January 2021 Auction Ends Thursday, January 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/28/2021
Interesting letter signed by Jerry Siegel, co-creator of ''Superman''. Siegel writes to his friend Sheldon Mayer, comic pioneer who championed ''Superman'' in the 1930s, leading to its inclusion in the 1938 inaugural issue of ''Action Comics''. However, it appears from this letter, dated 22 March 1983, that Siegel and Mayer disagreed over the artwork of that first appearance in ''Action Comics #1'', with Siegel also providing Mayer a photocopy of his letter to Mike Catron, co-founder of ''Fantagraphics, Inc.'' which published Nemo Magazine, dedicated to the early years of the comic industry.
Dated 22 March 1983, Siegel's letter to Mayer reads in part, ''...Joe [''Superman'' co-creator Joe Shuster] and I recall the SUPERMAN cut-and-paste job very differently than you do. We have much more than just memory to rely on, as you will see from the enclosed letter. / I loved your letter in Detective Comics magazine about those early Wheeler-Nicholson days. It was hilarious. / I hope you understand the position of Joe and me in this matter and that our regard for you is as high as every. / Warm regards, [signed] Jerry / Jerry Siegel / cc: Joe Shuster''.
Letter is accompanied by the photocopy of Siegel's letter to Mike Catron, a lengthy 3pp. missive describing in detail the process of adapting ''Superman'' from the daily strip that Siegel and Shuster created on spec to the 13pp. story that ran in ''Action Comics #1''. Although Mayer's letter to Catron isn't included, it's reasonable to assume that Mayer stated that additional work was done on the story by others, as Siegel ends the letter by writing, ''...I remember fondly how enthused Shelly was about SUPERMAN. But all the artwork on SUPERMAN published in ACTION COMICS #1 was done by Joe Shuster. I did all of the small amount of rewriting on my own initiative to fill in the 13 pages.''
Siegel's letter to Mayer measures 8.5'' x 11'', signed in black felt-tip. Folds, else near fine. The photocopy of the letter to Catron also measures 8.5'' x 11'', stapled at top left, with folds. Near fine condition. Also with the original mailing envelope, postmarked 26 March 1983, sent Certified Mail with ''Return Receipt Requested'' stamp. Both items are from the Sheldon Mayer estate.
Jerry Siegel Letter Signed to Sheldon Mayer, Full of ''Superman'' Drama -- ''...Joe and I recall the SUPERMAN cut-and-paste job very differently than you do...''
Click above for larger image.