Rip Kirby-November 14, 1950 (Alex Raymond)

Have long looked for an example from the legendary Alex Raymond to add into my collection. Finding the best piece for me that met both the combination of subject and affordability was always the stumbling block. When I saw this become available I needed to make it happen.

When Alex returned from voluntary military service during World War II, King Features did not offer him the opportunity to work on his established Sunday strips Flash Gordon or Jungle Jim. Only allowing Raymond the chance to develop a new strip. Including a deal which would give him part-ownership and a larger than normal share of the profits. He and King Features editor Ward Greene created the ex-marine detective character Rip Kirby in 1946. Alex also elected to evolve his artwork style to best work for a daily strip which was only to ever appear in black and white. No color to aid his art as it had in the earlier Sunday offerings. It gave him a unique "Raymond" stye which was subsequently copied by many future artists.

My strip is from "Mystery of the Missing Songstress" which ran September 25, 1950 through December 23, 1950. The beautiful singer Melody Lane (who is featured on this art) disappears and Rip Kirby is the one to find her. Turns out she is being held captive by a rich admirer Mr. Van Drope. Here we see his attorney Renwick being confronted by Rip and materializing Miss Lane!

The life of Alex Raymond is well documented including his tragic death driving with fellow cartoonist Stan Drake in 1956. Alex was an enormous talent we lost way too soon at the age of 46.