SUPERMAN CREATOR JERRY SIEGEL FEUD LETTER Memorabilia
VF: 8.0
(Stock Image)
SOLD ON: Monday, 06/24/2024 10:05 PM
$1,840
Sold For
24
Bids
PUBLISHER: --
COMMENTS: A 15% BUYER'S PREMIUM WILL BE ADDED TO THIS ITEM AT CONCLUSION OF THE AUCTION
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Poison-Pen Letter Sent to Shame National Comics Executives
troubling letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel's hate-mail campaign against National (later DC) Comics executives
Jerry Siegel Letters
Read Description ▼
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Poison-Pen Letter Sent to Shame 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 Sent to Shame 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.
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 included original envelope shows the letters were sent in late November, with the "destitute" Siegel declaring "Goodwill Toward Men" while writing: "Here it is, the Christmas season, when people think of the plight of the less fortunate and wish them well. There is no joy in my home. Millions for the owners of Superman. Misery for his creator."
An added bonus to this letter, however, shows that few recipients were unimpressed by Siegel's personal campaign against National. Most of the distributors forwarded their copies along to the National offices, In this case, a note from an executive at the Buckeye News shows the letter being sent on to a representative at Independent News, with an internal scrawl showing the letter then sent on to Jack Liebowitz. The concerned Buckeye News employee notes, "Sounds like a practical joke to me, but may be more serious."
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Poison-Pen Letter Sent to Shame 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.
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 included original envelope shows the letters were sent in late November, with the "destitute" Siegel declaring "Goodwill Toward Men" while writing: "Here it is, the Christmas season, when people think of the plight of the less fortunate and wish them well. There is no joy in my home. Millions for the owners of Superman. Misery for his creator."
An added bonus to this letter, however, shows that few recipients were unimpressed by Siegel's personal campaign against National. Most of the distributors forwarded their copies along to the National offices, In this case, a note from an executive at the Buckeye News shows the letter being sent on to a representative at Independent News, with an internal scrawl showing the letter then sent on to Jack Liebowitz. The concerned Buckeye News employee notes, "Sounds like a practical joke to me, but may be more serious."