This interview includes contributions by Louis Koza

Anyone who has bought, sold, or needed information about Superman collectibles has most likely interacted with Danny Fuchs. A well known Superman collector, Fuchs has spent over 50 years building an impressive collection of vintage Superman memorabilia. He has also been active in the collecting community, attending dozens of conventions and shows every year as both a dealer and a buyer.

Scoop: Why did you focus your collection on Superman?
Danny Fuchs (DF): My passion for Superman comics and collectibles began in 1962. I was attending day camp and saw many of the kids brought comics to read after lunch. Back then, my favorite TV show was The Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves. I started buying all the DC titles that featured my hero and fell in love with comics. I kept buying them, reading them, and collecting them....and I guess I never stopped!   

Scoop: How did you get started in collecting Superman?
DF: I truly enjoyed reading and collecting Superman comic books, but I soon realized Superman merchandise was available in other forms. Before long, my bedroom shelves were filled with Superman coloring books, puzzles, board games, and lots of other cool collectibles. It was a lot of fun displaying all my stuff and having friends come over to admire my mini Superman museum! 

Scoop: What are some of your favorite comic-related collectibles?
DF: My favorite Superman collectibles are any pre-1960 items. My interests have always been towards Superman paper items, especially promotional and advertising pieces. I have some incredible Superman items dealing with WWII home front activities for students, a Superman stage show that was put on by Macy’s department store in NYC and several fabulous promo items for Superman Day at the 1940 World’s Fair. I have over 200 items framed and hanging on my walls – I could use some more walls because I have more things I’d like to display!

Scoop: How about your favorite non-comic pieces?
DF: As for my favorite non-comic book Superman collectibles, I love anything from the 1940s. Because of material shortages due to World War II, there were a limited amount of Superman toys produced in the 1940s. Some of the best include the Superman wood jointed doll, Superman racing the airplane wind-up toy, and the highly sought after Superman Krypto Ray Gun.

Scoop: Is there one Superman item you haven’t been able to get?
DF: I don’t really have a formal want list for Superman items I’m missing. If something I don’t have is offered to me, is in good condition and fairly priced, I’m always interested. There were two 1940s items I really wanted for years and finally purchased them several years ago. One was a mini sized Supermen of America club button and a beautiful figural metal Superman pin that was a giveaway from movie theaters that ran Superman cartoons on Saturdays. I’m pretty much retired as a Superman collector so I don’t really find Superman items anymore, they have to find me.

Fuchs hasn’t been as active in the collecting community during the last decade. Louis Koza, a fellow collector who has purchased George Reeves memorabilia from Fuchs, recently spoke to him about his absence. 

DF: About 13 years ago, I started having chronic pain in my knees and shoulders. After several tests, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and severe Osteo-Arthritis. Having both of these medical conditions at the same time makes life very rough. Simple everyday tasks that we take for granted can become very difficult if not totally impossible. I spend most of the day lying down in my bed and the rest of the time sitting in a wheelchair. I hope and pray to be able to walk again in the near future. I need to have total knee replacements in both legs.

Having Parkinson’s and arthritis has forced me to no longer be an active collector and dealer of comic character memorabilia. I used to consider myself a multitasker, now I’m a nothing tasker.

As far as my collection is concerned, I would hate to part with anything, but I don’t have many options. Eventually, I’ll have to consign everything to an auction house.

I want to send my best wishes to all my fellow collectors and thank my longtime friend Lou Koza for allowing me to tell my story.