Holyoke superheroes are an eccentric mix, Cat-Man and Captain Aero first among them. They actually represent a mix of characters either published by an attorney named Frank Temerson or a printing company named Holyoke. Holyoke is named after the city in which the printing company was located. Temerson was originally involved in the early publications of the Centaur line, and the reader is directed to articles on Centaur for his involvement there. Holyoke was initially only involved in printing, not producing comic books.

Of interest here is when Temerson returned to comic book publishing in 1940. At that time, Temerson published a series of short-lived comic books under the publishing imprints of Tem, Nita and Helnit: Crash Comics, Whirlwind Comics, and Green Hornet Comics, all produced by a fellow named Bert Whitman. Distribution problems (Fawcett  had decided to only distribute their own comic books)  led to their premature demise. Or in the case of Green Hornet, selling the rights to publish the character to the Harvey brothers.

Temerson bounced back in 1941 with a series of new comic books, Cat-Man Comics, featuring Crash Comics‘ promising new character of the same name, Captain Aero and Captain Fearless.  But with the onset of World War II, and rationing of paper, its likely that Temerson didn’t qualify for a printing permit. The company who was printing the comics, Holyoke, apparently did. The owner of Holyoke—one Sherman Bowles—took It took over two of Temerson’s titles, Cat-Man and Captain Aero. Bowles also took over the publication of the Blue Beetle from the notorious Victor Fox.

Whatever the precise reasons, Temerson was able to return to the publishing field in 1943, a year earlier than two other sidelined publishers—Harry A. Chesler and Victor Fox. Temerson resumed the publication of Cat-Man and Captain Aero and added two new titles: Suspense Comics and Terrific Comics.

When Victor Fox also returned to the comic book business, Holyoke no longer could publish Blue Beetle. Holyoke relocated characters that had been appearing in the Blue Beetle comic book as back-up features into a new comic book of its own creation: Sparkling Stars.

The name Holyoke came to be used as an umbrella category by comic book historians interested in the publications that have roots and branches from that period from in 1942-44 when comic books published by Holyoke were the only home these characters knew.

Despite this varied history, the Holyoke superheroes do have some qualities in common, namely that most of them weren’t all that super. While a few characters had supernatural  origins (Cat-Man’s was soon forgotten), the heroic figures soon operated in a world largely devoid of extraordinary powers. The Deacon, Flagman, the Hood and Ragman, despite their colorful names—were all athletic men good in a fight, little more. Ragman didn’t even bother with a costume and just wore really old clothes. Similarly, Captain Aero, Golden Eagle and the Hell’s Angels were normal men who just happened to superb pilots. The superhuman strength of Strongman and Miss Victory stood out as exceptions rather than the rule.

As mentioned, supernatural elements lurked around the corners of the universe of Hoyoke superheroes, but never predeominated. A Tibetan mystic named Shangra appeared to have some magical powers. Dr. Diamond, with his supernaturally-infused strength of fifty men, should have cut a wider swath but never did. The Pied Piper briefly played a magic piper that could dissolve metal. Mr. Nobody, briefly echoed by Madam Nobody, was a supernatural figure of seering conscience. Fail to follow his cautionary advice and Satan, himself, was available in the Holyoke realm to make hellish mischief.

Women fared relatively well in this realm. Miss Victory was among its most powerful heroes and Black Venus among its best aviators. Kitten was a rare girl sidekick, the loyal, fighting niece of the Cat-Man. Diana was an equal partner to Boomerang, each wielding complementary weapons with equal skill. The usual batch of female reporters and detective were also in evidence. The Blue Falcon was an aerial adversary of Captain Aero who just happened to be female. Baroness Hartlesse, the Flagman’s enemy was just that. Pantha Claw was the exotic enemy of Detective Click Hunt.

Minority heroes were also to be found. Chief among them was Tommy Tomahawk and his squadron of Native American pilots. African-American assistants were also not unknown: Ragman was assisted by a fellow named Tiny, who was anything but, and Hammerhead Hawley had his Whitey, who of course wasn’t. Hurricane Harrigan was shadowed by a Hindu boy named Skeebo. At various points in his career, Captain Aero enjoyed back-up from junior sidekicks named Nehru and Chop Suey, their relative ethnicity apparent.

More common than female or minority heroes among the Holyoke superheroes were their ubiquitous kid sidekicks—who, it must be added, actually associated with each other in their spare time. The Deacon’s Mickey, Flagman’s Rusty and Cat-Man’s Kitten were the most notable among many, operating in differing combinations as the Pals of Freedom and the Little Leaders. Fangs the Wolf Boy was an independent operator, but a teen-ager none the less.

Villainy was not as strong in the Holyoke universe as elsewhere, rarely rising up again to threaten these stalwart heroes, but some notable stand-outs still make their presence known. The malevolent Dr. Macabre is perhaps the best known, squaring off against Cat-Man no less than five times. The Blue Falcon, Captain Aero’s arch foe, was a Nazi with scruples. The Vulture’s Claw, the Hood’s arch nemesis, was a Nazi with none.

BLACK VENUS

Secret Identity: Mary LaRoche

Origin: Born in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, home of the Wright Brothers, Roche always nurtured a dream of becoming a pilot.  She serves as a service hostess to be close to the action, later becoming a nurse.

Abilities: Roche is an expert pilot and, as a nurse, skilled in physical rehabilitation.

Attire: Black Venus wears a skin tight black leotard and flight mask.

Modus Operandi: Roche begins her career in Burma, where she is a U.S.O. Hostess who so worries about the safety of the men there that she takes to the skies to protect them As Black Venus, “terror of the Burma skies.” “They’re such wonderful boys! I understand how their loved ones must feel…how they must want to protect and watch over them. That’s why I have undertaken the job.” Later, it’s established that’s she also a nurse. Black Venus is driven by her devotion to soldiers who have been wounded in the war. She devotes herself to uncovering schemes to take advantages of injured GIs. In her final case, she busted “The Prosthesis Racket.”

 Friends and Allies:

Lt. Bill Evans. When he first appears, Evans is a pilot who Mary has been flirting with in her role as a U.S.O. hostess. Evans is subsequently killed by Agent X. Without explanation, Evans turns out to be alive a year later, but held in a Japanese prison camp. Mary as Black Venus rescues him. A few months after that, Bill turns up again, this time demoralized, having a pursuit pilot who has lost a leg in the war. He is nursed, both physically and emotionally, back to health by Mary. Now a physically vital man with a prosthetic leg, Evans sets his sights on finally winning her heart of Mary Roche. Contact 2, 6, 8 (1944-45).

 Notable Adversaries:

Agent X. The rarely seen, trenchcoat and slouch hat wearing Axis agent, one of the most deadly around. “To follow Agent X,” it was said, “it to court a horrible death.” After Agent X kills Bill Evans, a soldier Mary was smitten wit, Black Venus goes after “him.” Only Agent X turns out to be a woman who dies in the ensuing physical battle. Contact 2 (1944)

Sightings: Contact Comics 1-11

Original chronicler: Charlie Tomsey

Other notable storytellers: L.B. Cole and Harvey Kurtzman

Active:  1944-46

CAPTAIN AERO

Secret Identity: Also known as Agent X-3, his original identity is never given.

Origin: Aero has no unique motivations other than his sense of patriotism and desire to do the right thing.

Abilities: Aero is an exceptional pilot and good at hand-to-hand combat.

Appearance: Aero is handsome with brown hair. He initially flies in a conventional flight suit but later adopts a more colorful one of red and yellow and grows a mustache.

Modus Operandi: Captain Aero has a revolving door of young men and boys who serve as his co-pilots, few lasting for very long. His first involvement with World War II is when he accepts a mission to ferry warplanes to England. With the war over, in Captain Aero 25, the hero is equipped with a plane capable of space flight.

 Friends and Allies:

Loops, Propwash. Aero’s early youthful co-pilots (all 1942).

Buster. Youthful sidekick to Aero, who accompanies him on several missions.  Captain Aero 6-10 (1942).

Nehru. Turbaned South Asian youth who assists Aero and Buster in  one adventure. “Wonder if we’ll ever see him again?” Buster wonders as they part. Captain Aero 7 (1942).

Chop Suey. Young Chinese boy who becomes Captain Aero’s sidekick after overhearing useful information about Major Zero and passing it along to Aero. His unfortunate nickname is Aero’s idea. Captain Aero 15-17, 21-24 (1944-46).

Captain Aero’s Sky Scouts. Initially an informal neighborhood kid gang (headed by blond-haired Bobby and including Jimmie Hackett, Willie, Homer and others), the Scouts evolve into a legitimate organization supporting the aspirations of teen pilots.

Major Cantrell. Aero’s superior officer and best friend.

Eve Starr. Brilliant and beautiful blonde-haired scientist assigned to serve as Aero’s aide aboard his space worthy plane. Captain Aero 26 (1946).

Notable Adversaries:

The Black Baron. Cruel Nazi pilot summoned by Hitler to crush a Serbian rebellion, the Black Baron is made military dictator of Serbia as incentive. The Baron dresses in a gray/black flight jacket with a skull and crossbones encircled in black on the front of his headgear. He is powerfully built with short-cropped hair and a monocle. Captain Aero 8, 9 (1942).

The Blue Falcon. Red-haired German aviatrix whose plane possesses the dreaded blue ray, which can melt planes into molten metal in a matter of moments. The Blue Falcon wears a pale blue flight suit, with a fur-fringed jacket. The Blue Falcon clearly finds Captain Aero attractive and Aero can’t bring himself to shoot her plane down. Their two planes crash instead: “locked together in an embrace of death, the two ships hurtle down to a watery grave…” yet both pilots survive the confrontation to face each other again. Captain Aero 2, 10 (1942-43).

Death Mask. Never formally named, this Japanese pilot wears a skull mask and is described by Captain Aero as the best Japanese pilot he ever faced. A deadly enemy, “the pilot who looked like death” travels to the United States seeking revenge, building a hangar inside of an extinct volcano. The Sky Scouts are defeated by him and must be rescued by Captain Aero, who is finally able to shoot down the masked pilot’s plane. Captain Aero 17, possible prior appearance (1944).

The Japanese Sandman. The Japanese Sandman flies a jet equipped with nozzles that emit a sleep-inducing gas. He fights against the Chinese and tends to giggle as he goes about his deadly work, but can also quickly grow impatient. The Sandman wears a light green flight suit with a yellow-winged bird insignia on the forehead of his head gear. He always wears a dark blue gas mask attached to a square oxygen tank strapped to his chest. Captain Aero 21 (1944).

Major Zero. Aka, Lt. Yahuchi. When initially approached by Japanese command to challenge Captain Aero directly, Yahuchi expresses fear. But his superiors reassured him, promising him a codename “like remarkable people in American comic books,” a bulletproof costume and a double armored plane. Leading a Japanese squadron as Major Zero, all are shot down by Aero but Major Zero survives. In his second appearance, Zero considers harikari but recommits to defeating Aero. He uses his survival as a sign of his formidableness. Captain Aero 15, 16 (1944).

Reltih Rellik. Martian dictator intent on invading earth, his name spelled backward reads “Killer Hitler.” Captain Aero 25 (1946).

Tamerlane. The first man able to wield the “singing scepter” at the ancient Mongol tomb of Tamerlane, this ambitious German is declared to be Tamerlane reborn. He then recruits a new Mongol golden hoarde and sets out to conquer the world. Captain Aero 6 (1942).

Sightings: Captain Aero 1-17, 21-26

Original Chroniclers: Allen Ulmer (Flagman) and Ray Willner (Flagman)

Active: 1941-46

CAT-MAN

Secret Identity: Lieutenant David Merrywether    

Origin: The origins of Cat-Man first described in Crash 4, are fleshed out in Cat-Man 1, but clearly refer to the same character: “Ignored and left to die, by bandits that have destroyed the caravan of his adventurous parents while traveling in Burma, David Merrywether is picked by a wandering tigress and raised as her own. By constant association, he acquires all the attributes of the cat family!” Merrywether returns to the United States as a young man, begins a career in the military and later a career as the masked Cat-Man. A different version of events in told by Merrywether in Cat-Man 27.

Abilities: Initially, Cat-Man’s feline abilities are stressed: “He can see in the dark, leap many times his length, climb anything with amazing agility. But most important of all, he is endowed with the fabulous nine lives.”Later, he simply appears to be good in a fight.

Appearance: In his first two adventures, Merrywether wears an odd green leopard skin tunic and black, cat-eared mask. He then briefly adopts a costume with an orange, skin-tight shirt, pale blue boots, trunks and cowl, red gloves, belt and cape lining, and bare legs. Soon after, Cat-Man settles on his more familiar red cape, hood, boots and gloves and orange long-sleeved top. His legs are typically bare. He sports a white “C” on the chest of his costume.

Modus Operandi: In his first three recorded adventures, Merrywether loses the first four of his nine lives. In later years, Cat-Man successfully avoids getting killed at all. Merrywether often uncovers foreign espionage efforts in his role as a military officer. After World War II, Cat-Man devotes himself to defeating bizarre criminals like Dr. Macabre. He is aided in these efforts by his niece and sidekick, Kitten.   .

Friends and Allies:

Kitten. AKA Katie Conn of Katie Rose, Lt. Merrywether’s adopted niece. As Kitten, Katie’s uniform is exactly the same as Cat-Man’s, with the exception that there is no insignia on her top. Her origin is detailed in Cat-Man 5. A somewhat more physically mature Kitten emerges in Cat-Man 27 (active 1941-46).

The Deacon and Mickey. Good friends of Catman and Kitten. It is to the Deacon that Cat-Man tells his revised origin in Cat-Man 27. As for Mickey, he appears with Kitten in their own series of adventures called Little Leaders.

His foster mother’s spirit. The protecting spirit of his tigress foster-mother appears above Cat-Man whenever he is “killed.” By placing her paw on him, she is able to bring him back to life. Later Merrywether’s foster-mother is portrayed as a leopard named Tamara who years later kills the man who murdered Cat-Man’s biological mother, acclaimed animal trainer Antoinette Burotte. Crash 4-5, Cat-Man 1, 27 (1940, 1945).

Notable Adversaries:

Dr. Gaunt. Originally a dedicated physician serving the poor, the elderly Dr. Grant is ultimately forgotten and doesn’t receive a medical visit in five years. The gray-haired and emaciated Grant is nicknamed Dr. Gaunt. Embittered and increasingly insane, Grant adopts the persona of Dr. Gaunt, promising to do only harm and write prescriptions of death to the unwitting public. Cat-Man 15 (1942).

Dr. Macabre. A demented criminal, Macabre dresses in entirely in black and wears a top hat. His face is gaunt with a long drooping mustache and goatee. Macabre seems most interested in various forms of mind control, having a creepy relationship with his adopted daughter, Lenore, who has been hypnotized into being his loyal underling. He threatens to influence a kidnapped Kitten is the same way. In other encounters with Cat-Man, Macabre seeks a serum with hypnotic qualities, exerts mental control over a band of apes, and accidentally is exposed to z-rays briefly given him a toch of death. Lenore appears in his first and last encounters with Cat-Man. A final, definitive confrontation is promised for issue 33, but is never published. Cat-Man 28-32 (1945-46).

The Four Horsemen of Doom. Created by Nazi scientists from subjecting strapping recruits to electric current and other treatments, War, Pestilence, Famine and Death are born. Pestilence and Death convey illness and death through touch. War is able to fan dissension through amplifying hate. Famine’s powers aren’t clear. Operating in Europe, the four are an eerie sight on horseback. Cat-Man 23 (1944).

Mr. Peccary. An overweight villain who resembles Sidney Greenstreet, Peccary is a self-styled expert in “the fine art of skullduggery.” He manages to escape from prison using a “mild demonstration of mass hypnosis” to strike a deal with the Japanese. Cat-Man 20, 21 (1943).

Sightings: Crash Comics 4-5; Cat-Man Comics 1-32

Original Chroniclers: Irwin Hasen (Wildcat)

Active: 1940-46

The DEACON

Original Identity: A teen-aged gang leader who disappears for two years and then returns to the city in an attempt to become a full-fledged gangster.  

Origin: When “the Kid” joins an adult gang, he balks at their plan to kill a night watchman as part of a robbery. He secretly tips off the cops, but goes ahead with the crime, getting shot in the arm by the police in the process. Weak from loss of blood, the young man stumbles into a deserted church where he doffs his bloody clothes and puts on those of a deacon that just happen to be hanging nearby. At this precise moment, two of his fellow gangsters show up and try to kill him for squealing. The Kid knocks both of them out, even with one bad arm, and drops them off at a police station with a note attached that reads: “Complements of the Deacon!”
Abilities: The Deacon is a good fighter who is willing to use a gun when necessary.

Appearance: The Deacon wears a clergy’s collar and dark suit.

Modus Operandi: “From his eerie hideaway in the old deserted marshland church comes ‘the Deacon,’ man of mystery, relentless crusader against crime, preacher of a sermon in lead!” Mickey is his constant aide in such matters. In later adventures, the Deacon rarely uses his gun, becoming more like the minister that he only pretended to be in the beginning. From the narrative, it seems clear the Deacon is relatively young—perhaps only 26 or 27 years old—at the beginning of his crime-busting career.

Friends and Allies:

Mickey Mathews. When the Deacon saves his life, Mickey devotes himself thereafter to his cause. He has been a companion to the Deacon nearly from the start of his crusade against crime. Teenage boy dressed in conventional clothing.

Catman and Kitten. Friends of the Deacon and Mickey, primarily through Mickey’s friendship with Kitten as chronicled in the “Little Leaders” series of stories.

Flagman and Rusty. Friends of the two heroes primarily through Mickey’s association with the Pals of Freedom group featured in Captain Aero v1/8-9.

Notable Adversaries:

Mr. Death. Head of a suicide club, Mr. Death wears a hood with an ace of spades on its forehead. He assists men in desperate straights, then forces whatever man draws the ace of spades to commit suicide. Mr. Death accidentally shoots and kills himself in battle with the Deacon, ironically holding an ace of spades in his hand when he does so. Cat-Man 26B (1944).

The Phantom Fiddler. A criminal musician who has learned how to play “the song of death,” a melody that is capable of killing anyone who hears it. Cat-Man 27 (194 ).

Rasputin, Jr. A professional hypnotist and entertainer, Rasputin, Jr. shocks American audiences with his ability to get his subjects to do terrible things because there is some part of their make-up that wants to. He is the only villain that is able to draw on the Deacon’s long suppressed criminal tendencies to almost make the hero return to his old ways. Luckily Mickey intervenes in time. Cat-Man 22 (cameo), 25 (1944).

The Were-Tiger. Eric van Doorn suffers “the curse of the tiger,” which a vengeful tiger spirit inflicted upon him when he killed the previous were-tiger in Africa. Von Dorn is not given a name in his were-tiger form in this narrative. Cat-Man 26A (1944).

Sightings: Cat-Man Comics 1-32

Original Chronicler: Allen Ulmer (Captain Aero, Flagman, the Hood)

Active: 1941-46

FANGS

the WOLF BOY

Original Identity: Unknown

Origin: Fangs has no recollection of his origins, surprised that he can understand English when he first hears it, recalling only that he has always lived and fought alongside the wolves.

Abilities: Raised by wolves since he was a young boy, with whom he can communicate, Fangs is extremely agile, strong and a fierce fighter. He also possesses some unusual abilities that puzzled his friends, such as his ability to fly a plane. These were never explained in the narrative.

Appearance: Fangs is more man than boy, his muscular physique and snug leopard skin trunks inspiring the passion of two female rivals. Fangs also sports an impressive pair of pointed teeth, hence his name..

Modus Operandi: Originally allied with his wolf pack, Fangs is feared by the Indians of the Motto Grasso jungle and known as El Lobo by the Spanish speaking white men. He strikes a tentative alliance with the Reed siblings who show him kindness.

 Friends and Allies:

Professor Rand Reed. Youthful and handsome blond-haired American biologist working in Africa on germ warfare research.

Lana Reed, sister to Rand, a wealthy blonde American who is drawn to Fangs just as he is inclined to run off with her over his shoulder. Fangs is torn between his leadership of the wolf pack and the appeal of learning that Lana represents.

Hell’s Angels. Characterized as his friends, Fangs is aided by the pilots in finally defeating No. 13. He had rescued Clem from torture earlier in their series. Sparkling Stars 30 (1947).

Notable Adversaries:

Janga. Fangs’ wolf pack is submissive to him while he’s around, but Janga—his rival for leadership of the pack–foments revolution when he’s off romancing a human, thus putting his loyalty in question. Sparkling Stars 22, 24, 26 (1947).

Maata, the Leopard Girl. White queen of an African people, Maata is capable of murderous jealousy in her desire for Fangs as her mate. She has long dark hair, conical breast guards and leopard skin bikini bottoms that are covered by a transparent skirt slit at the legs. Sparkling Stars 28, 30, 33 (1947-48).

No. 13. Darkly handsome foreign agent and head of an international gang, No. 13 is determined to wrest the secrets of Reed’s germ warfare research and put it to his own nefarious purposes. He dresses in dapper fashion in white explorer mode and sports a trim mustache. Sparkling Stars 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 (1947).

Rajo. A giant, powerfully built pirate, Rajo is bearded, shirtless and has the requisite eye patch over his right eye. He desires Maata for his own and hates Fangs because Maata prefers him. Rajo rules over his own “kingdom” of escaped murderers and deserters. Sparkling Stars 33 (1948).

Sightings: Sparkling Stars 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 33

Active: 1946-48

The FLAGMAN

Secret Identity: Captain Hornet

Origin: The precise origin of his masked identity is never given.

Abilities: Flagman is an exceptional fighter.

Attire: As the Flagman, Hornet wears red trunks, gloves and boots; a red and white striped tunic; pale blue tights, and a dark blue cape and cowl with a white star on its forehead.

Modus Operandi: Fighting the Axis effort both at home and abroad, the Flagman is willing to kill to meet his goals. He is aided in his efforts by a similarly costumed youth named Rusty.

Friends and Allies:

Rusty. His “young assistant” wears red trunks, boots, gloves and cape; with blue tights and shirt that has a white star emblazoned on its chest. The blond-haired youth also wears a wraparound black eye mask.

The Deacon and Mickey. The two pair of heroes are friends. Flagman and Deacon jointly congratulate their sidekicks’ efforts in the Pals of Freedom in Captain Aero v1/3.

The Pals of Freedom. A kid gang consisting of Rusty, the Deacon’s sidekick Mickey, and two other youth: Spec and Peanuts. Captain Aero v1/2-3 (1942).

Notable Adversaries:

Baroness Hartlesse. The Baroness lives up to her heartless-sounding name as a raven-haired Nazi beauty who uses deceit and impersonation to obtain her ends. She later infiltrates the White House in an attempt to assassinate President and Mrs. Roosevelt. Captain Aero 5, 6 (1942).

The Crimson Hood. Nazi saboteur who wears a red hood with a white swastika on the forehead. Squares off against the Pals of Freedom but it takes the intervention of the Deacon and Flag-man to see to his capture. Captain Aero 2, 3 (1942).

The Greezo Brothers. Mussolini’s secret weapons, two brutish Italian “supermen” who wear vests over their bare, hairy chests, are always eating and speak in dialect. Captain Aero 4 (194 ).

The Spider and the Fly. The Spider is a huge, maddened singer who has Phantom of the Opera tendencies as he plays music at an old organ. He’s aided by the Fly, who is an expert knife thrower. Captain Aero 3 (1942).

The Wasp. Wears a wasplike headdress, complete with ersatz antennai. The Wasp has dozens of trained wasps at his disposal, whose stingers can contain poison. At the end of his first encounter with Flagman, the Wasp is still at large. Captain Aero 10 (1943).

Sightings: Captain Aero Comics 1-12

Original Chroniclers: Allen Ulmer (Captain Aero, the Deacon) and Ray Willner (Captain Aero, the Hood)

Active: 1941-43

The GOLDEN EAGLE

Secret Identity: Captain Dennis Quinn, “ex flying ace.”

Origin: “The Golden Eagle was one of the most brilliant pilots in World War No. 1—his picture hangs in many an Air Force briefing room. But, as Capt. Dennis Quinn, retired, he has assumed a new role, still the Golden Eagle, but with a different plance, and a new enemy, the Nipponese!”

Abilities: Quinn is an expert pilot and fighter.

Appearance: As the Golden Eagle, Quinn wears a paramilitary uniform, the color of gold. An eagle’s head insignia is featured proudly on his chest. His plane is also painted gold, with the same eagle insignia painted on its side.

Modus Operandi: The Golden Eagle flies a golden plane whose arrival is marked by the eerie cry of an eagle. Quinn operates as a lone vigilante, from “a certain lonely barracks.” Macho and flip, he once threatened a bad guy by telephone: “I’m coming for you, Black Mask. This is your last warning! Pick up your marbles and run!”

Friends and Allies:

Liberty. The hero’s pet eagle raised on milk.

Notable Adversaries:

The Ace of Blades. Aka Anna Lotus, a deadly Japanese pilot who also serves as the voice of Japan in an effort to demoralize whoever hears her broadcasts. Adept in Judo, the Ace of Blades breaks the neck of an American jailer in combat. Escaping from a prison ship, she steals an American plan equipped with atomic weaponry.  Contact 10 (1946).

The Black Mask. Domino-masked Fascist with a pencil thin mustache and receding hairline. He takes over a large post-war American city by denouncing Jews, Catholics and Negroes, then electing a figurehead mayor. Contact 8 (1945).

The Zombie Doctor. Dr. Yamma, a Japanese surgeon, creates “zombies” by removing the brains of living people who then are totally susceptible to his commands. Contact 3.

Sightings: Contact Comics 1-11

Original Chroniclers: Gil Kane and Carmine Infantino

Active: 1944-46

GREY MASK and the DOVE

GREY MASK

Secret Identity: Dr. Malcolm Muir, a wealthy, pipe-smoking physician.

Origin: None given

Abilities: A reasonably good fighter.

Appearance: The Grey Mask is a typical mystery man who dresses in a grey suit and who (despite his name) utilizes a blue eye mask to conceal his identity.

Modus operandi: Muir lives on a house boat with his employee and crime-fighting partner, the Dove.

The DOVE

Alternative identity: None

Origin: Though the origin of the relationship is never told, with Dr. Muir being a surgeon and the Dove sporting a peg leg, it may be that Muir saved his life medically and a grateful Dove offers his services in turn.

Ablities: Despite the implications of his name, the Dove is a slang-talking fighter, good with his fists and described as possessing powerful muscles. The Dove effectively uses his peg leg effectively as a weapon.

Portrayal: The Dove is an adult African-American man with no stereotypical superstitions or cowardice.

Modus Operandi: While Muir is clearly Dove’s employer, and Dove seems to operate as a cook and driver, the two men seem to enjoy a friendship. Furthermore, Dove is the better fighter and rescues Muir more often than the other way around.

Friends and Allies: Each other.

Notable Adversaries: None noted.

Sightings: Suspense Comics 1, 3-8, 11-12

Active: 1943-46.

For a more detailed discussion of the Dove, click here.

HELL’S ANGELS

Members: Lank Strong, Gil Little, and Clem West.

Origin: The trio earned the name Hell’s Angels during World War II aviation battles.

Abilities: The Hell’s Angels are expert pilots and good fighters. Lank Strong is also a scientist and inventor. His inventions include atomic-powered rockets and a weather machine that can create a snowstorm. Clem West is an especially good shot, developing his skill “shooting turkeys in Texas.”

Appearance: The trio wear conventional military attire during the war and conventional dress afterwards. Lank has strawberry blond hair, Gil has brown hair, and the slightly overweight Clem has light blond hair.

Modus operandi: The Hell’s Angels operated as counter-espionage aviators during World War II. Their last wartime adventure was told in Sparkling Stars 12. After the war, they establish Western Meteor Air Freight, a small airline they operate out of the T-Bone Ranch in Texas. Given their combat expertise, they are often called upon by the government to assist in anti-espionage missions. At the close of their final adventure, the Hell’s Angels are awarded $25,000 by appreciative civic leaders. “In war or peace,” the speaker declares, “they have never killed an animal except for food—nor ever killed a man who didn’t deserve killing.”

Friends and Allies:

Rita Worth. Beautiful blonde cowgirl strawboss of the T-Bone Ranch and alternatvely Clem and Gil’s romantic interest.

Ah King. Chinese pilot the Angels rescued in World War II, returns the favor in their battle with Fritz Neron. Sparkling Stars 25 (1947).

Wild Wing. Leader of a band of local Texan Indians and ally of the Angels. Sparkling Stars 26-27, 30 (1947).

Inspector Click Hunt. Called upon the Hell’s Angels for assistance on a number of occasions and referenced on others. Sparkling Stars 24, 28, others? (1947).

Fangs. Rescues Clem when he is being tortured in Africa, then notes his admiration for the work of the Hell’s Angels. Sparkling Stars 26 (1948).

Mrs. Strong. Lank’s mother, a resident of the T-Bone Ranch in later adventures.

Notable Adversaries:

The Brown Terror. Expert pilot and horseman hired by the mysterious X-Z to destroy the T-Bone Ranch and the Angels’air freight service. Sparkling Stars 30, 33 (1948).

Fritz Neron. Chief agent of the X-Z and his secret organization of neo-Axis powers. A German air ace in World War II, Neron also learned hypnotic powers from a stint as a spy in India. He obtained the millions for his global operations by throwing a wealthy friend in a vat of acid. Neron inflences numerous “Nazi fanatics” to have plastic surgery to look just like his brown-haired, mustachioed visage. While this was a secret, it buttressed claims by Neron to be indestructible, because he would appear alive even after “he” was clearly killed. The Hell’s Angels are thus uncertain whether they have ever killed or captured the real Neron. One of his schemes involves smuggling members of Japan’s Black Dragon Society into the United States. Another involves trying to steal Strong’s plans for an atomic-propelled rocket with which he hoed to “shoot Atom bombs from the moon at the U.S.A. Among Neron’s underlings are the gangsters “Blake Snake” Hill and “Legs” Mallery, in charge of Western and Eastern U.S. operations respectively, and Bolo, a bodyguard clad only in wrestling trunks and boots. Sparkling Stars 17-28 (1946-47).

General Heinrich von Kessler. Sadistic German military leader in the post-War effort to resurrect the defeated Axis powers. Bragging about the superior torture techniques of the Nazis, he once offers options to the captive Angels: “You prefer we cut off your heads and send to your parents your naked bodies well preserved in alcohol?” Sparkling Stars 13-15 (1946).

General No Sato. Japanese military leader, Sato in partnership with von Kessler seeks to resurrect the dreams of defeated Axis powers in a military base in Argentina. The shorter, bespectacled Sato always speaks after von Kessler and is a less aggressive, if still sinister presence. “Honorable Japanese get knocked down… but do not stay down,”he assures. Sparkling Stars 13-15 (1946).

Madame Mundo. Beautiful but creul brunette beauty, an agent and romantic interest of the unseen XY. On one occasion, over the radio, he coos, “You will make a lovely queen when I rule the world.” She escapes at story’s end. Sparkling Stars 28 (1947).

The X-Z. The never seen leader of the international cartel of foreign powers, the X-Z only speaks to his underlings through a speaker. His organization has bases in Argentina, the Himalyas and a transplanted castle complete with moat in the heart of Texas. Sparkling Stars 22-28, 30, 33 (1947-48).

Sightings: Sparkling Stars 1-28, 30, 33

Active: 1944-48

The HOOD

Secret Identity: Major Craig Williams, (later Reynolds and thenn later Wood?), FBI operative

Origin: The origins of the Hood are never revealed. Since Reynold’s superior isn’t aware that he is the Hood, it doesn’t appear to be an F.B.I. endorsed role.

Abilities: An exceptional fighter.

Attire: The hero’s blue hood covers his entire face. He also wears a form-fitting yellow uniform with blue boots and cape and red tights and gloves.

Modus Operandi: The Hood acts as “the ferreter of enemies who would destroy our nation.”

Friends and Allies:

Rae/Ray Herman. A former actress and now war worker, Rae Herman is an attractive blonde-haired woman who will become publisher of the Orbit Comics line. In his civilian identity, Williams frequently takes Herman out on dates. These are in adventures drawn by Jack Alderman. Cat-Man Comics 23-26A, v3/2 (1944).  

Notable Adversaries:

Death’s Head. An evil, disembodied skull. As Death’s Head himself explains, “Our civilization of the East is far beyond your understanding! In India, where I was beheaded, I was given life by a great mystic!” His new powers include the ability to hypnotically bend men to his will. Cat-Man 18 (1943).

Lady Satan. Miss Garling is the daughter of a Nazi sympathizer who owns a power plant. When she dons a skull-like mask, the shapely Garling becomes Lady Satan, who can radiate high voltage electricity from her body to deadly effect. Her femme fatale image is furthered by a form-fitting evening dress. When Lady Satan shows a glimmer of compassion to her enemies, her father is ready to betray her. Cat-Man 23 (1945).

The Mask of Death. A government official named Krimmer arranges for high level officials to receive chemically treated medallions. He then dons a green skull mask and as the Mask of Death fires an electric voltage gun that is drawn to the medallion and kills the wearer. He attempts to assassinate the President before the Hood is able to stop him. Cat-Man 10 (1941).

Voris the Fire-Master. Secretly an assassin for hire, Voris is a circus performer whose specially treated suit allows him to be covered with fire. Cat-Man 26A (1944).

The Vulture’s Claw.  AKA Baron Von Tug, “greatest flier of the Reich. “ His face is scarred from previous battles , one scar cutting across his now blind left eye. When his right hand is amputated after a plane crash, an enterprising Nazi doctor grafts a vulture’s claw to his forearm. Its steel talons can rip open nearly anything. A murderous figure, he once used a talon to tear out the throat of a woman who could have been a witness to his escape from a sure death. In his final appearance, the Vulture’s Claw take charge of a submarine in the service of the axis. The Vulture’s Claw wears a green tunic with a red swastika insignia and cape. Cat-Man 14-15, 17 (1942).

Sightings: Cat-Man Comics 5-26, 29

Original Chroniclers: Allen Ullmer (Captain Aero) and Ray Willner (Flagman)

Active: 1941-45

JUNGO, the Man Beast

Civilian Identity: Phil Gant is a strapping actor and former swimming champion who plays the part of Jungo for a popular series of movies.

Origin: When his colleagues doubt his ability to do his own stunts, Gant decides he wants to prove his genuine jungle mettle by surviving a month in the jungles of the Belgian Congo. After a brief bout of amnesia, Gant soon grows into the hero he plays.

Abilities: Superior strength and agility only when in acute distress or is bleeding, presumably activated by an adrenalin surge.

Attire: The dark-haired Jungo is most often clad only in a loincloth.

Modus Operandi: Operates on location in the specific jungle where his latest movie is being filmed. For instance, one movie was filmed in a Central American jungle where dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures still roamed.

Friends and Allies:

Gloria Dean. Beautiful blonde-haired actress who plays Jungo’s sweetheart in his movie series and in real life.

Mr. Bhigg. The director of the Jungo movies.

Tina. Beautiful native girl in love with Jungol.

Notable Adversaries:

John “Muscles” Malon. Unscrupulous actor who wants to steal Gant’s role as Jungo, as well as win Gloria’s affections. Malon is willing to go to almost any lengths to destroy his rival. Sparkling Stars 14, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 (1946-48).

Princess Sadri. Indiginous tribal queen of the Lost Kingdom who wants a white man for a mate. Malon captures Jungol and delivers him to her. Sparkling Stars 29, 31 (1947-48).

Queen of the Zoitex. Brown-skinned queen of a lost, jaquar worshipping race related to the ancient Aztec and Mayas in Central America. The queen desires to kill Gloria and marry Jungol, but her plans are undone when the hero kills the giant jaquar believed to be the manifestation of her soul. Sparkling Stars 17 (1946).

Sightings: Sparkling Stars 13-15, 17-19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31

Active: 1946-48

MISS VICTORY

Secret Identity: Joan Wayne, stenographer for various government agencies.

Origin: Not given in Captain Fearless 1. It is noted that Joan can trace her ancestry back to the great American soldier, “Mad Anthony” Wayne of the Revolutionary War.

Powers. Miss Victory possesses extraordinary strength and is at least partially impervious to harm. She is also a skilled pilot, able to direct her plane via a remote control device in her “multi-purpose” belt..

Attire: Miss Victory wears red trunks, gloves, cape and wraparound eye mask with blue boots and blue tunic. By the end of the war, it has become very low cut, indeed. As Joan, she wears glasses. Both Joan and Miss Victory are blonde-haired

Modus Operandi: Joan learns of various threats through her position as a government stenographer and then takes action as Miss Victory.

Family, Friends and Allies:

Colonel Wilson. Joan’s commanding officer at the capitol.

Various female associates. These include Lucy Graham, her roommate, and Ella, Joan’s brown-haried co-worker and friend.

Roger Wayne. Joan’s father, not seen in the narrative but he is impersonated by a government agent as part of deception necessary for one of Miss Victory’s missions.

Notable Adversaries:

Dr. Hoshima. Japanese scientist who schemes to use the secret plans of Leonardo Da Vinci to create invincible weapons of war for the Axis. Captain Aero 17 (1944).

The Globe of Death. A gigantic spiked metal ball that destroys everything in its path. An invention of Fujo, the foremost scientist of Japan. Captain Aero 23 (1945).

Mr. Axis. A bald-headed, behind the scenes manipulator, Mr. Axis manipulates American politicians into making political deals advantageous to America’s enemies. Captain Aero 11 (1943).

Susumenka. A Japanese “glamor girl” turned deadly pilot, Susumenka is “proud to have killed many American pigs!” She flies an advanced, experimental combat plane and is “the fastest Nip” Miss Victory ever fought. Her plane explodes shortly after her capture. Captain Aero 21 (1944).

Sightings: Captain Fearless 1-2; Captain Aero Comics 6-17, 21-26

Original Chronicler: Charles Quinlan

Active: 1941-46

The RAGMAN

Secret Identity: Originally Jay Carson, Jr., a reporter for the Daily Times, but now no longer calls himself by his original name. In one adventure, Ragman suggests that his butler calls him “Mr. Fleming” when they’re out in public.

Origin: When a bum takes a fatal bullet intended for Carson, it turns out he resembles the millionaire so closely as to be his twin brother. Carson decides to fake his own death and wear the clothes of the dead man to find the killer.

Abilities: The Ragman is an excellent fighter who also wears a bullet proof best beneath his shirt for added protection..

Attire: “His old slouched hat shading his eyes, his patched, ill-fitting clothes (a blue suit) looking anything like the super sleuth (he was)—the Ragman!” Later, he adds a narrow, wraparound black eye mask to protect his original identity.

Modus Operandi: The Ragman operates out of a secret hideaway, aided in his efforts by his valet, Tiny. His adventures tend to mundane in nature, with occasional forays into the supernatural.

Friends and Allies:

Tiny. “Six feet of black dynamite!” Tiny is a young, athletically built man. He is the African-American servant of the Rag-Man, but also his companion and crime-busting ally. Tiny is prone to comments like “Lawse me,” “Ah’s all befuddled,” and “Yassah, Mistah Ragman.” Despite a tendency to be accident prone and superstitious, Tiny is also an excellent fighter and demonstrates real courage.

Notable Adversaries:

Baron Von Epp. Months after his capture, Von Epp and several of his fellow Nazis escape jail and go on the run, only to be captured by Ragman and Tiny once again. Cat-Man 16 (1943).

The Cloak. Dressed in black robes and hood, this American gang leader turns out to be a Japanese saboteur. The Cloak is adept at using bolos as a weapon. Cat-Man 9 (1941).

The Maker of Monsters. Unnamed in his first appearance, this scientist operates on an isolated Pacific island. His first creation was to enlarge a man 30 stories high with the strength of 10,000 men. Rag-man seeks him out after narrowly defeating his monstrous prodigy but the story of his capture is never told. Cat-Man 15 (1942).

The Zombie Master. A turbaned individual is able to resurrect the dead back to life, including his powerful African servant, Kuala. Cat-Man 29 (1946).

Sightings: Cat-Man Comics 1-23

Original Chronicler: Bruce Elliot

Active: 1941-44

The RED CROSS

Secret Identity: Peter Hall, M.D., later identified as Captain Drake, a medical officer in the U.S. Army Corps.

Origin: When the Japanese invade the Philippines, an American physician tries to assist an injured Japanese soldier and is arrested for his trouble. Hall soon escapes and finds himself in a medical supply storehouse. As “Japs are superstitious,” he creates a red, white and blue costume and declares himself “the god of mercy.” As predicted, the Japanese general who arrested him is unnerved.

Abilities: Hall is an excellent fighter and physician.

Attire: The Red Cross wears blue/black boots, red jodhpurs, a white shirt with a large Rx on its front, and blue gloves and cowl. The familiar symmetrical red cross is featured prominently on the forehead of his cowl.

Modus Operandi: Hall is actually a member of the Red Cross but, unlike the relief organization, is able to use violence to achieve his medical missions of mercy. The ambiguity of this stance is embodied by the time he gave a dying Japanese soldier water to comfort him, but comments after his death: “He met the fate he deserved!” His racism is extreme, calling his Japanese adversaries a “squint-eyed monkey” and a “brown dog” on different occasions.

Friends and Allies:

The Red Cross organization.

Notable Adversaries:

The Man Who Lost His Face. Aka Professor Yuki Mara, a visiting Japanese chemist and physicist whose face is irreparably damanged when an American student makes a devastating error in mixing chemicals. Embittered against all Americans, Mara returns to Japan and dons a rubberized, stylized mask. With World War II, Mara commits himself to undermining American interests through poisoning drinking water. Captain Aero 15 (1944).

Sightings: Captain Aero Comics 8-17, 21-25

Original Chroniclers: Charles Nicholas (Blue Beetle) and Sol Brodsky

Active: 1942-46

STRONGMAN, the Perfect Human

Secret identity: Percy Van Norton, apparently feckless son of wealth

Origin: “For many years he has followed the exercises of a secret book of yogi, until he has become the world’s most perfect man.”

Abilities: “He has the strength of a hundred elephants, the speed of a racing car and the skin with the toughness of a rhinoceros…”

Attire: Strongman wears a blue tunic with a yellow V-shaped design studded with buttons, also blue trunks, yellow leggings, blue boots and yellow cape.

Modus Operandi: Strongman rights international wrongs while traveling on a yacht from country to country as Van Norton.

Notable Adversary:

Nilats. The dictator of Aissur (who looks a lot like Josef Stalin) attempts to overrun a small Baltic country until stopped by Strongman. Crash 3 (1940).

Sightings: Crash Comics 1-5

Active: 1940

TOMMY TOMAHAWK

Civilian identity: Tommy Tomahawk, American Air Force pilot.

Origin: When America goes to war, students at Haskell College, “the far-famed university for American Indians,” decide to enlist in the Air Force and form their own Indian squadron. Tomahawk is initially reluctant (“Count me out! I’ve got nothing against the Japs or anybody else! I’m staying here at Haskell until they draft me!”), and only joins up to watch over his impetuous pal, Red Wing. Even though he’s the best pilot, Tommy’s the only one in his squadron never to have downed an enemy plane. His pacifistic tendencies are wiped clean when a merciless squadron of Japanese planes attempt to shoot and kill Red Wing even as he is trying to parachute safely. Thinking Red Wing dead, Tomahawk shoots down all three Jap planes. It turns out Red Wing was only using an old Indian trick and playing dead. From then on, Tomahawk is a formidable warrior.

Abilities: Expert pilot and fighter.

Attire: Tomahawk wears a brown military uniform and a  full feathered headdress while flying. His feeathers are in a wide range of rainbow colors.

Modus Operandi: Tomahawk gathered a group of Cherokee pilots together to fight in World War II. After the war, they are enlisted to join “the newly organized International Air Patrol.” As described in Contact 8, the purpose of this group is covert in nature. “Officially our job is to enforce the decision of the world court,” the head of global organization explains. Unofficially, we’re to root out and destroy fascist-minded troublemakers before they get started.”

Friends and Allies:

The Fighting Redskin Squadron. Organized by Tomahawk, the squadron has approximately six pilots, each of whom wears a colored headband and a single colored feather. Before going into battle, the squadron always shouts its triumphant battle cry, “Cherokee-e-e!” Besides Tomahawk, the two of his comrades most often named are Little Black Bear and Red Wing. Other squadron members include Little White Eagle, Jim Running Dear, White Cloud, Thunder Sky, Joe Big Riber, John Sly Fox, Gray Wolf and Laughing Water. :

Little Black Bear. Far from little and exceptionally strong.

Red Wing. Tomahawk’s “young pal” and “best friend,” Red Wing is an expert at interrogation.

Notable Adversaries:

Sinistri. Balding, post-War profiteer, Sinistri turns all of his ill gotten gains into platinum, which he then disguises as an “atomic power machine.” Contact 9 (1945).

Sightings: Contact Comics 1-11

Original Chronicler: George Appel

Active: 1944-46

  

INDEPENDENT VILLAINS

The Night

Mysterious criminal who wears a white mask, green suit and red cape. The Night robs a bank, getting away with some $300,000. When reporter Rick Rawson unmasks the villain, he learns the Night is actually Miss Davis, the private secretary of the bank. X-Venture (active 1947).

Satan

The “king of racketeers,” Satan is likely the devil of religious belief but chooses to remain a bit mysterious. When someone asks the red domino masked figure who he is, he replies “You can call me Satan! That’s only one of my names!” He deals with both conventional criminals and malevolent legendary figures (such as the masculine Harlequin). Satan is impervious to mortal harm, knives having no effect on him. Suspense Comics 5-6, 8-12 (active 1944-46).

  

Other HOLYOKE Superheroes and Villains

 “Al” Addin

Al is a young man who comes into possession of a magic hour-glass capable of sending him through time and space to the adventure of his fondest desire. When the sands in the hour-glass run out, Al is returned to the present. While in the past, the hour-glass can grant Al certain wishes. Cat-Man 7; Captain Aero 4-7 (active 1942).

 Alias X

X is a dark-haired crime-fighter, espionage ace and master of disguise who adopts a black  eye mask when not impersonating someone. X was originally a taxi driver named Smith who inadvertently transported a gang of bank robbers. He didn’t know they had just killed an honest and beloved cop named Dan Burke. Unjustly charged and imprisoned, Smith led a prison break after two years. Adopting a series of disguises out of necessity, X apprehends the criminal element he abhors and swears to do so until he finds the gang that killed Dan Burke. Captain Fearless 1-2; Captain Aero Comics  2-13 (active 1941-44). Adversaries: The Penman. Asian killer who does in his victims with a poisoned quill. He is a master of disguise, but a poor writer. Jealous of accomplished authors, he leaves poorly written poetry at the scene of his crimes. Captain Aero 3 (1942).

Atom Wizard

When Professor Lane learns a way to create “an atom so unstable that it requires no neutron to split it, but merely a jolt,” naturally former Nazis are interested. Lane is about to conduct an experiment, spraying his son with a lead infused spray that resists atomic explosions, but enemy agents break in. The Professor sacrifices his life by jolting his unstable material, knowing that his son will survive the resulting blast. The last panel shows Drew Lane in a red costume with blue mask, trunks and gloves and a green cape. On his chest is an orbiting atoms emblem. Oddly enough, the next issue of X-Venture features a second, plain-clothed Atom Wizard named Mr. Mars, who “uses his great knowledge of atomic energy against those who would use science to enslave mankind” and shows no signs of possessing super-powers. Even stranger, the first issue’s cover notes that “Mars, Atom Wizard” will appear inside, even though the Mars version doesn’t appear until the second issue. Both Atom Wizards are young, dark-haired men so it’s possible the Mr. Mars identity is an alias. X-Venture 1-2 (active 1947).

The Black Widow

“Avenging the murder of her husband, the Black Widow,in reality Linda Masters … faces the denizens of crime.” As the Widow, Masters wears a narrow black eye mask and a trenchcoat over her black blouse that has a black spider insignia circled in white. Cat-Man Comics 1 (1941).

Blackout

Jack Wayne, foreign war correspondent, lost his sight after being badly beaten by German Nazis. He was brought to Dr. Dismal, a scientist devoted to defeating the Axis powers. He developed a pair of glasses that allowed Wayne to be able to see in the dark. Wayne then adopts the costumed identity of Blackout. Now a pilot, Blackout operates out of France and Germany and only flies his plane at night. Blackout wears a uniform and cape of varied blues, with red gloves, belt and goggles. He sports a large black circle on his chest to signify his name. Cat-Man Comics 10-24 (active 1942-44). Adversaries: Baroness Brunhilde. An attractive, blonde-haired Nazi pilot, Baroness Brunhilde aka the Valkyrie directs her efforts against the German underground and dies at the end of her battle with Blackout. Cat-Man 23-24 (1944). 

Blaze Baylor

When his fireman father is killed in an arson-related fire, Blaze adopts a costume impervious to flame and carries a “chemical gun” that can shoot fire and also extinguish it. Baylor devotes himself to fighting arsonists. Cat-Man Comics 1-4 (1941).

Blue Beetle

In the Holyoke universe, police officer Dan Garrett (secretly the Blue Beetle) quits the force to work for military intelligence. He is assisted by a boy ally, the orphaned Sparkington J. Northrup. The young man is initially called Sparky, short for Sparkington, but is called Spunky, beginning in Blue Beetle 15. See the chapter on the Fox Universe for more details about this hero and for villains who appeared during this period. Holyoke appearances: Blue Beetle 12-30; Real Hit Comics nn (active 1942-44).

The Blue Streak

“The Blue Streak moves to free men of importance, and to save them from death sentences passed by cruel dictators and despots.” He does this with no special powers but dresses in a blue uniform with yellow streak insignias on his shirt and the forehead of his mask. He is aided by his distinctive blue streak airplane and his loyal servant, Tago. Crash Comics 1-5 (active 1940).

Boomerang and Diana

Secretly Captain Lloyd Raleigh, the Boomerang has pledged himself “to eradicate scourges of modern civilization.” Assigned missions by U.S. Army Intelligence, Boomerang dresses in an unlikely uniform of dark green shorts, tunic and feathered hat. While his weapon of choice is the boomerang, he isn’t adverse to using a gun when necessary. In his first adventure, Boomerang rescues a female British agent who turns out to be an expert archer. She joins him in his struggle in Terrific 3 as the costumed heroine Diana. Terrific Comics 2-5 (active 1944).

Boxie Weaver

The blond-haired Weaver is a talented boxer who just happens to undo the criminal schemes he encounters in the pursuit of the world heavyweight championship. His manager, Ace, helps Boxie win the championship. He is so admired as champion that Boix Weaver boxing clubs for boys soon spring up around the country. Blue Beetle 28-30; Sparking Stars 1-17 (active 1943-46). Adversaries: Dancing Boy. Effete, skinny ballroom dancer turned boxer who is able to defeat   Boxie in their initial bout due to the unscrupulous use of camera flash bulbs by his midget manager, the Professor. Sparkling Stars 15 (1946).

Bruce Barlow

Barlow is a young scientist of 1940 possessing exceptional ability and courage. Barlow earns the nickname the “conqueror of the planets.”from his wild adventures in other realms ranging from a subterranean world here on Earth to an inhabited Venus. Whirlwind Comics 1-3 (told in 1940).

Cap Stone

“Cap Stone, adventurer, accidentally becomes a member of a vast undersea kingdom (named Aquari),” which puts him at odds with the local tryrant named Triton. While he possesses no superhuman powers, Stone does wear a costume of sorts, consisting of brown boots, red tights, orange trunks and gloves, green form-fitting shirt and brown, protective head gear. Captain Aero 1 (active 1941).

Captain Fearless

Captain John Fearless was at the forefront of the creation of America. He participated in the Boston Tea Party, was elected to the first Continental Congress and died selflessly leading a division of American soldiers in the Revolutionary War. When his cadet descendent, John Fearless VI, vows to devote his life to protecting American ideals at the hero’s grave, the ghost of the original appears to him.  He informs the strapping young man that he has appeared to and guided each new generation of Fearless men and that a grave threat exists from saboteurs within the nation’s borders. The ghost leaves behind a buckskin uniform with red fringes and a coonskin cap for the cadet to wear and a magic horn with which to summon him. While Fearless VI has no superhuman powers, the assistance of a ghostly ancestor comes in handy. Captain Fearless 1-2 (active 1941).

Citizen Smith

John Smith doesn’t know his parents are. While standing at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the soldier spirit of his father appears informing Smith that he is the original Unknown Soldier. Smith fights those who would harm America in conventional clothing, aided by the ghost of his father who promises to come to Smith if needs him. Captain Fearless 1-2 (active 1941).

Click Hunt

Lieutenant Hunt is a police detective: dark-haired, handsome and fit. He’s assisted by a uniformed Irishman named Murphy. His girl friend, a spirited night-club dancer, is named Arizona Lee. With Sparkling Stars 24, Hunt is promoted to Inspector. Click has also worked with the Hell’s Angels (see above) in their adventures. Sparkling Stars 12-29, 31 (1946-48). Adversaries: Pantha Klaw. Described as Hunt’s “mortal enemy,” Klaw is a beautiful but deadly, red-haired gang leader who demands that he join her gang or she will kill  Arizona Lee. Sparkling Stars 28-29, 31 (1947-48). Trigger Rock. Well connected gang leader, handsome and fit with a trim mustache and the hots for Arizona Lee. Trigger wears a signet ring with a trademark R. He enjoys hitting men or women who betray him, leaving his mark on them. Rock has the secret support of the Deputy Black, Click’s boss (issues 21-22) as well as the talents of his chief gunman Spider Sporet (issues 24, 26). Rock and Spider betray each other, falling to their deaths in wet cement in a final struggle with Hunt. Sparkling Stars 21-24, 26 (1946-47).

Commandos of the Devil Dogs

Sergeant Bill Tanner and Corporal Wally White are U.S. Marines assigned on overseas missions, including a stint with an English commando team. Cat-Man Comics 2-7; Captain Aero 5-15 (1941-44).

The Cyclone

“Peter Blake takes many jiu-jitsu lessons. Circus acrobats teach him all they know. He learns much from athletes. And thus Peter Blake becomes … the Cyclone.” Adopting a red and blue costume and It’s as simple as that. Whirlwind Comics 1-3 (1940).

Dr. Diamond

After being shipwrecked, a giant eagle picks up Dr. Drake Gorden and takes him to the mysterious island of St. Modora. When he awakens, Gorden finds himself in a red and blue costume and yellow cape. An Asian monk tells him the story of an ancient Eyptian worker named Annis who discovered a black diamond that granted him the strength of fifty men. But then the diamond was stolen, wicked men using to their own ends until it was lost for ages. Entirely by chance, the monk bought it as part of a collection of gems. Once he realized his discovery, the monk took the diamond to the deserted island and waited for a deserving person to arrive to claim it. The monk gives the gem to Gorden who promptly declares himself Dr. Diamond. He also commits to “sweeping across the universe, leaving the wicked and evil trembling at the sound of my name.” Cat-Man Comics 1-4 (1941).

Flamingo

Colonel Moore Williams dons a form-fitting orange and red tunic, with matching red trunks, glaves, cape and eyemask to operate without concern for red tape. He flies a plane whose wings emulate those of a red-feathered bird in flight and whose nose looks like the head of a flamingo. This costumed aviator had no unique abilities besides being an air ace. Contact Comics 1-3 (1944). Adversaries: Valda, King of the Dead. A Hindu prophet in Calcutta supposedly rises from the dead after having died two thousand years before, but turns out to be a Japanese agent. Contact 1 (1944).

The Flying Trio

Three soldiers of fortune (Ray, Mac and Low) fight the forces of European fascism as the sole survivors of a corps of twenty mercenary airmen. Low is portrayed in somewhat comic fashion, but he successfully impersonates a Chinese diplomat in Switzerland with Ray and Mac pretending to be his bodyguard and chauffeur. They are succeeded in 1941 by a new Flying Trio, comprised of soldiers of fortune named Blarney, Dash and Baron. First trio: Crash Comics 1-5 (1940); second trio: Green Hornet 2, 4 (1941).

The Gargoyle

Secretly Dan Collins, as the Gargoyle the hero sports green hair and bushy eyebrows, but otherwise is not grotesque in appearance. The Gargoyle wears a dark green suit, oversized green top hat, and lighter green cape while fighting crime. Collins is athletic but apparently lacks any supernormal abilities. Captain Aero 4-5 (1942).

Green Hornet

Britt Reid, newpaper publisher, is secretly the masked vigilante, the Green Hornet. He is assisted in his crime fighting efforts by his Filipino valet and chauffeur, Kato. For more information about the Green Hornet, see the article concerning Harvey superheroes. Green Hornet Comics 1-6 (1941).

The Halo

The Halo poses as the plump and seemingly harmless Catholic bishop Brubus. But when he removes that facial mask, he is revealed to be a handsome and fit Halo. Halo sports a mustache and wears an eye mask along with his blue suit when fighting crime in brutal fashion. Blue Beetle 24 (active 1943). Adversaries: Baron Schlang. This shaved-head Nazi is a self-described priest of hate and lover of chaos. Blue Beetle 24 (1943)

“Hurricane” Harrigan

Harrigan is an American cowboy who travels to Rangoon in hopes of discovering the mystery and adventure of Kipling’s India. He is assisted by a shirtless, turban-wearing Hindu youth named Skeebo. Cat-Man Comics 1-6 (1941-42).

Jane Drake, Detective

“Because of her innumerable escapes in which she fortunately has avoided harm, Jane Drake has been warned by her (attorney) father to discontinue her career as a self-appointed detective, but she remains ever-ready to the call of adventure.” The teen-aged Drake often draws in her friend Jerry King into her adventures. King is an expert shot with his slingshot. Crash Comics 1-5 (1940). 

Kid Terrific

Despite his nickname, Terrific is a fully grown man dressed in conventional clothes. He is assisted in his battle against criminals and saboteurs by a boy named Jimmie and a beautiful brunette Kid Terrific calls “Boss.” Terrific Comics 1-6 (1944).

Hammerhead Hawley

Hawley is “a lone sea raider” who mans a sleek, black submarine adorned with a shark fin on top. Hawley smokes a pipe and speaks with something of a drawl. He has an African-American associate named Whitey, who operates the radio back at his secret undersea base. Whitey is prone to saying things like “Holy jumpin’ jeepers” and exclaiming “Kiss my Aunt Chloe” when surprised. He often calls Hawley “boss,” then promptly corrects himself, saying, “sir.” Hawley’s origins are revealed in Captain Aero 9, in which the captain and his crew are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Whitey is his right hand man and assists him in building his famous submarine. Captain Aero 8-11, 13-14 (1942-44).

Madam Nobody

A female counterpart to Mr. Nobody (see below), the mysterious Madam Nobody served as the conscience of women instead of men. Suspense Comics 12 (1946).

Mr. Miracle

When an unnamed man attempts suicide by jumping off a bridge, the fellow is rescued to be used as an guinea pig for a strange experiment. A Professor Rietz bombards the dying man with 24 hours of a powerful “mind ray” only to be killed by his own lab assistant. Rietz tells the unnamed man of his new powers (creating matter out of nothing just by willing it) just before he dies. Donning a gray hood and cape over a conventional suit, the self-named Mr. Miracle avenges his creator’s death. Captain Fearless 1-2 (1941).

Mr. Nobody

Clad in a trench coat and slouch hat, Mr. Nobody is primarily a narrator of tales who speaks from the shadows where his true features can never be discerned. To quote the gentleman himself: “I am Mr. Nobody. I am the voice of your soul when you are alone and contemplate some rash deed.” Terrific Comics 1;  Suspense Comics 4-12 (1944-46).

Mister Twister

“A former actor who discarded his make-up kit to joine the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jim Marks makes use of hsi dramatic ability by adopting the role of Mister Twister, an old man with a twisted cane, from which he gets his name. Only his superiors at the F.B.I. know the real identity of this strange character.” Green Hornet 6 (1941).

Molly O’Moore and “Scoop” Scanlon

Moore and Scanlon are competing, “madcap” reporters for rival newspapers who actually enjoy each other’s company when they aren’t arguing. Moore is an attractive, blonde-haired women who is fond of red dresses and works for the Chronicle. Scanlon is a two-fisted dark-haired fellow who works for the Daily World-Star. Moore is the most aggressive, not above flirting with Jimmy Blain, teen office boy at Scanlon’s paper, in order to get a step up on an important story. Terrific Comics 2-6; Cat-Man Comics 27-32 (1944-46). 

Phantom Falcon

The Phantom Falcon is a masked aviator who flies missions over war zones. His light blue cowl has a yellow oval on the forehead, otherwise he wears a conventional blue flight jacket with a yellow scarf. The Falcon dies in his final battle when, losing blood rapidly, he pilots his plane into a Japanese munitions shell, killing 20,000 Japanese soldiers in the process. Cat-Man Comics 10-15 (1942). Adversaries: Commander Yallah Dogo. This Japanese military leader succeeds in capturing the Phantom Falcon, but makes the mistake of revealing his plans to use his store of munitions to equip his amassed troops in an all-out assault against the Allies. Cat-Man 15 (1942).

The Phantom Flyer

Colonel Carver, a retired American officer, lives in an old, apparently deserted house. Only his young ward, Kenny, knows that Carver is the Phantom Flyer, who keeps a “shark plane” in an underground hangar. As the Phantom Flyer, Carver wears a form-fitting light green costume and cowl with red boots, trunks and gloves. Kenny, who also engages in combat, wears civilian clothes and no disguise. Contact Comics 5 (1945). Adversaries: Von Tramm. Reporting directly to Hitler, this brilliant inventor uses a device to turn Nazi soldiers into powerful 12-foot giants. Unfortunately for him, the process inversely impacts their courage. Contact 5 (1945).

 The Pied Piper

Secretly Steve Prentice, young attorney. Dressed in a half-Harlequin, half-Robin Hood-like garb, the Pied Piper plays his magical pipe to do his will. Or to hear him explain it (in rhyme): “And I chiefly use my charm/On creatures that do people harm!” In one adventure, he leads a group of crooks to the police station, “prancing merrily” all the way. But in another occasion, the Pied Piper’s instrument is said to produce “a weird, soul-shaking melody, bringing death to any living form and causing the hardest metals to dissolve.” Cat-Man Comics 3-6, 8-9 (1941-42).

 The Reckoner

Secretly Matty Martin, the Reckoner wears a tuxedo, top hat and black eye mask while fighting crime. He has no special abilities beyond being a good fighter. He is assisted by a boy ally named Chipper. Terrific Comics 5-6; Cat-Man Comics 25, 27, 32 (1944-46).  

Shangra

The seventh son of the seventh son of Tibetan royalty, Shangra has lived for centuries as the ruler of Shangraland, a hidden country unknown to the wider world. Two American reporters (Jack and Joan) accidentally crash land in his hidden, mountain kingdom. Shangra possesses great magical powers, but is feeling his age. He wishes to marry his granddaughter, Lonna, to Jack, whom he hopes will assume both his role as king and mage. Shangra is not above using coercion to achieve his goals, though he is not an intrinsically evil man. Crash Comics 1-5 (1940).

Smash Dawson

“Crack foreign correspondent and criminologist of the New York Record,” Smash Dawson devotes his energies (and his tear gas gun) to defeating the Magic Mandarin. Whirlwind Comics 1-3 (1940). Adversaries: The Magic Mandarin. “That weird Oriental individual who has assumed the pseudonym of the Magic Mandarin has sworn vengeance against the white race and Smash Dawson … The Mandarin (is) known as Lee Ching, Oriental importer. With the assistance of a dynamic stone of magnetic power that he inherited from his ancestors, he plots disaster for the nation from his headquarters atop the Imperial State Building.” Contact with silk robs the Mandarin’s stone of its power. Whirlwind 1-3 (1940).

Solar, Master of Magic

Solar possesses a diamond ring from King Solomon’s Mines that grants him magical powers. He also owns a “cape of mystery” which can render its wearer invisible. Solar sports a neatly trimmed mustache and a tuxedo. Captain Aero Comics 1-5 (1941-42). Adversaries: Chinchilla. This scantily red an yellow clad Brazilian dancer and songstress is also a deadly Axis spy. She’s assisted by a Nazi sympathizer, a rubber plantation owner named Luiz Carlos. Solar transforms Chinchilla into her namesake at the end of their struggle. Captain Aero 5 (1942).

Speed Spaulding, Star Athlete

Spaulding is a multi-sport student athlete at Dixie Military Institute, where he resides in a dormitory. Speed’s coach affectionately calls him “Cannon Ball.” His best friend is Red Walters. In later adventures Speed competes internationally. Sparkling Stars 2-6, 8-19, 21 (1944-47). Adversaries: Juan. “The aristocratic , snobbish son of a catle baron” who is smuggling diseased cattle across the Bolivian-Argentinian border. Speed earns Juan’s undying animosity after defeating him in an international competition, enough so that Juan travels to the United States in the hopes of arranging his accidental death. Sparkling Stars 17-19. 21 (1946-47).

Tamor the Jungle Fighter

“His brother had been killed in a Nazi prison camp, and Jack Tamor sought vengeance.” Tamor follows the murderer deep into the Congo and finds a lost empire of bronze-skinned people who have been enslaved by Hans Odin. Tamor is stripped and clothed with only the loin cloth of a slave. He falls in love with Ayiila, the blonde-haired leader of the slaves, and after killing Odin decides to remain in the jungle “where there is no such thing as the greed of man.” X-Venture 2 (1947). Adversaries: Hans Odin. Fez-wearing, blue-robed Nazi who killed Tamor’s brother and seeks to build a giant stone pyramid in the middle of the Congo as a tomb for the king he plans on killing and then replacing. X-Venture 2 (1947).

Volton

AKA “the Human Generator, Volton wears a striking red and green uniform. Powered by electric current, he can fly, shoot out electric bolts of energy and tap into phone conversations by simply holding onto telephone lines. While no origin is ever revealed, Volton’s skin was presumably turned white by the electricity that regularly courses through him. Cat-Man Comics 8-12 (1942). 

“Wing” Lee

Thirteen year old Chinese boy who is taken captive by the Japanese after he attacks one of them for hitting his sister. While in prison, Wing organizes a successful prison break. After meeting Chaing Ki Shek himself, Wing is enlisted to work to sabotage Japanese efforts to occupy China. He is assisted in his efforts by pilots of the American Flying Tigers. Blue Beetle 21-23 (1943). 

Zaro, Jungle Magician

“Zaro, prince of jungle magic, is aided by the secret crafts of hsi forefathers. He can transform himself (into anything living) in a twinkle of an eye.” He most often transforms himself into animals, with whom he can speak and influence through hypnotism or paralyze. Zaro can also transform other objects. All of his powers depend on his ability to gesture. Zaro is also incredibly strong. His attire varies but has included leopard skin trunks, a blue leopard skin belt and a short, pale blue cape. Sparkling Stars 10-12 (1946).

Zingara the Great

Lance Powell, a museum archaeologist, uncovers a secet code of symbol writing while excavating a site in Eypt. When he finally cracks it, he learns that an ancient Egyptian scientist had discovered the “secret the hypnosis and mental suggestion.” Feeling his discovery is too dangerous to share with the general public, Powell resigns from the museum and becomes “a modern Zingara.” Bolts of mental force eminate from Zingara’s eyes as he exerts his influence on others. Green Hornet 6 (1941).

 ALSO: Ace Diamond, Contact 12 (1946); The Air Kids, Contact 12 (1946); Billy in “the Enchanted Woods,” shirtless youth able to travel to a magical forest merely by touching any part of a map of the forest with his index finger. The woods are populated by witches, giants and dwarves and full of magic objects, including an enchanted eraser, Captain Aero 4, 6-7 (1942); Black Friday, “king of spies” who fough the Black Arrow (who was dressed entirely in red) in his second adventure, Cat-Man 8-9 (1942); Bob Preston, explorer commissioned to locate an Egyptian tomb, Crash 5 (1940); Bret Barton, Sparkling Stars 9 (1945); Buck Burke, zoologist who brings his game back alive, Crash 1-5 (1940); Buck ‘n Broncho, Buck Jordan and Broncho Boyd, film stars serving in the Army in Europe, Terrific 1-6 (1944); “Burma” Burns, first name Michael, soldier of fortune operating in, yes, Burma, Green Hornet 5 (1941); “Cannonball” Cannon, circus performer now Air Corps member whose superiors shoot him out of a cannon to further a mission, no costume, Green Hornet 6 (1941); Captain Halyard, “selected by the F.B.I. to block munition cargoes being shipped to China,” Captain Aero 1 (1941); Captain Storms, first name Hannibal, “ace investigator of the Naval Marine Intelligence,” Captain Fearless 1-2 (1941); Chute Harmon and the Flying Legion, paratrooper, Cat-Man 2 (1941); Corporal Rusty Dugan, French legionaire, Captain Fearless 1-2, Captain Aero 2 (1941-42); Counter Spy, Captain Aero 12, 14 (1943-44); Crime Reporter, an F.B.I. agent named Morrows, Blue Beetle 20-28; Real Hit nn (1943-44); Deep Sea Dawson, undersea adventurer, Blue Beetle 29 (1944); Detective Durrand Draw, sophisticated private investigator and tracer of lost persons, Blue Beetle 27-30; Sparkling Stars 1, 7 (1943-44); Dick Blaze, “four-letter man at Yardley,” Whirlwind 1-3 (1940); Diamond Jim, carefree American adventurer based in diamond-rich South Africa , Captain Fearless 1-2 (1941); Don Manley, Sport Sleuth, “ace detective and former All-American” specializing in solving sports related mysteries, Green Hornet 5-6 (1941); Drop Towers, aka “Prop,” pilot-adventurer, Blue Beetle 23, 26, 30 (1943); Gordon “Iron” Gates, society sleuth, Captain Aero 1 (1941); Grit Grady, captain of the Suzy-Q, a tramp steamer, Captain Fearless 2, Captain Aero 1 (1941); Inspector Blake of Scotland Yard, English crime-fighter, Whirlwind 1-3 (1940); Jay Brooks of “Operation Law,” two-fisted social worker who helps at risk youth, Sparkling Stars 27 (1947); Johnny Mace & Co., Contact 12 (1946); The Juggernaut, aka “the giant of justice,” a huge north woods lumberjack, Terrific 1, 3-6 (1944); Lance Rand, explorer and soldier of fortune, his first destination being the lost city of Atlantis, Cat-Man 1-6 (1941-42); Lt. Jim Hannon of the British Navy, military officer devoted to fighting foreign threats overseas, Green Hornet  3 (1941); Lt. Jim Landis, Whirlwind 1-3 (1940); Lucky Landers, a war correspondent, Cat-Man 1-5, 7 (1941-42); Mousey, short in stature ex-con trying to make his way just after his release, Terrific 2 (1944); P.T. Patrol, Steve and Chuck manning a military vessal, Captain Aero 4-7 (1942); Rex Royce, Canadian Mountie, Whirlwind 1-3 (1940); Rod Ripley, Wizard of Science, scientist-adventurer in search of science-related conundrums and threats around the world, Blue Beetle 27 (1943); Scoop Hanlon, crusading newspaper reporter, Whirlwind 2-3 (1940); Secret Agent Z-2, espionage agent whose real name is never revealed, Crash 1-5 (1940);  Sergent Dick Carter of the U.S. Border Patrol, watches over the Mexican/American border for plots of sabotage, Captain Fearless 1-2 (1941); Sherry Flippe, female detective, Suspense 5-8, 10-12 (1944-46); Skip Scott, Naval ace and bomber pilot, Sparkling Stars 1 (1944); Sky Rangers, Contact 12 (1946); “Snapper” Smith, “one of the best photographers in the newspaper business,” Whirlwind 3 (1940); “Snapper” Swift, “Ace cameraman for the Daily Sun,” Green Hornet 5-6 (1941); Tamaa, jungle prince, Blue Beetle 27 (1943); Ted Hart, detective, Sparkling Stars 10-11 (1946); The 3 Vets, Shorty Russo, ex-marine, Sundown Smith, ex-doughboy, and Slick Jackson, ex-gob, Cat-Man 32 (1946); Tiger Squadron, three rowdy American pilots named Tiger, Chicago and Harvard, Blue Beetle 20 (1943); The Tracker, private detective Martin Corliss, Suspense 1, 3 (1943-44); Trooper Pat Corrigan, state police officer in rural New York, Captain Fearless 1, Captain Aero 1 (1941); Verne Davis, investigator, Blue Beetle 29 (1944); Wings Bordon, test pilot for the U.S. Army, Whirlwind 1-3 (1940).

Holyoke Heroes of the Past 

The Golden Archer

Ned, a kitchen boy, adopts the garb of the Golden Archer out of his deep admiration for Robin Hood. Hearing of his exploits, the actual Robin Hood pays for his release from servitude and welcomes the youth into his Merry Men. The Golden Archer wears a green tunic, with a black mask and red gloves, boots and Robin Hood style hat and feather. He is called “golden” because of his blond locks. Cat-Man Comics v3/1-2, 27-28, 31-32 (1944-46).

Leatherface

An apparently cowardly 16^th century Frenchman named Andre adopts the guise of Leatherface to fight the forces of injustice. Cat-Man Comics v3/1 (1944).

ALSO: Khaaron, Arabian poet, rogue, horseman and wizard, Suspense 5 (1944); Sunset Kid, cowboy detective, Suspense 1 (1943).

HEROES OF THE FUTURE

Solar Legion

Adam Starr is a member of the Solar Legion, an organization that seeks to unite the various planets and bring law and order to the solar system. In addition to rounding up space pirates, Starr goes on what amount to diplomatic missions to various planets in an attempt to establish a Legion post there, encountering new threats along the way. The Legion’s original chronicler is Jack Kirby. Crash Comics 1-5 (1940). Adversaries: Black Michael. Space pirate frequenting Pluto and later Mars. On Mars, he attempts to feed Starr to the Gansha, a Martian dragon. Crash 1-2 (1940).

ALSO: Pack Pearson, Space Adventurer, Sparkling Stars 8, 10 (1945); Stormy Daye, interplanetary adventures, Sparkling Stars 6 (1944).

“HOLYOKE” ACTION TITLES

TEM/NITA/HELNIT action titles (1940-41): Captain Aero 1 (1941), Captain Fearless

1-2 (1941), Cat-Man Comics 1-6 (1941-42), Crash Comics 1-5, Green Hornet Comics 1-6 (1940-41), Whirlwind Comics 1-3 (1940).

Distributor: Fawcett (1940), possibly PDC (1941)

HOLYOKE action titles (1942-48): Blue Beetle Comics 12-30 (1942-44), Captain Aero

Comics 2-10 (1942-43), Cat-Man Comics 7-17 (1942-43), Sparkling Stars 1-33 (1944-48), X-Venture 1-2 (1947).

Distributor (later): K       

CONTINENTAL/ET-ES-GO action titles (1943-46): Captain Aero 11-26 (1943-46),

Cat-Man Comics 18-32 (1943-46), Suspense Comics 1-12 (1943-46), Terrific Comics 1-6 (1944-46).

Distributor: PDC 

AVIATION PRESS action titles (1944-46): Contact Comics 1-12 (1944-46)

Dsitributor: PDC

A Glimpse into the Future:

Nothing was seen of the Holyoke heroes after 1948 until the advent of AC Comics and their flagship comic book, Femforce, in the 1990s. It emerged that several of the Holyoke heroes had been held in suspended animation for decades in the so-called Vault of Heroes. Cat-Man, Kitten, the Hood and Miss Victory, among others all began to play a significant role in the new AC Universe. Dr. Macabre and the Vulture’s Claw also survived to practice their malevolence.

Mark Carlson-Ghost

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