SUPERMAN CREATOR JERRY SIEGEL FEUD LETTER Memorabilia
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SOLD ON: Monday, 06/24/2024 10:05 PM
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Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Poison-Pen Letter Blasting National Comics Executives
troubling letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel's hate-mail campaign against National (later DC) Comics executives
Jerry Siegel Letters
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Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Poison-Pen Letter Blasting National Comics Executives
troubling letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel's hate-mail campaign against National (later DC) Comics executives
Jerry Siegel Letters
DESCRIPTION
A 15% BUYER'S PREMIUM WILL BE ADDED TO THIS ITEM AT CONCLUSION OF THE AUCTION
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Poison-Pen Letter Blasting National Comics Executives
troubling letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel's hate-mail campaign against National (later DC) Comics executives
Jerry Siegel Letters
This signed letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel is a troubling artifact from one of the most vicious feuds in comics history. Towards the end of 1951, Siegel began a campaign of poison-pen letters to neighbors and professional associates of National executives — remaining embittered that Siegel and artist Joe Shuster sold the rights to their character for $130 in 1938. As seen here, the intent was to shame National's top executives, and even includes their home addresses.
In some ways, this rare item is similar to other lost letters sent by Siegel to companies who did business with the International News distributing empire connected with National. The letters were sent in November, with the "destitute" Siegel blasting the “selfish, greedy men” whose business practices produced a “resulting odor [that] can only do the entire comics industry harm.” This letter, however, includes one of Siegel’s many poems written by Siegel about his plight. “Gladiator” was written to threaten National executives with the notion of Siegel being willing to testify that he had plagiarized sci-fi novelist Philip Wylie while creating Superman.
This mimeographed letter includes another page with three additional rhyming rants. "The Hairy Swine" seems to be about Independent News Co.,boss Paul Sampliner. "The Great Big Lie" apparently addresses the charitable work of National co-owner Jack Liebowitz. "Little Napoleon," which cites a man who's gone from "dirty books/and thence to/Children's comic books," references the "Spicy" pulp past of Liebowitz's partner Harry Donenfeld.
The lot also includes the original envelope — which suggests Siegel would have little luck with this recipient. The letter is addressed to Michael Estrow of the Leader News distribution company, who had been a longtime crony of Donenfeld since those early pulp days.
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Poison-Pen Letter Blasting National Comics Executives
troubling letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel's hate-mail campaign against National (later DC) Comics executives
Jerry Siegel Letters
This signed letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel is a troubling artifact from one of the most vicious feuds in comics history. Towards the end of 1951, Siegel began a campaign of poison-pen letters to neighbors and professional associates of National executives — remaining embittered that Siegel and artist Joe Shuster sold the rights to their character for $130 in 1938. As seen here, the intent was to shame National's top executives, and even includes their home addresses.
In some ways, this rare item is similar to other lost letters sent by Siegel to companies who did business with the International News distributing empire connected with National. The letters were sent in November, with the "destitute" Siegel blasting the “selfish, greedy men” whose business practices produced a “resulting odor [that] can only do the entire comics industry harm.” This letter, however, includes one of Siegel’s many poems written by Siegel about his plight. “Gladiator” was written to threaten National executives with the notion of Siegel being willing to testify that he had plagiarized sci-fi novelist Philip Wylie while creating Superman.
This mimeographed letter includes another page with three additional rhyming rants. "The Hairy Swine" seems to be about Independent News Co.,boss Paul Sampliner. "The Great Big Lie" apparently addresses the charitable work of National co-owner Jack Liebowitz. "Little Napoleon," which cites a man who's gone from "dirty books/and thence to/Children's comic books," references the "Spicy" pulp past of Liebowitz's partner Harry Donenfeld.
The lot also includes the original envelope — which suggests Siegel would have little luck with this recipient. The letter is addressed to Michael Estrow of the Leader News distribution company, who had been a longtime crony of Donenfeld since those early pulp days.