Stan Lee’s No-Prize copied from DC’s Julius Schwartz?
Stan Lee is credited with inventing the No-Prize which Wikipedia defines as:
A No-Prize is a faux award given out by Marvel Comics to readers. Originally for those who spotted continuity errors in the comics, the current “No-Prizes” are given out for charitable works or other types of “meritorious service to the cause of Marveldom”. As the No-Prize evolved, it was distinguished by its role in explaining away potential continuity errors. Rather than rewarding fans for simply identifying such errors, a No-Prize was only awarded when a reader successfully explained why the continuity error was not an error at all.
I am very familiar with No-Prizes and from my old Marvel comic books, and I know that Editor-in-Chief and head writer Stan Lee started the tradition in 1964. But here’s something I did not know-
National Comics (DC Comics) editor Julius Schwartz encouraged Green Lantern readers to submit explanations for continuity errors and comic goofs back after a letter from “F.N.” from MIT…in 1961. Enneagram fans that know Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) is Enneagram Personality Type 6 should take pride that this made its debut in Green Lantern #6. Here’s the proof:
Although National Comics did not send empty envelopes called “No-Prizes” like Marvel did in 1964, but Schwartz did encourage readers to fix mistakes and published their letters as a reward. I think this is relevant to the origin and history of the No-Prize. I’m just sayin’.
I’m just sayin’ because Stan Lee and Marvel are credited by historians and fans for taking fan interaction to innovative levels unseen of in the comic book industry. However, I believe the old pages I found in Green Lantern present a different side of the coin.
I’m making a big issue out of this because of something else I found in Wikipedia:
“Historian” (I’m sorry) Matthew J. Pustz:
| “ | There were, however, important differences between the lettercols published by DC and Marvel. In many DC comics, letters were shortened, excerpted, or compiled into lists of suggested guest stars. Marvel letters pages, conversely, often contained very long letters in which fans praised, criticized, or offered detailed suggestions. Unlike DC editors, who referred to readers as ‘them,’ the editors of Marvel’s letters pages frequently directly addressed their fans, often using the inclusive ‘we’ or ‘us.’ . . . Negative letters were common, but the criticism often differed. While Marvel fans’ criticism could be very pointed, focusing on the work of particular writers and artists or even the company’s whole output, negative letters from DC fans were usually mild. |
Please note: I am not accusing Stan Lee or Marvel from copying, or even being aware of this practice, in fact this practice may have existed elsewhere [Mort Wieisinger's lettercolumns for the Superman titles in the late 1950's had lists of 'goofs' and readers demanding cash prizes]- I just thought this was an interesting gem that I found in Green Lantern’s letter pages from 1961. You are free to draw your own conclusions.
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