An upcoming auction listing has been posted on the US based Heritage Auctions website featuring original comic strip art by Ray Moore.

The daily comic strip on offer was originally printed in newspapers on the 15th of May 1936. The Phantom first appeared in US newspapers commenced on the 17th of February 1936, this early art work by Ray Moore would of been published in week 77 since the Phantom was originally created by Lee Falk.

The comic strip art is from the classic story titled ‘The Singh Brotherhood‘, written by Lee Falk and illustrated by Ray Moore, published on a daily basis in newspapers from the 17th of February 1936 thru till the 7th of November 1936. The panels contain images of the Phantom saving Diana from Achmed Singh, a member of the Singh Brotherhood.

The original artwork offered is made up of 4 comic strip panels in black and white, with Heritage Auctions notifying us of the size of the combined strip when placed sided by side, as they would have of been published, measuring 27.5″ x 6″. The images as posted by Heritage Auctions can be seen below.

The comic strip as it would of appeared in newspapers on the 15th of May 1936 can be seen below.

The description seen on the auction listing reads:

Ray Moore The Phantom Daily Comic Strip Original Art dated 5-15-36 (King Features Syndicate, 1936).

This fine comic strip represents Moore’s earliest creation that Heritage has ever offered, and astonishingly, it dates back to the very first year of the Phantom’s adventures! Originals from Ray Moore, one of the most accomplished Phantom artists, are scarce, so this is an opportunity not to be missed! Featuring the Phantom with childhood friend (and future wife) Diana, the strip is rendered in ink over graphite on two age-toned Bristol boards with a total image area of 27.5″ x 6″. Light handling wear. Mild creasing along the top margin of the first board. Signed. In Very Good condition.

The auction listing goes live on the 19th of February 2024. Being such an early piece of Phantom history from the year of the Phantom’s creation, plus the very first story published to feature the Phantom, I’m sure this amazing artwork will attract a large volume of interest and bids.

It’s also great to see that such original artwork has survived 88 years since being illustrated, which looks like it’s been well cared for with very little damage or signs of wear present.

To view the original Phantom artwork by Ray Moore at the Heritage Auctions website, click HERE

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