This strip is the original signed artwork by Jim Holdaway for strip # 2041 of the Modesty Blaise series. The artwork features Modesty at her coyest, denying any knowledge of the criminal goings on she has just witnessed and been part of, involving the Mafia and a Takeover of a film studio. The artist uses his mastery inking to bring out fabulous contrast and powerful scenes which would be at home in a film noir setting. Each of these panels shows various inking techniques from loose brushing to incredibly fine work on Modesty’s features and textural details. Modesty Blaise is one of the most important British newspaper strips, and this example is beautifully drawn by the original Modesty Blaise artist Jim Holdaway, who created her unmistakable style, this strip is a beauty to behold. The strip is signed in the central panel, very deliberately just by Modesty's head. The strip also features Willie Garvin in two panels, and Chief Inspector Brooks. This strip is in very good condition and like most Jim Holdaway strips, has been removed from it’s backing board by the publisher in order to save storage space. Takeover was the last full story that was drawn by Jim Holdaway alone, as he unfortunately passed away suddenly half way through the next story. The series became extremely popular and syndicated worldwide. A series of novels was also written by Holdaway, including one which featured as the book Vincent Vega (John Travolta) is reading when he is killed by Bruce Willis in the Quentin Tarantino film ‘Pulp Fiction’. Modesty Blaise newspaper strips were drawn/ painted by Jim Holdaway, Enric Badia Romero who sadly passed away last month as well as John M Burns who also sadly passed away recently, Patrick Wright and Neville Colvin. Dick Giordano also drew a comic for DC comics. Films have also been made. Please examine all the photos to see just how wonderful this strip is. The strip will be professionally packed and sent via tracked courier with no postage charge, however please note that any import duties or taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.