Romero, Enric Badia - Modesty Blaise "The Special Orders" (1998) - Original Published Daily Strip #9504A - Hand Signed

• Unique Original Published Daily Strip by Enric Badia Romero
• Modesty Blaise – "The Special Orders" (1998), Strip #9504A
• Hand Signed by the Artist, third panel
• Ink on Art Board · 50 x 18 cm
• Written by Peter O'Donnell
• Certificate of Authenticity Included
• Excellent Condition · Ready to Frame

Modesty and Willie, minutes before the drop.

THE ARTWORK
Aboard a helicopter, Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin sit side by side in camouflage jumpsuits, preparing for a dangerous mission. In the first panel, Willie questions Modesty's plan while she listens, chin on hand, calm and focused. The central panel is a striking close-up of Modesty: dark fringe, sharp eyes and a cool, determined expression, as she tells Willie to clear his head and think. In the final panel, Willie works out the plan for himself, and a slight smile appears on Modesty's face.

Romero builds the strip with fine, confident ink lines, careful hatching on the faces and the camouflage, and bold geometric screen-tone patterns in the background. The original hand lettering, the "Aboard the Helicopter" caption and the strip number 9504A are all on the board.

WHY IT MATTERS
Modesty Blaise, created by Peter O'Donnell, is one of the great British newspaper strips, and Romero was its artist for more than twenty years. "The Special Orders" was published between May and September 1998, and this strip captures the essence of the series: the trust between Modesty and Willie, sharp dialogue and an elegant, cinematic line. Original published Modesty Blaise strips are a cornerstone of any collection of classic newspaper comics.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
▸ Artist: Enric Badia Romero
▸ Writer: Peter O'Donnell
▸ Series: Modesty Blaise – "The Special Orders", strip #9504A
▸ Published: 1998
▸ Technique: Ink on art board, with original hand lettering
▸ Dimensions: 50 x 18 cm
▸ Signature: Hand signed by the artist, third panel
▸ Condition: Excellent
▸ Includes: Certificate of Authenticity

THE ARTIST
Enric Badia Romero (Barcelona, 1930 – 2024) was one of the great Spanish masters of the newspaper strip. He drew "Modesty Blaise" with Peter O'Donnell from 1970 to 1978 and again from 1986 until the strip ended in 2001, and in 1978 he co-created "Axa" with writer Donne Avenell for The Sun. His elegant line and his strong, expressive female characters made him a reference in British and European comics.

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