JERRY SIEGEL THREAT LETTER Memorabilia
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Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Signed "Shame" Letter to Neighbors of National Executive
threat letter in which Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel details his life of poverty while threatening National executives
Jerry Siegel Letters
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Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Signed "Shame" Letter to Neighbors of National Executive
threat letter in which Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel details his life of poverty while threatening National 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 Signed "Shame" Letter to Neighbors of National Executive
threat letter in which Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel details his life of poverty while threatening National executives
Jerry Siegel LettersThis signed letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel is a troubling artifact from one of the most vicious feuds in comics history. Siegel and artist Joe Shuster had managed a few lucrative settlements with National Publications (later DC) after the company acquired the Superman rights that Siegel and Shuster had sold for $130 in 1938. This letter, however, is part of a 1951 mailing campaign where Siegel attempts to shame the National executives by sending letters to their wealthy neighbors, describing himself as "destitute, living with my wife and tiny baby in a small, crowded apartment in Great Neck."
This undated letter was sent to Joseph Berg, a neighbor of National President Harry Donenfeld at the Beresford Apartments on Central Park West--which remains one of Manhattan's most prestigious addresses. The postmark on the envelope is marked Nov. 26, 1951. (Siegel also notes how Donenfeld would soon "make more millions" from the upcoming Superman television show.) "Whenever you see Superman...think of me, his destitute creator," pleads Siegel.
An added bonus to this letter, however, shows that many of Donenfeld's neighbors were unimpressed by Siegel's personal campaign against National. A short typewritten memo is included from manufacturing executive Alvin S. Baer, who notes, "I would make short shrift of a louse like this."
Superman Co-Creator Jerry Siegel Signed "Shame" Letter to Neighbors of National Executive
threat letter in which Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel details his life of poverty while threatening National executives
Jerry Siegel LettersThis signed letter from Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel is a troubling artifact from one of the most vicious feuds in comics history. Siegel and artist Joe Shuster had managed a few lucrative settlements with National Publications (later DC) after the company acquired the Superman rights that Siegel and Shuster had sold for $130 in 1938. This letter, however, is part of a 1951 mailing campaign where Siegel attempts to shame the National executives by sending letters to their wealthy neighbors, describing himself as "destitute, living with my wife and tiny baby in a small, crowded apartment in Great Neck."
This undated letter was sent to Joseph Berg, a neighbor of National President Harry Donenfeld at the Beresford Apartments on Central Park West--which remains one of Manhattan's most prestigious addresses. The postmark on the envelope is marked Nov. 26, 1951. (Siegel also notes how Donenfeld would soon "make more millions" from the upcoming Superman television show.) "Whenever you see Superman...think of me, his destitute creator," pleads Siegel.
An added bonus to this letter, however, shows that many of Donenfeld's neighbors were unimpressed by Siegel's personal campaign against National. A short typewritten memo is included from manufacturing executive Alvin S. Baer, who notes, "I would make short shrift of a louse like this."