from moisture exposure) to the art paper. Staining and discoloration throughout; otherwise moderate age/handling wear. Art paper feels somewhat fragile. Pencil notes to reverse.
Shipping/Payment:
-Domestic buyer pays $20.00 for USPS priority mail shipping (includes tracking and insurance). If the actual cost of shipping is less, I will refund the difference.
-International buyer pays exact cost of USPS priority mail international shipping. Sorry, but I do not ship to Italy (too many past problems). Customs forms contain complete and accurate value. International buyers please wait for an invoice from me before making payment.
-Customs fees, duty, charges and taxes, including VAT, are NOT included in the shipping charge, and are the sole and exclusive responsibility of the buyer.
-Payment is due upon purchase/auction ending. If you wish a non-standard payment method, please message me to discuss.
Thank you. Please check my other listings for a selection of books, graphic novels, original comic art, CDs, DVDs, knives, and other collectibles.