Al Capp: For the Gal He Loves

Al Capp's original art for the Li'l Abner comic strip of December 17, 1967 has the title character wondering aloud what a bachelor can do for the gal he loves? Mammy Yokum won't help him out, because it wouldn't be romantic. The original comic strip was given to two of Capp's doctors by his daughter after the artist's death. It reportedly was one of "those he was fondest of."

Al Capp's signature

Al Capp
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries listing accessed on July 9, 2023 before the sale

https://live.thomastonauction.com/lots/view/1-7LMANS/lil-abner-comic-strip-artwork-by-al-capp-1909-1979

With a presale estimate of $500 to $700, bidding started at $250. The sale price was $375.

04376

Strong and Stupid: Al Capp's Unfinished Li'l Abner Art

"Naturally I want to catch someone strong and stupid...." Well, who doesn't? This unfinished "Li'l Abner" comic strip by Al Capp is fully inked except for the words. The man on the far left is wearing a medallion or pendant that may help date this artwork to the late 1960's or early 1970's. It's not clear why Capp abandoned this particular comic strip, but the artwork seems adequate so it may have had something to do with the story line. Or maybe he needed to hold on to that phone number pencilled along the top margin.

Al Capp, Unfinished Li'l Abner comic strip art

EBay Listing

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Unpublished-Great-Al-Capp-Lil-Abner-Artwork-/201185794019?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed79b97e3

EBay Item Description

Note:  There's more to read about Al Capp here on the blog.

01359