Lot 1110: VAN BUREN, RAEBURN

1103. RAEBURN VAN BUREN (1891-1987) Starting at the Kansas City Star, became frequent contributor to Life, Puck, and other publications as one of the country's leading illustrators. Abbie and Slats was the idea of Al Capp, building upon the success of his popular Li'l Abner. Instead of drawing it himself, Capp recruited van Buren but left the successful strip in 1945. Van Buren continued the strip until his retirement in 1971. An oversized original illustrated eight panel "Abbie & Slats" comic strip, October 6, 1963, executed in pen and ink with still-visible pencil marks, white touch ups and pasted-up masthead/credit copy and indicia. Measuring 24" x 16 3/4, the art would be published in newspapers at a 61% reduction. The piece shows a skilled and experienced pro illustrator at work, signed decoratively in black ink in last panel. Some production notes penciled in margins, slight toning and minor bends to corners. Pasted-on "and" missing from title revealing tape remnants, otherwise fine. $100-150