April 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, April 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2020
A treasure trove of early comic items belonging to Sheldon Mayer, the comics industry pioneer credited with discovering ''Superman'', and the creator of such series as ''Sugar and Spike'', ''Scribbly'', ''The Three Mouseketeers'' and ''Black Orchid''. In this collection, two of Mayer's earliest comic strips make their very first appearance in ''New Comics'' #1, published December 1935 by National Allied Newspaper Syndicate, Inc., one of the first comic books during the industry's Golden Age. Comic book features the very first appearance of Mayer's strips ''The Strange Adventures of Mr. Weed'' and ''J. Worthington Blimp, Esq.'', along with other early strips by Walt Kelly, Vin Sullivan and others. Comic book measures 7.25'' x 10'', with some pages missing including the cover, and ''Mr. Weed'' pages detached with some chipping, otherwise very good condition.
Sheldon Mayer's copy of the ''Cherry Tree'', his school paper from George Washington High School is also included, containing Mayer's own comic strip at the bottom of page two, entitled ''What's the Use?''. Mayer is also listed on the Editorial Staff in the Art Department in this issue dated 14 March 1934. Measures 12.125'' x 18.75'' unfolded. Heavy creasing, with some small holes and chipping; overall in good condition. Lastly, archive includes three items from the Landon School of Illustration and Cartooning, a mail order correspondence school where Sheldon Mayer, Chic Young, Milton Caniff and scores of other cartoonists learned their craft in the early 20th century. Landon items circa mid-1920s include (1) The Landon School marketing booklet running 16pp. and measuring 5'' x 7''. Light wear to covers, else near fine. (2) Landon School ''Criticism Service'' sheet, with corrections to drawings in order to give them a comic flair, 4pp. measuring 8.625'' x 10.875''. Separation starting along folds; very good condition. (3) Landon School ''Pen and Ink'' publication, 11th edition running 28pp. and measuring 8.5'' x 11.5''. Separation at center fold, and some chipping to first page; good condition. From the Sheldon Mayer estate.
Sheldon Mayer Personally Owned Comic Items -- Including the Very First Issue of ''New Comics'' #1 From December 1935, With the First Appearance of Both Mr. Weed & Blimp -- Plus His High School Comic
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