Golden-age DAREDEVIL No More!!

In this titanic tale, Daredevil's secret identity (and more!) is exposed!!

WONDER why Bart Hill would switch identities out in the open anyway!!

THRILL at the sight of Bart running around in a skimpy little towel!

BE AMAZED by Bart's now-you-see-it-now-you-don't chest hair!

HYPOTHESIZE as to why Bart thinks the nudie pics that Kilroy snaps of him are "sweet!"

from
DAREDEVIL #42 (May 1947)
story by Charles Biro; art by Dan Barry and Charles Biro

Hugh Hazzard and his IRON MAN!

Hugh Hazzard and his Iron Man debuted in SMASH COMICS #1 (August 1939). Although, technically, it wasn't Hugh's Iron Man. The Iron Man was created by the mad scientist Dr. Von Thorp. After using the Iron Man to defeat Von Thorp, Hazzard discovers that the police have sent the robot, along with a boatload of confiscated guns and weapons, out to sea to a watery grave. So Hugh heads out on his own boat and steals the robot!! He then tells it "-instead of fighting on the side of crime, you're now going to be its worse enemy - with Hugh Hazzard!" How's that for an auspicious beginning?

Although, I guess Hugh did have some karmic comeuppance: He got booted out of the title of his own strip!! The episode in SMASH COMICS #12 (July 1940) was titled Bozo the Robot featuring Hugh Hazzard. With SMASH COMICS #13 (August 1940), the strip became simply Bozo the Robot through the end of it's run in SMASH COMICS #41 (March 1943). Hugh's role wasn't diminished much, just his importance of selling the feature.

from
SMASH COMICS #8 (March 1940)
story & art by George Brenner

The golden-age BLACK PANTHER!

There's not really much to say about the first Black Panther. This is his one and only appearance. Everything we'll ever know about him comes from here.

from
STARS AND STRIPES COMICS #3 (July 1941)
story and art by ?

The golden-age origin of THOR: God of Thunder!

Grant Farrel, an ordinary mortal is suddenly invested with the supernatural powers of the ancient god, Thor, son of Odin, supreme ruler of Valhalla!

Grant and Thor made their first appearance in WEIRD COMICS #1 (April 1940) and four more after that, disappearing into oblivion after WEIRD COMICS #5 (August 1940).

This tale is taken from a microfiche scan (which we all know I love...). Some of it was nearly impossible to read, so I took the liberty of re-lettering parts of it. I hope that doesn't freak anybody out. ;-) There are probably purists who would rather I left it alone. But I want people to actually be able to read the stories I post. So it just may happen again. Get over it.

from
WEIRD COMICS #1 (April 1940)
story by ?; art by Pierce Rice

Interestingly, Don Markstein's Toonopedia relates a very, very different origin story for this character. I'm not sure which character his origin belongs to, but it sounds interesting...and one day I may try to find out.

STARDUST: The Super Wizard!

From the surreal mind of Fletcher Hanks comes Stardust!
Stardust had the amazing power of being able to do just about anything that was required, depending on the needs of the story.
Fletcher Hanks marched to his own drum, and may be an acquired taste, but I think he's awesome.
Stardust appeared in FANTASTIC COMICS #1-16 (Dec 1939-Mar 1941) and BIG 3 #2 (Winter 1941).

from
FANTASTIC COMICS #12 (November 1940)
story and art by Fletcher Hanks










PARTING SHOT:



I'm sure it's very restful.
Of course, she's more than eager...