Description:

Steve Ditko
New York, NY, August 23, 2013
Steve Ditko Scarce ALS From Reclusive Co-Creator of Spider-Man: "Life favors no one…"
ALS

A 1p handwritten letter from influential comic book artist Steve Ditko to Mel Smith, a fan and comic book shop owner from Orinda, CA. Measuring 8.5" x 11", New York, NY, August 23, 2013. Twice signed at the conclusion in both cursive and print as "Steve Ditko". Within, he philosophizes on the industry of comic conventions, living in the moment, and what it means to be successful. Accompanied by its original mailing envelope addressed in Ditko's hand. Features expected letter folds and areas of minor pencil smudging; isolated line of discoloration near top middle. Otherwise, very good.

In full:

"Comic book conventions, all conventions, gatherings are a mixed bag, they have to appeal to a wide range of different interests- something for everyone.
No one will be completely satisfied.
One has to settle for what can be gained.
Everyone is offering, selling something and competing with everyone else be it time, attention, an offering, product, etc.
Life favors no one in particular
Self satisfaction is in knowing one has tried with no guarantees- and was able to achieve some success, benefits.
The past is gone, every time has some experiences to learn from.
I don't have any list of best, etc.
One has to live in the now, the what is and what one is able to achieve, reach, some kind of new or higher mark. Each day is a potential, an opportunity and one has to just pace oneself. There is really no competition to beat.
'Amateurs compete with professionals, professionals compete with themselves.'"

Steve Ditko (1927-2018) was an American comic book artist best known as the co-creator of Marvel superheroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. He also made notable contributions to the character of Iron Man, introducing the character's red and yellow design. Ditko would begin his professional career in 1953 working for Charlton Comics, where he did work in the genres of science fiction, horror, and mystery.

By the early 1960s, he had established himself as a figure of Marvel Comics (previously Atlas), in his collaboration with Stan Lee to create "The Amazing Spider-Man" issues #1-38. It was not until issue #25, however, that Ditko was credited as a scripter in addition to artist. Later in "Strange Tales" #110 (July 1963), Ditko created the supernatural hero Doctor Strange. Though often overshadowed by his Spider-Man work, the artwork of Doctor Strange has been equally acclaimed for its surrealistic mystical landscapes and psychedelic visuals.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: ALS

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