This letter was sent to a Texas columnist and provides some great insights. The first is Stan Lee's opinion about the new Batman television show and its flaws. The last comment sheds light about the effects felt from two important Bullpen resignations (Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby).
Below is a very historic find. This questionnaire was included with the first kit, in 1969. It sheds light on both the incorrect size of the Incredible Hulk decal (in the Marvel Comics ads) and what Super Heroes merchandise young Marvelites wanted. I was able to speak to the original owner (who is a great guy) and he gave me permission to post this. It shows that the westerns were no longer popular by the end of the Silver-Age and that boys didn't read Millie The Model! He pretty much wanted everything that collectors today scramble to find on eBay, at flea markets and garage sales. Apparently, a Marvelmania jacket wasn't popular because the club never manufactured one; however, if they did then its value would rival (or exceed) that of the Marvel shirts available in the mid-1960's. The items sold from this club are among the most desirable and valuable of all Marvel Comics memorabilia. Unfortunately, it was an unscrupulous business that often times never sent paying members their merchandise. It got so bad that Marvel ran an ad announcing that they were no longer affiliated with the club, in the early-1970's.
The most coveted of all convention posters was done by Mad Magazine artist, Sergio Aragones. What makes this so rare is that only 300 were produced, it was printed on highly acetic cardboard stock and that most people that bought these gave them to their kids to color. The reason collectors want it is because it is a visual depiction of what an early Comicon looked like, nearly half-a-century ago. Some of the events are still a big part of the conventions like guest speakers, movies and probably the most popular - costumes contests (Cosplay). In my opinion, the only other artist who could have pulled this off would have been Marie Severin.
1966 Marvel Super Heroes Cartoon Introduction And Price Rates For Channel 9 (WOR) New York.12/29/2014
This portfolio was put together by Channel 9 producers to introduce the show to executives and potential sponsors for the 1966 Fall season. Below are the price rates to run the show and what it would have cost sponsors to advertise during breaks. In the 1970's, when the cartoon returned to syndication, the original introduction and ending segments were removed to allow more time for ads. Last is the rare promotional poster listing both the cartoon and other new shows. This package was sent to Marvel Comics but is unknown if it still remains in its archive or was eventually discarded.
Meet Captain America! Boston's Channel 7 (WNAC) Marvel Super Heroes TV Show Booth, From 1966.12/28/2014
This rare photograph is one of the earliest examples of the Marvel Super Heroes TV show promotions, from 1966. Not only could the fans meet Captain America but also buy a picture (one of four) for a mere fifty cents. Today, that Marvel bit of merchandise has sold for upwards of $1,800! |