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E. Nelson Bridwell comic book collection, 1943-1987

 Collection
Identifier: 1989-001

Scope and Contents

Consists of comic books dating from 1943-1987 (some of which Bridwell had some hand in creating), ephemeral materials relating to his career, and personal memorabilia. The comic books are arranged alphabetically by title, then chronologically by date and number. Following the comic books are newspaper and magazine cuttings, issues of Comic Buyer’s Guide, and career-related ephemera. A framed caricature of Bridwell by John Johns is on exhibit within the department. Personal memorabilia includes newspaper and magazine cuttings of articles about comic books and comic book characters; several issues of Comic Buyer’s Guide in which advertisements for the sale of the Bridwell estate appear; correspondence mostly relating to but not written by Bridwell; photographs of Bridwell and family; Bridwell's high school diploma, birth announcement, social security card, DC business card, address book, and 2 blank personalized DC Comics notepads); oversize material (pen and ink layouts for various comics, color separation overlays for 4 comic book covers, and sketches for proposed comic book characters).

Dates

  • Creation: 1943 - 1987

Access

This material is open for research use by any registered reader.

Use and Copyright

This material is owned by the University of Tulsa, McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections. Unpublished manuscripts are under copyright. Therefore, permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from both the repository and the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

Edward Nelson Bridwell was born on September 22, 1931 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. As a child, he enjoyed mythology and folklore which influenced his writings. He was a comic book writer/Editor in the 1950s and 60s. He wrote for DC Comics and later "Mad magazine." He was influencial in maintain the "Continuity' in comic books. In 1976, he co-wrote the "Super Friends." He co-created Justice League characters 'Fire and Ice." He is mainly known for his comic book writings featuring Atom, Superman and Wonder Woman. He died on january 23, 1987.

Extent

7 Linear Feet (12 boxes, 1 oversize)

Language of Materials

English

Physical Location

The 12 boxes on the 3rd floor are shelved at the beginning of 2006.007. Oversize box shelved on 5th floor oversize shelves.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift

Related Materials

The comic books have been folded into Science fiction and comics ephemera, undated as Series 1.

Title
E. Nelson Bridwell comic book collection, 1943-1987
Status
Completed
Author
Milissa Burkart
Date
1990-07
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the The University of Tulsa, McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections & University Archives Repository

Contact:
McFarlin Library
University of Tulsa
2933 E. 6th St
Tulsa 74104-3123 USA
(918) 631-2496