Frank Godwin - Rusty Riley Daily #19 - 2/16/48

Very early example of Rusty Riley. The first 24 strips were numbered after which they bore the date. My guess would be that these were the initial group submitted to the syndicate for approval or simply done prior to a known start date for publication. Following that initial start however, the continuing strips could then reliably dated. The early strips were also notable as they were signed in an open space rather than in what would become Frank's signature box style. This example is lacking part of Godwin's signature as it was done on a pasteover that no longer exists. Godwin was something of a perfectionist and he wanted to get the details right. The horse in the first panel was redrawn creating a better sense of proportion and depth. See the additional pics.