This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/1/2025
Sheldon Mayer's personal day planner from 1947 when Mayer was editing and creating content for All-American Publications, one of the companies that would ultimately form DC Comics. Mayer references numerous comic book artists of the day in his planner, along with some of All-American's titles like ''Flash'', ''Green Lantern'' and ''Wonder Woman''. In addition to the day planner, lot also includes several pieces of correspondence to and from Mayer referencing the business of comics.
For most days, Mayer writes the names of various comic artists, ostensibly to meet with them, such as Mort Meskin, Joe Kubert, Ted Udall, John Belfi, Lee Elias, Alex Toth, Eli Katz, Everett Raymond Kinstler, Marty Fass and many more. Mayer also sketches a few doodles within the book, including what appears to be Scribbly the Boy Cartoonist on the 24 February page, along with a sketch of a stern-looking man below Scribbly.
Letters that accompany the book include one dated 22 January 1947 from Ed Wheelan, creator of '''Comics' McCormick'', reading in part, ''Expect to have the necessary $500.00 by the beginning of next week to buy back my pages of 'Comic' McCormick. Will you please leave...a type-written release whereby I control and own the name 'Comics' McCormick...Ed''.
Another intriguing letter from 15 July 1947, written to ''Jack'' (likely Jack Liebowitz) and signed ''Bet'' reads in part, ''I am very depressed. Joye [Hummel, ghostwriter for ''Wonder Woman''] has not put in a full script since June 19th. She has received $150 not counting this week. / Arline is pulling her usual vacation racket which makes a total raise for her of $12.69. The artists are averaging 6 pages a week instead of nine. / who's the man to handle it?''. Liebowitz possibly gave this letter to Mayer as ''the man to handle it'', as an entry in Mayer's planner from 1 October reads in part, ''gotta get a script for W.W.! gotta!!!''
Another missive, on ''Memo from Sheldon Mayer'' notepaper, seems to be thoughts Mayer wrote to himself regarding criticism as to how comic books were affecting children. Note reads in part, ''Everybody worries about how comics affect the younger generation / Comics were doing fine until the younger generation came along - In 1865 the political cartoonists never had to worry about kids - half the adults in the country couldn't read and didn't know what was going on behind the pictures because they couldn't read.''
With several other pieces of correspondence, including a postcard to Mayer signed ''OBR'', an auditing slip typewritten to Mayer at All American Comics, etc. Day planner measures 5.25'' x 7.75'', bound in blue cloth boards. Moderate wear and soiling to boards, overall very good condition.