Framed "Popeye the Sailor Man" proto-type model sheet de JOHNSON, Tom (1907 - 1960) - 1952

1952. unbound. Rare "Popeye the Sailor Man" proto-type model sheet introducing "Joe" the Gopher, glossy Xerox, 9.5 x 12 inches, simply matted and framed to 14 x 16.5 inches, date-stamped December 4, 1952, with extensive pencil shading by Tom Johnson throughout, with Popeye depicted front and centered, smiling while holding "Joe" in the palm of his hand. The remaining ten character studies are devoted to "Joe," who would appear on screen (nameless) two years later, December 10, 1954, as the co-star of a Popeye short titled "Gopher Spinach," animated by Johnson, and directed by the legendary Seymour Kneitel. Several minor wrinkles but otherwise in very good condition. American animator best remembered for his early work at Max and Dave Fleischer's cartoon studio. His animation credits include "Gulliver's Travels," Superman (rotoscope releases), Felix the Cat, and Popeye the Sailor Man.