Did I just get a letter from Bill Watterson?

[Dan Felty]

I'd appreciate if anybody had insight into this--

I just ordered a used copy of Remco Books' The Komplete Kolor Krazy Kat Volume I off an Amazon seller. Included in the description was something along the lines of 'includes letter to series editor Rick Marshall from Bill Watterson, author of the book's foreward.' I was intrigued enough to order it rather than the cheapest copy. I thought it might be a reproduction included as a promo, but I haven't been able to find any indication of such a thing existing. It just arrived, and the included letter looks legit.

As far as I can tell, this looks like an actual typewritten letter from Watterson on water-marked paper and signed "BILL." There are stickers on the book identifying a previous owner as PhotoAssist, Inc. out of Washington, D. C. PhotoAssist does art and licensing services and was around when the book was published. Perhaps they did some work on the books and somehow came into possession of the letter--Remco isn't included on their client list online, but that may be because the publisher is defunct.

I'm just curious if I might have made one of those crazy 'Declaration of Independence behind a painting' type finds. Thanks for any help!

[Kan-Man]

Originally Posted by Dan Felty

I'd appreciate if anybody had insight into this--

I just ordered a used copy of Remco Books' The Komplete Kolor Krazy Kat Volume I off an Amazon seller. Included in the description was something along the lines of 'includes letter to series editor Rick Marshall from Bill Watterson, author of the book's foreward.' I was intrigued enough to order it rather than the cheapest copy. I thought it might be a reproduction included as a promo, but I haven't been able to find any indication of such a thing existing. It just arrived, and the included letter looks legit.

As far as I can tell, this looks like an actual typewritten letter from Watterson on water-marked paper and signed "BILL." There are stickers on the book identifying a previous owner as PhotoAssist, Inc. out of Washington, D. C. PhotoAssist does art and licensing services and was around when the book was published. Perhaps they did some work on the books and somehow came into possession of the letter--Remco isn't included on their client list online, but that may be because the publisher is defunct.

I'm just curious if I might have made one of those crazy 'Declaration of Independence behind a painting' type finds. Thanks for any help!

It's possible you got an early proof of the book (PhotoAssist, Inc might have had a copy to check rights and clearances) - and if Watterson wrote the forward, maybe someone saved the correspondence between him and the editor. Is the letter about the book?

Either way, I'm not sure it's the holy grail you're hoping for - but it's pretty darn cool, especially if you're a fan of Watterson.

[Dan Felty]

Originally Posted by Kan-Man

It's possible you got an early proof of the book (PhotoAssist, Inc might have had a copy to check rights and clearances) - and if Watterson wrote the forward, maybe someone saved the correspondence between him and the editor. Is the letter about the book?

Either way, I'm not sure it's the holy grail you're hoping for - but it's pretty darn cool, especially if you're a fan of Watterson.

Good thought. As far as I can tell, it's a regular copy. Yes, the letter is about the book, plus a little small talk. It makes it sound like Watterson had reviewed either a proof or a printed copy.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be interested in selling it or anything; I just think it's a neat item!