Up for sale is a rare, original handwritten and signed letter (including original envelope) from comic book legend Steve Ditko dated August 1992 while he was still active as an artist - and authenticated by PSA/DNA. Best known as the co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, Ditko was notoriously private — making personal correspondence like this an extremely scarce and desirable collectible.
This full page letter is written entirely in Ditko’s hand on plain white stationery and addressed to astrophysicist and Mars researcher Barry DiGregorio. It is postmarked August 24, 1992, and offers a brief but telling glimpse into Ditko’s mindset during a turning point in his career, being "out" of Valiant along with editor Jim Shooter and contemplating a return to Marvel
There are a few (and JUST a few) other Ditko letters for sale, but typically dated 2010 and onward. I can't find another example at the moment from when he was still an active artist and discussing his place in the comic book industry.
Full Letter Text:
Dear Barry,
I have no agent and no art for sale. From the rough draft, to answer the questions I would need a detailed mental filing system and records that I don’t possess. Yes, Shooter is out at Valiant and it seems it included me. I’ll be doing some work for a new editor at Marvel. They are trying for different magazine.
Regards,
Steve
This letter is historically important, written just as Jim Shooter had been forced out of Valiant Comics where Ditko had been contributing stories. Ditko’s casual remark — “Shooter is out at Valiant and it seems it included me” — marks the end of his work with Valiant.
More intriguingly, he mentions upcoming work for a new editor at Marvel: “They are trying for different magazine.” That line likely refers to Marvel Comics Presents, where Ditko’s last known Marvel work would appear in issue #134 (Oct 1993) — the short story “Act of Faith”.written by D.G. Chichester. The timing and phrasing line up, providing a glimpse into Ditko’s transition between publishers.
Item Details
Date: August 24, 1992 (postmarked)
Length: 1 full page
Handwritten: Entirely by Steve Ditko
Signed: “Steve” (in Ditko’s hand)
Medium: White stationery with handwritten black ink
Authentication: PSA/DNA Certified (includes matching numbered certificate)
Condition:
Excellent – preserved carefully and free from damage or excessive folds
Why This Matters
Steve Ditko rarely gave interviews, and letters like this — especially ones that mention other major creators and real-time industry shifts — are extremely rare. This is a genuine piece of comic book history , linking one of the medium’s greatest innovators to the complex industry changes of the early ’90s.
Perfect for Serious collectors of Marvel, Valiant, or Spider-Man history
Ships securely with PSA/DNA certification
Don’t miss your chance to own a one-of-a-kind, authenticated handwritten letter from one of comics’ most influential and reclusive creators — at a turning point in his legendary career.
