Superb original hand-inked single-panel comic strip by Ding Darling, 18.25 x 8.25, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To the Ken Brownes—with best wishes, from, Ding,” who has added his artist signature to lower right corner, “Darling.” The comic, which originally appeared in Collier’s, depicts a man scurrying away from a creditor’s doorstep having left behind a wailing child with pinned sign, “Our National Debts,” while a police officer hiding behind a tree appears primed to make the arrest. Above the officer Darling has added “The Hard-Boiled Laws of Credit” with arrow pointing downward, and caption to lower border reads: “If we think we can escape the responsibility of parenthood we’re crazy.”
Included with the comic strip are a pair of TLSs, both signed “Ding Darling,” both one page, Register and Tribune letterhead, dated July 20 and September 10, 1956. The earlier letter, in part: “I am just back after a about a six months’ absence…and as soon as I can get down to Iowa City and look over the files of old originals which are available I’ll try to find you a picture worth saving.”
The second letter, in full: “I am enclosing one of my cartoon originals. The only thing old about it is the drawing. The idea which it expresses, and the good wishes which accompany it, are everlasting. Among the old originals which remain available there aren’t many to choose from. This cartoon appeared in Collier’s Weekly at a time when our National Debt was increasing by leaps and bounds and it is just as true as it ever was. If the technique looks somewhat unfamiliar to you, it nevertheless was drawn when I was at my best and while I wish I had one better to send you I hope it goes part way to satisfy your wishes.” In overall fine condition, with paper loss to the top of the later letter (excised piece present). Accompanied by an original mailing envelope and a letter from W. W. Waymack, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editor of the Des Moines Register and tribune.
