JERRY SIEGEL 'CHRISTMAS CURSE' FEUD LETTER Memorabilia
VF: 8.0
(Stock Image)
SOLD ON: Monday, 08/21/2023 9:50 PM
$9,274.75
Sold For
48
Bids
PUBLISHER: --
COMMENTS: A 15% BUYER'S PREMIUM WILL BE ADDED TO THIS ITEM AT CONCLUSION OF THE AUCTION
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Signed 'Christmas Curse' Letter to National Comics President
Read Description ▼
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Signed 'Christmas Curse' Letter to National Comics President
DESCRIPTION
A 15% BUYER'S PREMIUM WILL BE ADDED TO THIS ITEM AT CONCLUSION OF THE AUCTION
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Signed 'Christmas Curse' Letter to National Comics PresidentThis troubling signed letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel is a rare artifact from one of the most vicious feuds in comics history -- as the writer continued his poison-pen campaign to shame the National (later DC) Publications brass who'd bought the rights to Superman for $130 in 1938!
Siegel wrote this embittered letter (dated Dec. 10, 1951) to National Comics President Harry Donenfeld as part of a wider mailing campaign attacking the executives at National Comics. This missive, however, is uniquely personal. "It may add to the joy of your Christmas merrymaking," Siegel begins, "to know that I am having to go on Relief. While you make millions from your creations...You wouldn't give me a chance to write again, and lead a decent life."
Siegel goes on to warn Donenfeld that "everyone knows how you have rewarded the creator of Superman and Superboy," adding: "While you eat, and drink, and have shelter, remember that the man you destroyed is faced with poverty"--before closing (in all caps): "AS LONG AS I LIVE, AND AFTERWARDS, I SHALL HAUNT YOU AND YOURS. BEFORE GOD, I PUT A CURSE ON YOU."
Siegel then includes a separate page with a special poem for the holidays entitled "Because of YOU," dedicated to all three National executives targeted in his mailing campaign. This is a chance to own a long-lost original work by Siegel, which begins: "Because of YOU/There's no food in the house/Because of YOU/Superman/Is a louse..."
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Signed 'Christmas Curse' Letter to National Comics PresidentThis troubling signed letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel is a rare artifact from one of the most vicious feuds in comics history -- as the writer continued his poison-pen campaign to shame the National (later DC) Publications brass who'd bought the rights to Superman for $130 in 1938!
Siegel wrote this embittered letter (dated Dec. 10, 1951) to National Comics President Harry Donenfeld as part of a wider mailing campaign attacking the executives at National Comics. This missive, however, is uniquely personal. "It may add to the joy of your Christmas merrymaking," Siegel begins, "to know that I am having to go on Relief. While you make millions from your creations...You wouldn't give me a chance to write again, and lead a decent life."
Siegel goes on to warn Donenfeld that "everyone knows how you have rewarded the creator of Superman and Superboy," adding: "While you eat, and drink, and have shelter, remember that the man you destroyed is faced with poverty"--before closing (in all caps): "AS LONG AS I LIVE, AND AFTERWARDS, I SHALL HAUNT YOU AND YOURS. BEFORE GOD, I PUT A CURSE ON YOU."
Siegel then includes a separate page with a special poem for the holidays entitled "Because of YOU," dedicated to all three National executives targeted in his mailing campaign. This is a chance to own a long-lost original work by Siegel, which begins: "Because of YOU/There's no food in the house/Because of YOU/Superman/Is a louse..."