Golden Age Great Leo O'Melia Rare Art, Sherlock Holmes

[Joe AllStar]

Rare and important 1931 Sherlock Holmes newspaper art illustrated by Leo O'Mealia

Without question one of the most recognizable and influential characters of the past hundred years has been Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's incomparable Sherlock Holmes. First appearing in Beeton's Christmas Annual, November 1887, "A Study in Scarlet" the character's, methods and level of logical reasoning created an unrivaled philosophy and following that continues undiminished till this day. In fact at the moment, spanning continents, literature, television and movies Holmes vehicles are pervasive.

His first illustrated sequential narrative appeared in 1930 in a syndicated newspaper feature distributed by the Bell Syndication. The feature was in keeping with Conan Doyle's texts and the talented artist chosen for the project was named Leo O'Mealia.

Leo O'Mealia was born March 31st 1884 and passed in 1960. He is known in several "worlds" in several ways. As a political cartoonist and sports cartoonist, working for renowned publications like the New York Journal and The Chicago Tribune. At the early part of the century he created and had published two newspaper features. His lush and professional work quickly lead to adaptations of two popular and iconic features Fu Manchu and The redoubtable Sherlock Holmes.

O'Mealia is best known in comic book circles as one its earliest pioneers. His covers graced Action Comics #2,3,4,5, and 6. All considered classics and his work appeared in Detective #27, More Fun, Adventure as well as other early historic titles.

In the early 1940's he left the field to become the chief sports cartoonist for the New York Daily News where he remained until his retirement. O'Mealia signed his work Leo and used a small Lion as a logo.

Offered here is a rare example of O'Mealia's Sherlock Holmes newspaper strip art! Produced for the Bell Syndicate, this daily features Holmes and Watson in every panel. The continuity is from the the Conan Doyle Classic "The Return Of Sherlock Holmes". The art and dialogue are written and drawn in the classic manner of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as Dr. Watson describing his recollections of this "case". Copyright sticker 1931. Signed Leo. The daily measures 6" X 20.25" has missing text in the first panel and light glue stains as is evident in the images. Overall Very Good Condition.

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