2013 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives

December 1, 2013: Joe Shuster Superman Drawings to Sell at Auction

Joe Shuster Auction An archive of drawings and ephemera relating to Joe Shuster, co-creator of Superman, are being sold at auction at Bonhams.com.

    Collection includes 4 original drawings of Superman by Shuster. Other items include other drawings from the 1940s-1970s; two black and white prints with inscriptions to the daughters of friend and neighbor Theodore Reade Nathan; 1 pencil sketch, autographed to the grandsons of TRN; 1 signed autographed head shot of Joe Shuster; 1 black and white print inscribed to the grandsons of TRN; five assorted holiday greeting cards inscribed by Joe Shuster to the family of TRN, including a Jewish New Year card and a Passover card; a complete accounting of the financial statements from Joe Shuster; an affidavit concerning the copyright of Superman dated to April 18, 1966; at least 8 handwritten letters written by Joe Shuster explaining his state of affairs, which includes a substantial letter dated October 10, 1965 where Shuster inscribed TRN as his "best friend" and wishes him a Jewish New Year. One letter in particular is dated to May 3, 1970 explains why the payment for money has been delayed.

    INCLUDING FOUR ORIGINAL DRAWINGS OF SUPERMAN; all sketched against the backdrop of Shuster's life in Queens and Manhattan. It is evident from the exchange of letters that there was a strong emotional bond between the Nathan family and Shuster, and accordingly, Shuster is keen to send greetings to all members of the family.

    Present also are many signed letters and copies of his signed, cancelled checks written to TRN with explanations for the delayed payment, a relic of the financial difficulties that Shuster endured while creating Superman. Included also in this archive and memorabilia are New Covenant and Agreement between the creators of Superman and National Periodical Publications, Inc., a renewal of the copyright claim signed by Joe Shuster on April 18, 1966. Original legal papers include a rare 1099 form dated to 1962 for Joe Shuster.

The collection is expected to fetch between US$ 30,000 - 35,000 when it goes under the hammer on December 10 in New York.



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