Group of Five World War II Newspaper and Magazin

Group of Five World War II Newspaper and Magazine cartoons, circa 1940 India ink, lithographic crayon, and gouache on heavyweight paper 14 x 14 inches (35.6 x 35.6 cm) (Back to Back, image) Each signed in lower region Five original editorial cartoons feature Uncle Sam in confrontation with America's enemies during World War II. Italy's fascist leader Benito Mussolini—a copy of his party newspaper "Popolo d'Italia" tucked in his pocket—serenades Uncle Sam in Italian Love Song. It was likely published in the 1930s and is titled in the bottom margin. Artist George Joseph was a portraitist, illustrator and cartoonist at the Louisville Courier Journal in the 1930s and 1940s. This original is inscribed by the artist in the bottom margin: "With best wishes and success to Murray A. Harris George Joseph." (image size: 9" x 8.5") Uncle Sam faces Germany's Adolf Hitler across the Atlantic in the original by John Draper titled Are You Listening, Adolf? It was published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on June 27, 1941, five days after Germany invaded the Soviet Union. Uncle Sam declares America's intention to "aid all foes of Hitlerism including Russia." It is inscribed, dated and signed: "To Murray A. Harris with Best Wishes John Draper Richmond Times-Dispatch 6-27-41." (image size: 8.25" x 6.25") Canadian cartoonist Les Callan drew After You, My Dear Alphonse for the Toronto Daily Star where it was published on September 3, 1941. Uncle Sam stares down Imperial Japan which is contemplating joining Germany and Italy in the Tripartite Pact. Japan did, indeed, join the Axis on September 27. Mr. Callan was a newspaper cartoonist at the Winnipeg Free Press and Vancouver Sun before joining the Toronto Star where he was the lead cartoonist from 1937 to 1961. This original is inscribed, dated and signed by the artist: "to Murray Harris with the compliments of Les Callan x Oct. 1941." (image size: 12.5" x 10.5") Tom Ballenger drew the cartoon of Uncle Sam, Adolf Hitler and John Bull of England holding a chained Mahatma Gandhi, and it was published in the "Letters" column of the September 14, 1941 Life magazine. Published with it was the artist's letter to the editors criticizing publication of cartoons that "were in sympathy with England on the India situation" and "the extremely biased outlook the nation's cartoonists and newspapers take in regard to India's fight for freedom." Furthermore, he stated "we must all remember that it is slavery that we are fighting against. This cartoon of mine shows the other side of the situation." Life magazine stamps are on the back including one indicating the date of publication. (image size: 9.25" x 7") Michael Barker's cartoon Back to Back depicts Uncle Sam and "Filipinos" facing all invaders together. Mr. Barker was a cartoonist at the Boston Globe newspaper in the early-1940s, and it is likely this cartoon was published in 1941. Publisher's notes are written in the bottom margin. The title is written in the top margin. Mr. Barker created this original on two sheets that were glued together. (image size: 14" x 14") Quantity: (5) HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Condition
Element of collage to Back To Back example is entire top sheet with margin including Uncle Sam, slight separation with vestiges of adhesive to areas of negative space around Uncle Sam and to second sheet. Light toning to each. Very light scattered handling creases so some, visible under raking light. Small loss in upper left of Tom Ballenger example partially affecting speech bubble. Light scattered surface dirt and smudges most visible in areas of negative space and around extreme edges. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Each not framed. Each sheet overall: 9.5 x 7.5 inches, 9.25 x 7.25 inches, 9.75 x 8.75 inches, 14.5 x 11.5 inches and 16.75 x 14.5 inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"