Three Comic Strips, Original Artwork, 1931, 1936, and 1962: "Little Orphan Annie", "Little Annie Rooney", and "Apple Mary"

A group of three charming comic strips dating from 1931 to 1962, all centered around young female protagonists. Includes the following:

1. "Little Orphan Annie" by Harold Gray. December 29, 1962. Measures 19.75" x 6.25" (sight), matted to the overall size of 24.25" x 10.75". Distributed by News Syndicate Co., Inc. Annie talks to Sandy about the "Shack Town" and sees surveyors starting work there. Inspired by James Whitcomb Riley's 1885 poem of the same name, the comic ran for nearly 100 years, from August 5, 1924, to June 13, 2010. The strip would go on to inspire radio shows, films, and a Broadway musical.

2. "Little Annie Rooney" by Darrell McClure. December 14, 1931. Measures 19" x 4.5" (sight), matted and framed to the overall size of 24.25" x 9.75". Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc. Annie's grandfather is using her as a meal ticket, and Annie becomes suspicious. The comic, launched on January 10, 1927, was an obvious knock-off of the more famous "Little Orphan Annie" strip. Despite this, the strip gained its own success and ran until 1966. It inspired a number of films, included one starring Shirley Temple in her first teenage role.

3. "Apple Mary" by Martha Orr. May 6, 1936. Measures 20.75" x 5.75". Distributed by Publishers Syndicate. In the strip, reporter Sally Blue tries to dissuade Mary from selling her story to Mike Wires from the radio, while Mary senses some sparks between the two young people. The comic, created by Orr in 1932, is centered on Mary Worth, an elderly woman who sells apples on the street. It ran until 1938, but is believed to have been revived as "Mary Worth", which is still in circulation today.

Light edge toning to all strips, else very good.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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