Now that Mr. Alvarez (“Super Hollywood”, super38 on eBay) has registered for the Original Prop Blog and posted a series of statements (see “Costume Junkie” Response, “Super Hollywood” Response), I would like to provide him an opportunity to address the series of questions and concerns raised in the prior articles about Superman costumes in the marketplace (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity“, “Update“, “Update 2“, “Update 3“).
Question #1: Quantity, How Many Sold To Date
- How many Christopher Reeve Superman costumes have you sourced and sold into the marketplace?
- How many Gerard Christopher Superboy costumes have you sources and sold into the marketplace?
- How many Helen Slater Supergirl costumes have you sourced and sold into the marketplace?
- How many William Katt Greatest American Hero costumes have you sourced and sold into the marketplace?
Question #2: Original Source, Origins
- What was the source of the Christopher Reeve Superman costumes?
- What was the source of the Gerard Christopher Superboy costumes?
- What was the source of the Helen Slater Supergirl costumes?
- What was the source of the William Katt Greatest American Hero costumes?
Question #3: Current Viewpoint on Authenticity
- Do you current believe that any or all of the Christopher Reeve Superman costumes are “Original”? [note: see OPB article What is “Original”? for my definition]
- Do you current believe that any or all of the Gerard Christopher Superboy costumes are “Original”?
- Do you current believe that any or all of the Helen Slater Supergirl costumes are “Original”?
- Do you current believe that any or all of the William Katt Greatest American Hero costumes are “Original”?
Question #4: Superman Costumes – Which Film
- What are your views on which Superman film or films (Original, II, III, IV, V [not completed]) the costumes you have sold came from or were intended for?
Question #5: Value of Superman Costumes with “Super Hollywood” COA/LOA/Authentication
- What are your views on the values realized for Superman costumes sold by you and resold by others (with “Super Hollywood” paperwork)?
- Why do costumes that have originated from you sell for significantly less than original Superman costumes authenticated by alternate professionals, or obtained from different sources?
- As noted in my original article, Superman costumes sold at ScreenUsed and Profiles in History last year realized between $60,000.00 to $120,000.00, while you have offered suits and others have offered suits obtained from you for $2,000.00 to $6,000.00, some even going unsold for $3,000.00 or less.
- If they are truly “Original” and authentic, why do they sell for pennies on the dollar, and in some cases, not at all?
Question #6: Concerns of Replica Superman Costumes in the Marketplace
- Why are there so many reports of recently manufactured “replica” costumes in the marketplace? What is the source of these replicas?
Question #7: Ana Mungia, Source
- I have noticed many of the “Super Hollywood” COAs and LOAs bear the name and signature of “Ana Mungia” – Who is “Ana Mungia”?
- With whom was Ms. Mungia employed and what was her role?
- How did Ms. Mungia obtain so many Superman, Superboy, and Supergirl costumes?
- Why would she be “gifted” so many valuable original artifacts from these productions?
- Why would she, in turn, “gift” so many valuable original artifacts from you?
- Does Ms. Mungia have any partnership or ownership in “Super Hollywood”, since her signature is on many letter of provenance with “Supper Hollywood”-style letterhead?
- Why are some “Super Hollywood” LOAs so similar in appearance, even though the dates suggest that they were produced some 15 years apart (July 1991 and February 2006)?
Examples:
Click for Higher Resolution Archive: Super Hollywood LOA Comparison 1991, 2006
- Why does Ms. Mungia’s signatures appear to have some discrepancies, in comparing a variety of “Super Hollywood” letter of provenance?
Examples:
- Also noted is that in one it is written as “Anna” while the rest are “Ana”.
- I also noticed that the same address is noted on all “Super Hollywood” letters of provenance I have copies of – as early as July 1991 and as recently as February 2007 – yet a review of public records show that property has sold several times since 1991. Is this the current business address of “Super Hollywood”?
Question #8: Public Auction House Consignments
- As noted in the original article, “Super Hollywood” letters of provenance were included with three costumes offered at auction by American Memorabilia.
- You also reference in your statements earlier today to a consignment with Profiles in History – do you recall which auction it was? Do you know how they went about authenticating your consignment? Do you know if it was reviewed by any industry experts?
- Have you consigned any costumes to any other auction houses (i.e. Christie’s, Bonhams, etc.)?
- Was the Superman III costume auctioned by Heritage Auction Galleries in April 2007, with an LOA from L.A. Prop and Wardrobe one of the costumes that you obtained from Ms. Mungia, and subsequently sold into the marketplace?
- This is an archive of the Heritage/L.A. Prop and Wardrobe offering:
Click for Higher Resolution Archive: Heritage Auction Galleries Christopher Reeve Superman III Costume
- Do you recognize the Superman costume offered in the upcoming Pugliese Collection Auction (from Guernsey’s) as a costume sourced and sold by you previously?
Click for Higher Resolution Archive: Guernsey’s Pugliese Collection Superman Costume
Question #9: Warner Bros. Position
- What is the Warner Bros. position on and viewpoint of both authentic and inauthentic Superman costumes trading in the public marketplace, as you understand it?
- Has Warner Bros. ever contacted you in regards to your numerous Superman-related auctions?
Question #10: Current “Super Hollywood” Inventory
- Do you currently own any Superman, Superboy, Supergirl, and/or Greatest American Hero costumes (full or incomplete) or costume/wardrobe parts?
Mr. Alvarez, thank you for taking the time to review and answer these questions. I believe these efforts will help to clarify the questions and concerns of hobbyists and the marketplace at large as it relates to these costumes.
Jason De Bord
Additional Related Articles: Market Watch | Superman