Fawcett superheroes are among the most fondly remembered of 1940s comic books with memorable rogues galleries as well.

Beginning in 1940, these and other heroes of the Shazam Universe began appearing in comic books published by Fawcett publications. Initially there were four anthology titles featuring a variety of heroes: Whiz Comics, Slam-Bang Comics, Nickel Comics (small-sized for a nickle), and Master Comics (over-sized at 15 cents). But gradually titles were either cancelled or came to feature Marvel Family characters. As such, Captain Marvel continued to appear in Whiz, Captain Marvel Jr. became the star in Master and Mary Marvel took over a floundering new title named Wow Comics. The three Marvels also began to star in their own titles and, by 1945, in a new, more narrowly focused anthology comic book entitled The Marvel Family.

Even so, there was room for other stars to shine. Heroes such as Bulletman, Minute Man and Spy Smasher all appeared in America’s Greatest Comics (with Captain Marvel) and in their own comic books as well. Licensed properties like Don Winslow of the Navy, Captain Midnight, and Nyoka the Jungle Girl would also ultimately enjoy their own periodicals. 

Powerful magicians flourished in this realm. Led by Shazam and Ibis, they faced impressive foes, many equally grounded in the world of magic and ancient deities. Lesser known mages did battle largely unheralded (Warlock, Diamond Jack, El Carim, and El Carim’s understudy, Balbo).  

The Shazam Universe was one in which human heroes, brilliant alien worms and talking tigers co-existed. Scientific endeavors were only limited by how far the human imagination could stretch. In particular, the Sivana Family (implacable foes of the three Marvels) regularly twisted the laws of science in radical ways to further their evil schemes. 

Throughout World War II, the heroes of the Shazam Universe faced many menaces bankrolled by the Axis and other foreign powers. Captain Midnight, Commando Yank, Don Winslow, Minute Man, Phantom Eagle and the Spy Smasher devoted themselves entirely to this end. America-Smasher and Illyria, Queen of Foreign Spies, were among the most insidious of their minions. But unquestionably the most ferocious of the Axis agents was Captain Nazi, Captain Marvel Junior’s implacable enemy. In general, the villains of this universe were as colorful and varied as the heroes. But clearly Bulletman had the most intriguing rogue’s gallery, led by the melancholy Weeper. Monte Hale, two generations earlier, faced similarly varied foes, including the first Weeper.

Adolescents often possessed potent powers in the Shazam Universe. The Marvels were the best examples of this but there were many others. Women, in general, did not fare as well. The reputations of Mary Marvel and Bulletgirl paled in comparison to their male counterparts, though the latter did provide a feisty, if affectionate repartee with her mildly chauvinistic partner. Nyoka, a heroine who operated in Africa, showed admirable determination but had no special powers. Illyria, Minute Man’s arch foe, and Singapore Sal, who took on both Don Winslow and Lance O’Casey, were the most persistent of the female villains. Beautia, ultimately revealed to be Sivana’s daughter, gave up her devious ways and soon faded from view. Sivana’s other daughter, Georgia, was far more dangerous not to mention more malevolent.

Ethnic diversity among the heroes also suffered. Ibis and his mate might have been ancient Egyptians, but their skin color and facial features appeared Caucasian. For a time, Billy Batson (Captain Marvel’s alter ego) had a black valet named Steamboat, but he was portrayed in stereotypical fashion, so much so that the Black community raised objections and the character was dropped. One wonders if the admirable character of John Smith, Balbo the Boy Magician’s Black guardian and associate, was introduced as a far more laudable example of racial sensitivity. Nyoka’s African friends were generally portrayed sympathetically, though none took on a reoccurring role.

The heroes of the Shazam Universe interacted with each other far more than in most other producers of 1940s comic books. Team-ups of two heroes were relatively common. Captain Marvel and Bulletman faced Captain Nazi before Captain Marvel, Jr. did. Captain Commando and the Phantom Eagle also combined forces to battle the Iron Baron. Spy Smasher teamed up with Captain Midnight on one occasion and did battle with Captain Marvel (under a malevolent influence, of course) on another. Bulletgirl and Pinky, Mr. Scarlet’s adoptive son, were both portrayed as friends of Mary Marvel. But other than the Marvel Family gatherings, there was only one brief, larger teaming of these heroes—when Minute Man, Captain Marvel Jr., Bulletman and Bulletgirl formed the Crime Crusaders Club in 1943.

The Shazam Universe proved to be a wide-ranging and vital place. It was only in the late forties that costumed heroes began to decrease in number and Old West heroes take center stage. The Marvel Family prospered the longest, finally disappearing from view in early 1954. A long-standing lawsuit with DC Comics over similarities between Superman and Captain Marvel was finally settled in DC’s favor and the Fawcett largely got out of the comic book publishing business. Sales for the Fawcett titles had begun to significantly decline. It wasn’t as awful a choice at it might have seemed to the faithful fans of the Marvels that still remained. For them the magic lightning simply disappeared.

BULLETMAN and BULLETGIRL

Secret Identity of Bulletman: Jim “Bullet” Barr, police scientist and ballistics specialist.

Secret Identity of Bulletgirl: Susan Kent, the daughter of police sergeant Kent and Jim Barr’s fiancé.

Origin of Bulletman: Barr’s father death at the hands of gangsters prompts young Jim to devote his life to eradicating crime. To that end, the rather scrawny Barr develops a “germ-destroyer” that he hopes will eradicate criminal tendencies caused by mental and physical deficiencies. Injecting the serum into his arm, “released from the poisons which sap other men’s strength, Jim’s muscles and nerves develop with amazing speed. His chest deepens, he grows taller and heavier and his body becomes as hard and strong as steel.”  Shortly thereafter, his enhanced brainpower allows him to invent a “gravity regulator” in the form of a bullet-shaped helmet. Donning the helmet and a colorful costume, Barr becomes Bulletman and fulfills his lifelong ambition.

Origin of Bulletgirl: Susan Kent learns Barr’s secret identity in Master Comics 13 after Bulletman has been knocked unconscious (and his helmet knocked loose) after defeating the Triple Terror the previous issue. Susan offers her help, but Barr rejects it as he flies off, declaring “this isn’t work for a girl.” Undaunted, Susan promptly injects herself with the same serum that gave Barr is powers, dons a spare bullet helmet and becomes Bulletgirl. Thereafter, she is Bulletman’s constant companion and gentle sparring partner in action and life.

Abilities: Initially, Barr’s serum gives him super-human strength. But this effect soon fades and Bulletman (and later Bulletgirl) must rely on his unique metal helmet which grants him the power of flight. The helmet also draws bullets to it, bouncing off harmlessly.

Appearance: Bulletman wears red trunks and form-fitting shirt, yellow leggings, black boots and a blue, bullet-shaped helmet. Bulletgirl’s costume in comprised of a red, short-sleeved top, yellow shorts, black boots and an identical blue, bullet-shaped helmet

Modus Operandi: Bulletman is assisted by Bulletgirl for most of his career. As a police scientist and a daughter of a police sergeant respectively, the two crimefighters have ready access to information regarding emerging criminal threats. Bulletman and Bulletgirl have a rigorous rogue’s gallery, a rare group that even communicates with each other on occasion.

Friends and Allies: 

Sgt. Kent. Susan’s father and Barr’s superior at work.

Bulletdog. Slug, the Kent’s family pet, brought into their home by Susan in Bulletman 9 is given an anti-gravity collar in the following issue. He subsequently shares occasional adventures with Bulletman and Bulletgirl. Master Comics 80 appears to be his last appearance (1942-47). 

Bulletboy. When Tod Drake’s brother Jack, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, buys him a Bulletman man uniform, Tod believes it gives him his powers as well. Bulletman plays along, insuring Bulletboy uses his “powers” to undo the schemes of the short in stature Nazi Herr von Mite. Tod’s father designed and owns a war plant. Master 48-49 (1944).

Notable Adversaries:

The Black Rat. This villain wears a horrific black rat costume (complete with tail) and pale blue cape to commit his crimes. Physically formidable, the Black Rat wields a knife in one adventure, a machine gun in another. Operating out of Mystery Island, the Rat’s real identity is never revealed. Bulletman 3, 7; America’s Greatest 2 (1942).

Black Spider. A Frenchman named Jules Rey, the masked Black Spider vows vengeance on Bulletgirl’s father and others for helping convict him of murder. It turns out that while in prison Rey went blind and developed a bizarre rapport with spiders. In his masked identity, the villain is assisted by a poisonous spider named Suzy. Bulletman 1 (1941).

Blackmask. A “super criminal” who wears an ebon hood, Blackmask commands his minions via microphone while petting a cat. Blackmask’s scheme is to discredit the police and other elected officials and then replace them with his own lackeys. Nickel 1-3 (1940).

The Clinging Vine. A beautiful dark haired villainess, the Clinging Vine’s brother was a “top-notch criminal until the cops shot him,” which motivates his sister to complete his criminal ambitions. She uses a spray that can transform a boutonniere or flower into a clinging vine that seems to do her will. She discovered the vine in the Amazon jungle. The Clinging Vine dresses simply in a white top and purple slacks that accent her fine figure. She makes several jokes about women just being clinging vines as she readily dispatches men who get in her way. She is assisted by a large, powerfully built henchwoman named Hilda. Bulletman, who refuses to fight a woman, asks Bulletgirl to capture her. Bulletgirl, upon slugging Bertha, seems to chide her for trying “to be a man in all things.” Master 46 (1944).

The Crackpot. With his unruly hair and glasses, the Crackpot is the picture of an eccentric, villainous inventor. Bulletman 10, 12 (1942-43).

Dr. Carver. “The mad plastic surgeon,” Carver has grotesque, bulging eyes, long, stringy goatee and a receding hairline. Embittered by his appearance, Carver became a surgeon so he could turn the entire world ugly. Master 54, 66 (1944-46).

Dr. Riddle. Murderous, hunchbacked villain who leaves riddles at the scene of his murders to tease authorities with hints of future mayhem. Years later, Dr. Riddle teams with the son of the Weeper to do battle with Bulletgirl and Mary Marvel.Bulletman 5, 7; Mary Marvel 8 (1942, 1946).

The Dude. A fashion-conscious villain who wears a top hat, tuxedo and bright yellow cape and smokes cigarettes with a holder. The murderous villain styles himself as, literally, “the man who is dressed to kill.” The Dude’s boutonniere emits deadly gas, his cuff links shoot poison darts, his ring is filled with poison and his pen shoots flame. Not only that, his cane can electrocute with a touch. Obsessed with sartorial splendor, the Dude actually straightens the ties of his victims after he kills them. Bulletman 5, 8 (1942).

The Gorgon. Timid Martha Rawbone is a cataloger of antiquities. She dreams of possessing them herself. When she opens a box that contains the Gorgon’s head she becomes she becomes the viper-headed creature. To catch a glimpse of her is to die. By the time Bulletman intervenes, she has claimed several victims! Bulletman 4 (1942).

Herr von Mite. A short in stature Nazi spy, Herr von Mite is sometimes referred to simply as the Mite. He is otherwise nondescript in appearance, with short blond hair and white boutonniere in his suit jacket. Master 48-49 (1944). 

Mr. Ego. “An ominous figure, puffed with arrogance, cuts a proud swath of crime through the city, disdainfully flouting all the forces of law and order with his sinister self-confidence!” Mr. Ego, who affects his superiority with a monocle and pencil thin mustache, even puts down members of his own gang! He also arrogantly alerts the police of his target before he commits the crime. Bulletman 8, 10 (1942).

Mr. Murder. A serial killer who skulks in the shadows in an oversized hat and cloak, Mr. Murder earns his moniker from the lurid newspaper reports of his crimes. Operating out of his hideout in mist-filled Hawkmoor, Mr. Murder proceeds to extort money from wealthy families who are petrified they may be his next victims. Murder’s large-nosed, ugly features turn out to be a mask, as he is actually a prominent attorney named Reilly who represented one of his intended victims.Master 15, 27 (1941-1942).

The Murder Prophet. Wearing a dark, hooded robe, the Murder Prophet fulfills his own deadly prophecies by killing those he says will die. In Bulletman 7, he founds the Revenge Syndicate, enlisting the Weeper and the Black Rat as his allies. Bulletman 1, 5, 7 (1941-1942).

Professor D. The Professor, a small, nearly totally bald man with round, opaque glasses, hardly seems a powerhouse. But, as the scholar explains: “Through years of study of ancient secrets and tremendous concentration of nervous and muscular energy, I have gained great physical strength in this little body of mine.” He has also acquired all the building plans of old mansions in the city. Stronger than Bulletman, he captures the pair of heroes and attempts to kill them with poison gas.Master 35; Bulletman 15 (1943, 1946).

The Unholy Three. The Unholy Three consist of Nosey, Herbert and Brutus, an unlikely if murderous trio. Nosey is a vicious, bow-tie wearing dwarf, Herbert is a killer chimpanzee and Brutus is a monstrously strong giant of a man. They are originally headed by J. Twiddley Fairchild, who is later killed. Master 17-19 (1941).

The Weeper. A long-haired, older gentleman, Mortimer Gloom weeps while committing acts of murder and mayhem. His handkerchief is always at the ready. One of the Weeper’s prime motivations is make others feel as miserable as he does. “It isn’t fair for other people to be so happy!” he laments to himself. “They know how it makes me suffer.” The Weeper wears a cape and top hat and uses his umbrella as a club. Master 23, 30; Bulletman 7, 10 (1942).

Son of the Weeper. Teams with Dr. Riddle to battle Bulletgirl and Mary Marvel. Also called the Weeper, he dresses in similar fashion to his father. He naturally weeps as he references his father’s death. Mary Marvel 8 (1946).

Sightings: Nickel Comics 1-8; Master Comics 8-82, 84-106; Bulletman 1-16; America’s Greatest Comics 1-8; Whiz Comics 106

Original Chroniclers: Bill Parker and Jon Smalle

Other Chroniclers of Note: Mac Raboy

Active: 1940-49

CAPTAIN MARVEL

See separate article on the Shazam Family characters.

CAPTAIN MARVEL, JR.

See separate article on the Shazam Family characters.

CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT

Secret Identity: Captain Jim Albright

Origin: Albright formed the Secret Squadron in order to fight threats to American security.

Abilities: An exceptional pilot and formidable fighter, Captain Midnight is able to glide through the air courtesy of one of his many inventions, a “gliderchute” that is attached to his arms, torso and hips. He also utilizes his trademark blackout bombs and occasionally other inventions in his fight against America’s enemies.  

Appearance: Captain Midnight wears an increasingly form-fitting red uniform with blue gloves, boots, belt and head covering. A yellow clock insignia with wings (set at midnight, of course) is emblazoned on the chest of his uniform.

Modus Operandi: While Captain Midnight is primarily focused on global threats against America, with the dawn of 1947 he is increasingly focused on interplanetary threats against Earth.

Friends and Allies:

Chuck Ramsey. Teen-aged sidekick to Midnight and a member of his Secret Squadron. First appeared on the Captain Midnight radio series.

Ichabod “Icky” Mudd. Albright’s mechanic, a generally courageous if bumbling member of the Secret Squadron who first appeared on the Captain Midnight radio series. First appears as the comical Sgt. Twilight in Captain Midnight 3. In his own adventures: Captain Midnight 16-17, 20, 30, 46-48, 50-52, 54-55, 65, 67 (active 1942-48).

Joyce Ryan. Attractive blonde-haired member of Midnight’sSecret Squadron. First appeared on the Captain Midnight radio series.

Spy Smasher. Partnered with Captain Midnight in an adventure. America’s Greatest 8.

Notable Adversaries:

Baron Von Togo. Scheming Axis operative and scientist who is “half German, half Japanese and all rat.” Von Togo is occasionally also identified as the Viper. The dapper Baron wears glasses, sports a two point goatee and has a passion for heliotrope perfume. In his first encounter with Midnight he utilizes a poison gas of his invention and in his second he utilizes a spray that can render any object invisible. Von Togo is Midnight’s most frequent foe, rivalling Ivan Shark as the hero’s arch enemy. Captain Midnight 1, 2, 7, 8 (2 stories), 11, 13, 16, 18, 29 (in a hallucination), 47 (1942-46).

Black Mikado. Variously described as “that human dragon” and “Japanese ace saboteur,” Black Mikado is an athletic man skilled in jiu-jitsu and other forms of mayhem. He wears grey-black slacks and a button-less jacket with a skull and crossbones insignia.Captain Midnight 2, 3, 6 (1942-43).

The Butler. British Nazi spy who feigns the deference and the attire of a man-servant, saying “excuse me, sir” and similar comments even as he orders his men to physically abuse his enemies. Captain Midnight 16 (1944).

Dr. Osmosis. Bald and buck-toothed scientist who is more than willing to kill to achieve his ends, he is described as an “evil master of disguise and treachery.” In his second skirmish with Captain Midnight, Osmosis pursues a deadly flying saucer scheme. In the midst of his machinations he orders the murder of a dozen American soldiers without a second thought. After his final encounter, Osmosis is presumed dead but his body isn’t found. Captain Midnight 52, 60, 64, 67 (1947-48); story in CM 60 reprinted in Captain Midnight volume 2.

Dr. Pyrrho. Balding scientist with a dark goatee, Dr. Pyrrho is able to channel the power of the sun against his adversaries via his sun-gun. Captain Midnight 50 (1947), reprinted in Captain Midnight volume 2.

The Flea. “A physical midget with the brilliant intellect and ingenuity of a scientist,” this small sized criminal does battle with Lance O’Casey after his two encounters with Captain Midnight. Captain Midnight 34, 67 (1945-48).

Frau von Sade. A blind German Nazi with tightly braided gray hair and gray slits where her eyes would be, Frau von Sade lost two sons in World War I which fuels her hatred towards the enemies of Germany. In her first encounter with Captain Midnight she operates out of a Norwegian castle. As the villainess explains, “I had the courage to destroy my own eyes, so that I could train my other sensse and work in the night while the world sleeps … My acute perceptions tells me of every move you make.” A brilliant scientist, von Sade senses that she is in tune with Captain Midnight’s inventiveness, though they are motivated by different moral wavelengths. Frau von Sade declares her goal is to “bring all man-kind under my ruling hand!” In her second encounter with Midnight, she threatens Midnight with her creation of giant man-eating plants. Captain Midnight 20, 21, 29 (in a hallucination) (1944).

Ivan Shark. Captain Midnight’s arch enemy, AKA “the Dictator of Crime”. Ivan Shark first appeared on radio editions of the hero’s adventures. Shark is a tall, dark-haired gentleman with a handlebar mustache. His face has a mild shark-like appearance, especially in profile. Ivan Shark is typically assisted by his accomplices, Gardo, and less often by the Mechanic. He possesses his own Secret Fleet to combat Midnight’s Secret Squadron. He counterfeits money in order to buy the planes and ammunition he needs. His goal, at least in early appearances, is to rule America. Captain Midnight 33, 38, 44, 49, 50, 57, 58 (1945-47), on radio (1940-49); stories in CM 44 & 58 reprinted in Captain Midnight volume 1.

Jagga. Fanged and orange-furred Plutonian space raider, Jagga wears a green space-suit with an air globe covering his head as needed. Who utilizes a raygun and his prehensile tail to his advantage. He is described as having “the body of a vicious brute, and the brain of an evil genius.” He is initially interesting in stealing Earth’s uranium but it soon revealed that he has ambitions of winning domination over the solar system. He is aided in his efforts by a Plutonian lackey named Gool. Captain Midnight 52-57 (1947), stories in CM 52-56 reprinted in Captain Midnight volume 2.

Storm von Kloud. German villain and inventor who has learned ways to manipulate weather to his nefarious ends.In his final appearance in 1947, Storm von Kloud is still working for Nazis and this time is behind a wave of werewolf attacks. He is aided by an underling named Blitz who wears a matching green uniform.Captain Midnight 14, 27, 29 (in a hallucination), 47 (1943-47); story in CM 47 reprinted in Captain Midnight volume 1.

The Vindbagg. Overweight German baron who has porcine facial features. Vindbagg is the inventor of deadly machines capable of creating directable articial tornados in service of the Nazi efforts in the United States. Captain Midnight 9 (1943), reprinted in Captain Midnight volume 1.

Xog. Naked green-skinned king of theSaturnians, who unlike his people has a gas-spewing volcano (surrounded by an orange ring) for a head. All Satrurnians are formed from gaseous particles from the planet’s rings and thus are able to change shape at will. This results in a horrific dripping appearance rather than being utilized as some sort of disguise. All Saturnians appear to be giant walking heads with arms, each a different color.  Xog seeks interplanetary dominance beginning with a planned attack on Earth. Captain Midnight 64-66 (1948), stories in CM 64 & 66 reprinted in Captain Midnight volume 2.

Sightings: Captain Midnight 1-67; America’s Greatest Comics 8; All Hero Comics 1

Original Chroniclers: Writers of his radio program.

Active: 1942-48

COMMANDO YANK

Secret Identity: Chase Yale, foreign news correspondent

Origin: The origin of his alternate identity is never revealed.

Abilities: An excellent fighter and occasional use of effective disguise.

Appearance: As Commando Yank, Yale wears a gray/purple paramilitary uniform with accompanying blue belt, cowl and white star insignia on his chest.

Modus Operandi: While his alter ego is rarely portrayed, it is likely Yale’s job that allows Commando Yank to show up as needed in a wide variety of global combat zones. Commando Yank rarely faces extraordinary villains, the few noted below being the exception rather than the rule.

Friends and Allies:

Ranger, the Marvel Dog. Introduced in Wow 17 (1943).

Phantom Eagle. The two heroes share an adventure, as told in Wow 33 (1945).

Notable Adversaries:

Baron Nukki. This Japanese official seeks to try a captive Commando Yank for war crimes against his people, only after his attempt to have a kenjudo wrestling champion kill the American fails. Wow 38 (1945).

The Iron Baron. This bald Nazi officer invents the Iron Gate, a clever device that blocks Allied passage across a key river and which has a security mechanism that destroys any plane that attempts to bomb it. It takes the combined forces of the Yank, the Eagle and the Phoenix Squadron to undo the Baron’s scheme. Wow 33 (1945).

Napoleon Pietz. Known as “the schoolboy dictator,” Pietz is a youthful descendent of Napoleon and has similar ambitions. Wow 14 (1943).

Sightings: Wow Comics 6-64; America’s Greatest Comics 4-7; Whiz Comics 102

Original Chronicler: Charles Sultan (Minute Man)

Active: 1942-48

DON WINSLOW of the NAVY

Alternative Identity: None

Origin: No specific rationale for Winslow’s service in the military is provided other than a presumed patriotism.

Abilities: Winslow has no special abilities other than his keen intelligence and two-fisted prowess.

Appearance: Handsome and fit, Winslow is a black-haired man who most typically wears a naval uniform of dark blue.

Modus Operandi: Commander Winslow is variously affiliated with the Coast Guard, the Navy and Naval Intelligence. He confronts a wide and varied gallery of rogues across the globe.

Friends and Allies:

Lt. Red Pennington. Winslow’s best friend and fellow officer. First appeared in the Don Winslow comic strip.

Admiral Colby. Winslow’s military superior. First appeared in the Don Winslow comic strip.

Mercedes Colby. Admiral Colby’s daughter and Winslow’s romantic interest. Mercedes serves as a nurse during World War II. First appeared in the Don Winslow comic strip.

Flatbush Foley. Feisty taxi driver turned boxer and defender of all things Brooklyn, Foley has strawberry blonde hair and is handsome in a roughneck kind of way.Winslow is his often somewhat bemused friend. Don Winslow 37, 47, 48, 49, 62. 64 (1946-48)

Freddy Freeman. In Don Winslow 55, the alter ego of Captain Marvel Jr. sells Admiral Colby, whom he knows by name, a newspaper (1948).

Notable Adversaries:

The American. “Educated in America and speaking like an American, (Commander Tom Toguchi) remains a cunning and cruel Jap.” Known as the American because of his facility with all aspects of American culture and slang, the brown-haired crew-cut sporting villain uses that knowledge to augment his already formidable physical prowess. Or as Toguchi put it, “this baby’s not kicking the bucket till he’s evened the score with Winslow!” His final appearance was a flashback to World War II in which he was attempting to use robot rocket bombs to attack America. The narration allows that while Winslow never captured the American, he was “brought to stand trial before the war tribunal court . He paid for his vicious war crimes and his evil soul plans murder no more.”  Don Winslow 16, 38, 42, 62 (1944-48).

The Hook. This Nazi agent sports a sailor look, with a red and black striped, long-sleeved shirt and a hook for a right hand. After the war, the Hook broke out of prison with the Renegade and briefly served as his underling. Don Winslow 32-35 (1946).

Longhair. A well dressed mob enforcer, the broad-shouldered Longhair is extremely strong. Longhair believes he will lose his strength if his hair is cut. Longhair wears a green suit and a white ascot. He readily beats up any man who calls him a “sissy,” explaining to them that “it’s not nice to call people names!” Don Winslow 54 (1948).

The Renegade. A determined and physically dangerous enemy, the Renegade’s single minded determination is reflected by the letter R that is branded on his forehead. Upon his return, he heads a gang made of hoodlums, one named Hook (see above) and the other, Peg Leg. Even imprisoned at Rock Island Prison, the Renegade still creates havoc, planning a jail break on a massive scale. Don Winslow 29, 32-34, 46, 49 (1945-47).

Rubberface. A middle-aged, balding master of disguise, Rubberface can shape his “flexible features” into a perfect likeness of anyone. For a time Rubberface is an inseparable ally of the Scorpion and he also once assisted Singapore Sal in an unidentified story. In Don Winslow 55, Rubberface strikes out on his own and kidnaps Admiral Colby, but by issue 61 he’s back with the Scorpion. In a later skirmish with Captain Marvel, Jr., as told in Master Comics 118, the villain explains that he works better when someone else is the brains of the operation. Don Winslow 39, 44, 55, 61 (1946-48), 72 (reprint).

The Scorpion.  AKA “America’s most fiendish criminal,” this evil mastermind has dreams of world domination, the Scorpion’s schemes often involve efforts to obtain military secrets, thus placing him squarely at odds with Winslow’s role with Naval Intelligence. In his “return,” as told in Don Winslow 26 and reprinted in 70, the Scorpion’s previous pre-war battles with Winslow (as told in the newspaper comic strip of the same name) are acknowledged. He return features a typically ambitious scheme to take over the entire United States. The Scorpion has no special costume and typically wears a suit. He is short and somewhat stocky, with a bald head, thick eyebrows and pencil thin mustache. He has a vaguely foreign look to him. In issue 67, the Scorpion falls off a cliff in shock at seeing the man he believed he had killed “return from the dead.” This is likely his last appearance. “It’s right you should die like this, Scorpion,” Winslow opines watching the villain take what surely was a fatal fall. “Your body will lie here, unseen and forgotten, like your rotten plans.” Don Winslow 26, 33, 39, 43, 44, 46, 61, 65, 67 (1945-51), 70 (reprint).

Singapore Sal. Sal is a voluptuous, raven-haired pirate with a black domino mask and stylish red buccaneer’s hat emblazoned with a skull and crossbones. In their initial encounter, the narration places her in the same category of rogue as the Hook, Toguchi and the Renegade. Upon her initial capture, Sal taunts Winslow: “They’ve got me. Now the question is—can they hold me, handsome one?” Singapore Sal is clearly attracted to Winslow, often referring to him as “pretty boy,” but she never allows that attraction to undermine her nefarious plans. On one occasion, leaving him to the mercies of a death trap, she kisses him on the lips and wishes him “Happy dying, handsome!” Incarcerated, Sal later engineers a women’s prison break in order to build a band of female pirates, most far less attractive than she. A deadly adversary, Singapore Sal has often killed her enemies, sometimes literally making them walk the plank. She later squares off three times against Lance O’Casey (see below). Don Winslow 47, 51, 53, 57, 60 (1947-48).

The Snake. At one time, the biggest dope smuggler in the country, the Shake is a contortionist. Extremely tall and thin and apparently without shoulders, the Snake is “physically capable of squirming into places where no other human being can go.” Don Winslow 50, 54 (1947-48).

Sightings: Don Winslow of the Navy 1-69

Original Chronicler: Frank V. Martinek, creator of the comic strip

Active: 1943-48, 1951

IBIS the INVINCIBLE

Original Identity: Prince Amentep of ancient Egypt, also called Ibis even then

Origin: Four thousand years ago, in ancient Egypt, Prince Amentep must prove himself in crisis to earn his uncle’s gift of the Ibistick, a magic wand which can do “mighty magic for good purposes (but) fails only against other magic.” Amentep also seeks the heart of Taia, but in this is opposed by the Black Pharaoh. In striving to dethrone the Black Pharaoh, he is imprisoned at which point his uncles awards him the Ibistick. Unfortunately, Taia is sent into an enchanted sleep for four thousand years. Prince Amentep then wills the Ibistick to put him to sleep for the same length of time. He awakens in 1940 in mummy wrappings and immediately sees to the awakening of his love.  

Abilities: Ibis’ powers are centered in the magical Ibistick that seems only limited by his imagination and magical threats.

Appearance: Ibis wears a red turban, but otherwise wears a standard dark suit.

Modus Operandi: “Beloved,” Taia notes, “this world seems strange and terrible.” To which Ibis replies, “It is still full of evils such as we never dreamed of. But with the Ibistick, we shall drive them away!” He mostly encounters evil figures from ancient Greek or Christian traditions or old European legends.

Friends and Allies:

Taia. Ibis’ great love from ancient Egypt. She saved he beloved from an enchanted arrow, falling into a four thousand year sleep. But in the 20^th century, in Egypt, Ibis revives the museum mummy that is Taia. Removing her mummy trappings, Taia asks, “My prince! Have we slept long?” Kissing her hand, Ibis replies, “For 4000 years—though it seems but a single night.” First appeared in Whiz 2 (1940).

Tommy. Orphaned ward of Ibis and Taia, who graduates from Wade Hampton Military Academy in Whiz 31 to join the war effort as an airman.

Banshee O’Brien. Youthful ally of Ibis, also known as the “Boy Enchanter.” Whiz 46; All Hero Comics 1 (1943).

Notable Adversaries:

The Black Pharaoh. A cruel ruler of ancient Egypt, the Black Pharaoh rejects the god Osiris when he learns that Taia, the woman he intends to take for his own, is under his protection. As a result, he seeks power from Set, “master of the inferno,” to destroy Prince Amentep and have Taia for his own. This sets into action a chain of events that leads to his beheading by Amentep and Amentep (as Ibis) and Taia finally being together in the present. Ibis the Invincible 1 (1942).

The Cat. Aka, Belgor, a bare-chested priest of a feline deity, the Cat wears a cat’s head mask and possesses nine lives. He manages to exhaust all nine in only two battles with Ibis.Whiz 88, 89 (1947).

The Flying Dutchman. A figure of legend, a white-haired Dutchman named van Falkenberg sold his soul to Satan centuries ago and now continues to down ships and planes with modern weapons (he notes how he has kept up with the times) in the service of the Nazis until his quota of death is met or a woman offers him her love.Whiz 27, 37 (1942).

Half-Man. Half-Man is a powerful wizard. Severely wounded in combat, he lost a right leg, a left arm and a left eye. Made physically feeble, yet still eager to serve his master, Half-Man studies the black arts in earnest. The German is able to summon a demon and peer into the future. He is also adept enough to knock out Ibis with his crutch! Half-Man wears a German military uniform, wears his reddish-blond hair in a buzz cut, has a monocle over his one good eye, a drooping white triangular eyepatch over his right eye and smokes cigarettes from a long cigarette holder. The only way for Ibis to defeat Half-Man is to restore him to total health. In gratitude, the physically and mentally healed villain transports Ibis and Taia back to America. Whiz 21-24 (1941).

Karnok. Also known as Karnak, a“master of evil,” a wickedmage who initially wears a lizard-skin headdress, but later settles for a more traditional turban. When Ibis first encounters him Karnok is heading up a school of sorcery. Even after he dies in Whiz 96, the feisty Karnok knocks out Charon, the boatman on the river Styx, and guides himself to hell! There Karnok enlists two other deceased villains to aid him in s rematch with Ibis. Later, Karnok returns to earth, proving even hell can’t hold him. In his later battles with Ibis he has an army of plant men (134), returns to King Arthur’s time (137) and commands an army of termite men (142). Whiz 90, 96, 122, 129, 134, 137, 142 (1947-52).

Loki. White-haired “Norse god of evil,” Loki was trapped inside a block of ice alongside his “pets,” the Midgard Serpent and Fenris the Wolf, until he was able to telepathically influence a mortal to set him free. Loki referred to Ibis as his “ancient enemy,” and the two fought to a standstill until Ibis summoned Thor to the scene who readily defeated the rogue god.Whiz 50 (1944).

Lucifer/Appollyon. Portrayed as the classic red-skinned, horned devil, Lucifer (sometimes identified as Appollyon) typically works behind the scenes in an attempt to destroy Ibis. Described as Ibis’ “supreme antagonist,” the two occasionally come into direct conflict. Whiz 110, 117, 123, 124 (1949-50).

Maryani of the Vampire Twins. After Ibis destroys her vampire brother, Maryani seeks revenge, slipping a potion into the hero’s drink that transforms him into a vampire. Only Maryani’s attempt to use the Ibis stick against the hero proves to be her undoing. Whiz 101-102 (1948). 

Piang. Evil Asian sorcerer who obtains possession of the Ibistick. Whiz 9, 10 (1940).

Rameses. Resurrected pharaoh with the looks of an unwrapped mummy, Rameses is revived by Girbo, the Mad Mullah, in order to conquer Egyptian peasants. In his second battle with Ibis, Rameses seeks the wisdom of the Sphinx who calls forth Bes and Khor, figures from Egyptian legend, to aid him. Whiz 25, 26 (1941-42).

Trug. Turbaned mystic from India, an early foe of Ibis. Trug once referred to his arch nemesis as “that Egyptian dog.” Among other mystical abilities, Trug is able to conjure up monsters to do his bidding and has used a severed demon’s hand in his service. He is also a master of deception, even pretending to be Satan once so that a criminal with a grudge against Ibis would sell his soul in order to kill him. On another occasion, as told in Whiz 31, Trug pretends to be the biological father of an orphaned teen that Ibis has befriended. Whiz 2, 13-20, 31, 34, 40, 55 (1940-44).

Sightings: Whiz Comics 2-155; Ibis the Invincible 1-6; All Hero Comics 1

Original Chroniclers: Bill Parker and C.C. Beck

Active: 1940-53

LANCE O’CASEY

Alternative Identity: None

Origin: The origins of his free-wheeling adventuresome lifestyle was never told.

Abilities and Weapons: Excellent sailor and good, two-fisted fighter. His vessel is named the Starfish.

Attire: White slacks, blue and black striped t-shirt and white captain’s hat.

Modus Operandi: Footloose and fancy free, Lance O’Casey’s red hair reflects his wild Irish nature. He usually travels the Seven Seas with an amiable male companion.

Friends and Allies:

Captain Daniel Doom. Grizzled seaman with a long, white beard and companion during most of O’Casey’s early adventures. With Whiz 26, Doom has inherited millions of dollars from a step-cousin and gives up his life of “raffish roaming.” (1940-42)

Monk Hogan and Mabel. The pet monkeys of O’Casey and Cap’n Doom. Whiz 2-30.

Lorela. Originally the henchwoman of a criminal, she gives up her lawless ways after falling for Lance and shares adventures with him for a brief while. Whiz 26-29 (1942).

Mike Bellew. Handsome dark-haired companion to O’Casey during most of his later adventures. “A life of adventure and carefree living! Hah!” Bellew exclaims to O’Casey. “I never worked so hard since I was on the docks in Brooklyn.” First appeared in Whiz 31 (1942).

Notable Adversaries:

Beauregard. A Black crewman on Lance’s vessel, Beauregard betrays Lance and Lorela when he kills the chief of a Pacific island and declares himself Emp’ruh Beauregard the First. He orders that Lance be killed as a human sacrifice and that Lorela become his High Priestess. In his new role Beauregard wears a top hat and a tie (even though he is shirtless) and ragged shorts. He is portrayed in a deeply stereotyped fashion. Whiz 27 (1942).

The Black Mandarin. Dwelling in a Chinese secret palace, the Black Mandarin is actually a Japanese spy, more than willing to betray his Chinese neighbors. He dresses in a black robe and black rounded hat, and has a neatly trimmed mustache.Whiz 34 (1942).

Death Dawson. A muscular, “renegade half-breed,” Dawson uses Polynesian slave labor to pursue dangerous pearl diving. He goes about shirtless, the better to show off the skull and crossbones tattoo on his chest. He has short-cropped red hair, a black eye-patch over his left eye, and carries a dagger tucked underneath his belt. He dies of a poisoned arrow shot by one of his slaves. Whiz 3a (1940).

The Flea. “A physical midget with the brilliant intellect and ingenuity of a scientist,” the Flea is a crooked schemer who boasts that he “is never associated with a losing enterprise!” Described here as O’Casey’s “old enemy,” the Flea operates a mechanical whale that sinks sea vessels to drive his silent partner’s business rivals bankrupt. The Flea also fought Captain Midnight on at least two occasions. Whiz 116 (1949); Don Winslow 73 (rep.).

Singapore Sal. “Beautiful she-wolf pirate who has plundered the seas and put fear in the hearts of sailors, for she stops at nothing including murder!” Originally an adversary of Don Winslow (see above), the scabbard-wielding Singapore turns her criminal attentions to O’Casey, with whom she never becomes infatuated. Whiz 107, 109, 111 (1949).

Sightings: Whiz Comics 1-51, 53; All Hero Comics 1; Master Comics 49; Lance O’Casey 1-4; Whiz Comics 103-05, 107-09, 111-13, 115-17, 119-21, 123-25, 127-29, 131-32, 134, 136-155

Original Chroniclers: Bill Parker (Captain Marvel, Ibis) and Bob Kingett

Active: 1940-44, 1946, 1948-53

MARY MARVEL

See separate article on the Shazam Family characters.

MINUTE MAN

Secret Identity: Private Jack Weston of the U.S. Army.

Origin: General Milton calls his civilian ward, Weston, into his office. Due to Weston’s strength, bravery and alertness, the general decides his ward will become a modern day Minute Man, like the minute men of 1776, to fight saboteurs and America’s enemies from within. Weston promptly agrees and joins the Army as a lowly private.

Abilities: Weston possesses only those abilities of an excellent athlete and a presumably well-trained operative.

Attire: As Minute Man, Weston wears a costume of dark blue trousers and a red and white striped shirt with blue sleeves studded with white stars. He wears no mask to disguise his identity, yet is never discovered.

Modus Operandi: Known as “the one man army,” only General Milton knows his secret identity and provides him with information necessary for many of his missions. But Weston is just as likely to happen upon saboteurs and foreign menaces.

Friends and Allies:

General Milton. Jack Weston’s guardian and Minute Man’s commander, the only person to know the hero’s dual identity.

Johnny Reb and Zeb Lee. Elderly veterans of the Civil War who joined Minute Man in battle. Only Johnny Reb joined the hero in a second appearance. Master 42, 44 (1943).

The Victory Vampire. Count Doolb-Rekcus pretends to be vampire after Nazis take over his castle. They assume he rose from the dead when actually a cataleptic fit made it seem as if he’d died. In his vampire guise he wore a parachute glider that resembled giant bat wings and wore fake claw-like gloves. He flew about in an emaciated state shirtless with tattered pants. His black hair and goatee were disheveled and of course he wore fake fangs. His guise was revealed to the Nazis when Minute Man wore his fake bat wings into battle. Master 43 (1943).

Notable Adversaries:

The Black Poet. Heinrick von Stueber, a Nazi agent, writes poems on poisonous parchment that kills whoever holds the paper to read it. Inclined to speak in rhyme. Minute Man 3; America’s Greatest 2; (1942).

Dr. Hour. Secretly Jooves, a butler, Dr. Hour carries with him an hourglass filled with poison sand which he calls “the sands of time.” When he smashes the hourglass on Minute Man’s head, he quips, “Don’t you know a clock can strike?” Dr. Hour is dressed entirely in black, with a black cape and cowl with a clock face insignia over his forehead. Master 26 (1942).

The Falcon. A deadly brown bearded archer, the Falcon wears bronze armor with a yellow swastika emblazoned on his helmet. He also sports a yellow cape and his pet falcon sits attentively on his shoulder. Master 44 (1943).

Illyria. “Dark and alluring, this “queen of foreign spies” is sometimes called Lady Illyria by underlings suggesting she may be of noble background. She is fearless, on one occasion attempting to steal valuable war plans from the safe of General Milton himself. When the spy easily gets by a guard, her henchman expresses astonishment. But Illyria only blithely comments: “Sentries are always easy to fool, for Illyria.” The queen of spies is attracted to Minute Man and often tries to entice the hero to join her. If he refuses, however, she is always ready to kill him. In her final appearance, Minute Man is finally able to turn her over to authorities. Master 12-14, 16-17, 19-20; Minute Man 1, 2 (1941).

Malva Stone. Sculptress who gives her lovely female models a cream that causes them to age rapidly, thus losing their beauty. Stone turns out to be a man in drag, who became embittered after a romantic rejection by a beautiful woman. America’s Greatest 4 (1942).

Mr. Skeleton. Emaciated white-skinned giant four times the size of a normal man, Mr. Skeleton is extremely strong and enjoys stomping on hapless victims with his bare feet. His preferred form of killing his enemies his dropping them in a vat of boiling acid until only their skeletons remain. A ghoulishly outlandish figure, Mr. Skelton is bald with bushy eyebrows, catlike whiskers, fangs and clawed fingers, dressed in a yellow crop top and green trunks and cape. America’s Greatest 1 (1941).

Sightings: Master Comics 11-49; Minute-Man 1-3; America’s Greatest Comics 1-7

Original Chronicler: Charles Sultan (Commando Yank)

Active: 1941-44

MR. SCARLET

Secret Identity: Brian Butler, special prosecutor

Origin: Butler adopts the identity of Mr. Scarlet to capture criminals who escape conventional efforts of law enforcement.

Abilities: Butler is an agile and effective fighter with no extraordinary powers. In his early adventures he wields a gun as well, later replacing it with a ray gun that shoots out infra-red blasts.

Appearance: Mr. Scarlet dresses in an entirely red, form-fitting costume, with only a yellow belt, gun holster and cape.

Modus Operandi: “Special prosecutor by day, Brian Butler discards his legal robes at midnight to become the mysterious ‘Mister Scarlet,’ an underworld legend—a myth who strikes with merciless reality and brings to justice those who escape the law through its legal loopholes.” Mr. Scarlet is soon joined by a youthful sidekick named Pinky.     .

Friends and Allies:

Cherry Wall. Butler’s secretary who immediately sees through Butler’s Mr. Scarlet disguise and declares love for them both. She first appears in Wow 1 and displays a motherly concern for Pinky, encouraging him to not go off on Mr. Scarlet’s dangerous missions. Miss Wall gradually fades out of the narrative.

Pinkerton “Pinky” Butler. The son of widowed mother who is killed by the maniacal Mr. Hyde. Seeking vengeance Pinky adopts a guise similar to that of his hero, Mr. Scarlet, and together they bring down and witness the death of the villain. Butler subsequently adopts Pinky, his secretary fully aware of the unfolding events, and joins Mr. Scarlet in his fight against crime. First appears in Wow 4 and every issue thereafter (1942-48).  

Notable Adversaries:

The Black Clown. Henry Parrish dresses in colorful jester’s garb. Formerly a circus owner, he commands a ferocious trained gorilla named Garganta to do his bidding. Wow  3; America’s Greatest 1 (1941).

The Black Thorn. AKA Henry Hawley, inventor. The Black Thorn wears a crested hood and cape. The Thorn takes glee in using his signature weapon, a gun that can shrivel human flesh and turn the living into immobile mummies. Wow 3; America’s Greatest 1 (1941).

The Brain. Arranged the escape of six of Mr. Scarlet’s most sinister opponents (the Black Clown, the Black Thorn, Dr. Death, the Ghost, the Horned Hood and the Laughing Skull) from prison to form the Death Battalion, whose purpose was to murder the most prominent members of the United States government. The Brain, whose identity is hidden by a gauze-like sphere, turns out to be Warden Loomis of El Catraz, who had used his position to further the massive jailbreak. America’s Greatest 1 (1941).

Dr. Death. AKA Dietrich Neumann, a bald villain with a skull and crossbones tattooed on his forehead. To look directly at his visage is fatal, for as the good doctor himself explains, “it’s the face of death!” Wow 2; America’s Greatest 1 (1941).

The Ghost. After being shot in the head and nearly dying, Val Lukovichis comes to believe he’s actually dead. Wearing a white hood and sheet, he goes on a murder spree trying to bring his victims over to the other side. Wow 2; America’s Greatest 1 (1941).

The Horned Hood. Secretly Joe Mallone, the Horned Hood wears a horned hood that gives him a Satanic appearance. “Perhaps I am the devil,” he grins as he guts a guard, “but with a bayonet instead of a pitchfork.” Mallone also uses a spiked club. Wow 2; America’s Greatest 1 (1941).

Incarno. Wearing a turban, Incarno initially appears to have the power to come back from the dead (repeatedly) but turns out to be using “Indian yogi tricks,” of which he is a master. He later uses his yogi powers to commit color-themed crimes. Incarno is actually Walter Carnes, the half-brother of Butler’s butler. Wow 36, 42 (1945-46).

The Laughing Skull. A former banker, John Dodd wears a white skull mask and shroud and is prone to unhinged laughter. His preferred method of murder is to bury his victims alive. The Laughing Skull enjoys using human bones as clubs. Member of the Death Battalion. Wow 3, America’s Greatest 1 (1941).

Mr. Green. A criminal archer in emerald tights and cowl, Mr. Green robs only the rich and pretends to give his ill gotten gains to the poor. A distorted mirror image of Mr. Scarlet, Green also boasts a partner, a thug of short stature dubbed Greeny. He turns out to be the butler of a philanthropist whom he is attempting to frame.Wow 28 (1944).

Mr. Hyde. The maniacal villain who killed Pinky’s mother, Mr. Hyde wears a black robe emblazoned with a skull insignia. His hair is unkempt, and in his Mr. Hyde form he incongruently wears a monocle. Mr. Hyde is actually Dr. Jekle, president of Oaklawn Orphanage, the orphanage to which Pinky is initially brought, as well as being something of an arcane chemist. As Dr. Jekle he invents a serum that transforms him into Mr. Hyde, complete with fangs, drool and claw-like hands. Wow 4 (1942).

Sightings: Wow Comics 1-69; America’s Greatest Comics 1-7

Original Chroniclers: France Herron and Jack Kirby (Captain America)

Active: 1941-48  

NYOKA the JUNGLE GIRL

Full name: Nyoka Gordon.

Origin: Nyoka developed her sense of adventure traveling with her explorer father who nurtured her various abilities.

Abilities: Keen intellect and strong sense of justice. Only an adequate fighter.

Attire: Nyoka typically dresses in conventional attire: a white blouse and red shorts.

Modus Operandi: Nyoka initially travels the globe with her explorer father and fiancé. After the war, Nyoka is increasingly independent and operates a gift shop in the middle of the jungle. She is friends the tribal people that surround her and often assists them. She is also something of a world traveler.

Friends and Allies:

Dr. Henry Gordon. “Explorer, Egyptologist and Nyoka’s father,” Gordon maintains a home in a large African city, perhaps Cairo.

Larry Grayson. A scientist and adventurer, Grayson is an associate of Dr. Gordon and for a time Nyoka’s fiancé. Handsome and athletically built, he is also a fierce fighter. Once, getting a villain in a leg scissors, he exclaims, “Now untie the girl before I squeeze your Adam’s apple in apple sauce (1942-48).

Kow Poy. Young African boy who Nyoka took on a trip to the United States, where he was exposed to and learned to imitate cowboy culture. Back in Africa, he took to wearing a cowboy hat. Nyoka 12 (1947).

Bucko, the Jungle Boy. Dressed in typical jungle explorer garb, Bucko is a young white man who is focused on finding the rarest of flowers, black orchids. Nyoka 13 (1947)

Pierre Palette. Also called Pierre Pastel, a French painter interested in rendering various pastoral jungle scenes that rarely turn out as peaceful as he hoped. Nyoka 19, 66, 75 (1948-53).

Notable Adversaries:

Beaky. A hired killer short in stature, Beaky wears oversized clothes and has a short, pointed nose. His fellow gunman is a stout fellow named Gratz. Master 59-62 (1945).

Boo Pah Boo. “Famous comedian of the mysterious East,” Boo Pah Boo is a short fellow who wears a carved out pumpkin over his head both on and off the stage. His accent would suggest he is either French or Arab. Not above selling unfortunates into slavery, Boo Pah is Vida’s lover (see below), of whom he is very possessive. Master 53-54 (1944).

Captain Venom. Bald pirate who sports a monocle and a Fu Manchu mustache. Nyoka 31 (1949).

Gumi. Champion warrior of the Zingli people, the loin cloth clad Gumi makes sport with his hapless enemies, forcing them into fatal jousting matches, each atop an opposing rhino. Only a rhino-riding Nyoka is able to topple him. Master 105 (1949).

Hamid El Ratt. “Arch villain of the desert,” El Ratt is an Arab raider operating out of Egypt. Master 50-52 (1944).

The Human Gorilla. A professor named Orang transplanted the brain of his assistant (named Folsom) into the body of a gorilla after the assistant accidentally broke his back. Now called the Human Gorilla, Folsom still dresses in human clothes and leads an army of gorillas, whom he teach to shoot guns and climb walls. Nyoka 30 (1949).

Sky Man. A giant alien robotic figure who arrives on earth in a flyer saucer and whose origins and ultimate purpose are never discovered. Nyoka 67 (1952).

Van Morte. Murderous artist who unbeknownst to his adoring public kills the women he paints after he finishes beautiful portraits of them. Van Morte is an eccentric fellow with a black, brush-like mustache and camel-colored artist’s smock. He is undone when he decides he must paint Nyoka. Nyoka 18 (1948).

Vida the Viper Vamp. Vida is a beautiful Arab woman who performs a cabaret show at the Green Jackal Café. She has a huge pet python that will attack at her command. Vida is usually without mercy in occasionally selling those who cross her path into slavery to the Egyptian pharaoh, but this time falls in love with the captive Larry Grayson. Vida wears a low cut green dress, brown cape and a serpent-styled headpiece.  She escapes at the end of her final encounter with Nyoka.Master 53-57 (1944).

Vultura. Queen of a roving band of Arabian thieves, Vultura utilizes a trained gorilla named Satan as her personal bodyguard. Jungle Girl 1 (1942).

The White Princess. Former world champion lady boxer defeats a jungle chief in combat to become leader of their tribe. She rules from the so-called Black Castle. Nyoka 12 (1947).

Zanzere and Gnome. Renegade scientist who experiments on humans and animals, often creating monstrous hybrids. In his first appearance, Dr. Zanzere kidnaps Nyoka in hopes that her brilliant father might join in him in ruling the world. But Dr. Gordon is aware of how Zanzere was drummed out of the American Scientific Society for his inhumane experiments. In his various experiments, Zanzere “stretched” natives into becoming giant zombies who lost their free will in the process and also shrank adults to the size and mentality of children. He also created an animate rock creature with a gorilla’s heart and a tiger with bat wings. On another occasion, Zanzere discovered a lost valley of dinosaurs that he controlled with his “daze spray.” Dr. Zanzere is often assisted by an African hunchbacked dwarf named Gnome who calls him “master” yet proudly refers to the monsters as “our” creations (see Nyoka  10, 22, 26, 51). Gnome is occasional portrayed with white skin. In later encounters Zanzere is often shown operating out of a series of various South Seas islands. Nyoka 10, 22, 26, 41, 47, 51, 53 (1947-51).

Sightings: Jungle Girl 1; Master Comics 50-132; Nyoka, Jungle Girl 2-77  

Original Chronicler: Rod Reed

Active: 1942-53

PHANTOM EAGLE

Secret Identity: Mickey Malone

Origin: Denied the ability to enlist with the U.S. Air Corps because he was too young, Mickey designs and builds his own plane and adopts the masked identity of the Phantom Eagle to join the war. It is later revealed that Mickey’s father was Ace Malone, a World War I fighter pilot of some renown.

Abilities and Weapons: Excellent pilot and good fighter for his size (5’ 7” and 130 lbs). Starting in 1943, the Eagle pilots the new, state of the art Cometplane.
Attire: As the Phantom Eagle, Mickey dresses in an oversized uniform with an eagle insignia over his chest.

Modus Operandi: During World War II, Mickey initially works independently, the men at the base where he is a mechanic unaware of his efforts. The Phantom Eagle later links his efforts with those of the Phoenix Squadron (see below). From 1944-46, Phantom Eagle devotes his energies towards finding the Golden Chalice to insure lasting peace (as told in Wow 27-41). With the war ended, Phantom Eagle is made official guardian of the Air International Airlines.

Friends and Allies:

Jerry Sloane. Malone’s youthful romantic interest, introduced in Wow 13. She is also a pilot, girl squadron member and brilliant inventor. Jerry designed the Phantom Eagle’s Cometplane, and harbors romantic interest in him (1943-48).

The Phoenix Squadron. An international group of young male aviators, all from occupied countries: Pierre of France (their initial leader), Hendrik of Holland, Josef of Poland, Sven of Norway, Nikolas of Greece and Hans of Free Germany. Their planes are built from salvaged parts of downed Allied planes, painted with phosphorescent paint to appear as if on fire. As Pierre declared, “We are the youth of Europe, rising like the phoenix from the ashes of Nazi destruction.” Pierre then asks the Phantom Eagle to become their new leader. He agrees. Wow 19, 21, 26-33, 36, 38, 40, 44 (Pierre only), 56 (Hans only) (1943-47).

Icarus. After his father is slain in a wartime raid, this Greek adolescent dons the mechanized wings invented by his father to take flight and do battle with Axis forces. Wow 23 (1944).

Commando Yank. Shares an adventure with the Eagle in Wow 33 (1945).

The Hawk. Pretending to be a Chinese who hates her heritage, the Hawk is actually a double agent waiting for the best moment to use her role as a Japanese pilot to cripple Nippon. Her father was mortally wounded by the Japanese years before and solicited her vow to seek vengeance on his behalf.Wow 35 (194 ).

Foggy Jones. A new friend and source of comic relief as of Wow 66 (1948).

Notable Adversaries:

The Ace of Blades. This German masked aviator flies a plane with a giant blade attached to its nose, with which it can slice up opposing aircraft. The Ace turns out to be a beautiful woman who tries not to kill unnecessarily, but who can still be brutal when the occasion calls for it. There is clearly chemistry and mutual respect between the Eagle and the Ace.Wow 18 (1943).

Black Flamingo. Aviator and extortionist, the Black Flamingo pilots an ebon plane equipped with a loudspeaker, with which he voices his demands to the countryside. A flamboyant figure with a pencil thin mustache, the Flamingo dresses entirely in black, with a black eye mask and a black skull and crossbones insignia on the forehead of his modified cowl. Wow 63-65 (1948).

The Black Viking. Commander of a flying Viking ship that shoots down Allied aircraft. Wow 56 (1947).

Herr Peg Leg. A German pirate with a peg leg is captain of a flying pirate ship. Wow 17 (1943).

Sightings: Wow Comics 6-69

Original Chroniclers: Unknown

Active: 1942-48

RADAR

Secret Identity: Private Pep Pepper, entertainer

Origin: Pepper’s parents were circus folk. His father was a strong man and an acrobat. His mother was a mind reader. He inherited his father’s physical prowess and his mother’s mental powers. When Private Pepper aids Captain Marvel in apprehending a Nazi spy during, he reveals his powers to the super-hero. Captain Marvel arranges a secret meeting with FDR, Churchill, Stalin and Chang Kai-Shek, who enlist him as part of a new and secret international police force. The world leaders give him his new operative name: Radar!

Abilities: Radar can read minds, has “radar vision” that allows him to see things in distant places or behind closed doors, and is an excellent fighter.

Appearance: Pepper wears a reversible trench coat. When going into action as Radar, he reverses it so the white side is out. He also wears a brown slouch hat.

Modus Operandi: Known as the “international policeman,” Radar is sent on various missions across the globe, often based on messages sent from Mount Mysto which he sees with his radar vision.

Friends and Allies:

Captain Marvel. The hero is instrumental in getting Radar’s career started. Billy Batson first meets Pepper at a U.S.O. show in which Pepper pranks Bob Hope posing in drag as Dorothy Lamour. Captain Marvel 35, Master 50 (1944).

The Old Man. Elderly fellow on Mount Mysto who types out messages detailing Radar’s next mission. First appeared in Master 50 (1944).

Dreena Gangoz. A dark-skinned Hindu woman from India, Dreena is also an agent of the international police force. She poses as a Zulu princess in their first encounter. Master 53, 57 (1944).

Allen Keith. A British agent of the international police force. Master 57 (1944).

Tom Jefferson. Black skinned Liberian agent of the international police force. Master 59 (1944)

Notable Adversaries:

Anarcho. Also called “the dictator of death.” Anarcho is aided in his efforts by an international cabal of criminals consisting of Lord Craven, Erik Hevling, El Diablo and Dr. Fu Tong. Comics Novel 1 (1947).

The Butcher. Captain von Badner, a vicious Nazi who plots new murderous plots even as he strives to evade capture as a war criminal in the aftermath of World War II. Known as the Butcher for good reason, von Badner boasts “I’ve killed more Poles, Russian and Czechs than any other Nazi in the world.” Capturing Radar, he takes on his identity to try and start a way between two small Balkan nations. Afterwards, he plans on “kill every man, woman and child” who survives the mayhem. Two stories in Master 71 (1946).

Sightings: Captain Marvel Adventures 35; Master Comics 50-87; Comics Novel 1

Original Chroniclers: Otto Binder (Mary Marvel) and C.C. Beck (Spy Smasher)

Active: 1944-48

SPY SMASHER

Secret Identity: Alan Armstrong, a wealthy Virginian gentlman

Origin: Not explicitly laid out, but as the future son-in-law of the head of Naval intelligence, Armstrong was well aware of foreign threats and motivated to find ways to thwart them.

Powers: As a former college athlete,Armstrong is an excellent fighter, agile and strong. He is also an apparent inventor, able to readily travel anywhere in his gyrosub—“a super-craft combining the functions of an airplane, auto gyro, speedboat, and submarine.”

Attire: As Spy Smasher, Armstrong wears a brown flight suit-like costume with a black diamond insignia on the chest, goggles and head gear to obscure his identity, and a green cape.

Modus Operandi: Armstrong learns of potential threats through his relationship with Admiral Corby. After the war, in 1946, Alan Armstrong gives up his costume, opens up a private detective agency and briefly becomes known as Crime Smasher.

Friends and Allies:

Admiral Corby. Head Naval intelligence officer. First appeared in Whiz 2 (1940).

Eve Corby. Admiral Corby’s daughter and Armstrong’s fiancé. First appeared in Whiz 2 (1940). She learns Spy Smasher’s secret identity in their second adventure together.

Captain Marvel. The hero must save Spy Smasher from his brainwashing at the hands of the Mask in a monumental battle portrayed in Whiz Comics 16-18 (1941). The two heroes, now friends, team-up in Whiz Comics 33.

Captain Midnight. The two heroes team in America’s Greatest Comics 8 (1943).

Notable Adversaries:

America Smasher. Once described as “a little foreigner with a monocle,” America Smasher is a short and pudgy martinet with a receding hairline. He dresses in a German military uniform adorned with medals. He is clever, cowardly and sadistic, more than willing to use his metal-spiked gloves to inflict bodily harm. “I’ll smash you,” he threatens his arch enemy on one occasion, “and I’ll smash America.” America’s Greatest 1; Whiz 25, 31, 39; Spy Smasher 2, 5 (1941-43).

Baroness Von Todt. The lovely, raven-haired Baroness, an agent of Hitler himself, disguises herself as a skull-faced, white robed, sickle-wielding personification of Death itself. She throws herself into a lake of brimstone rather than face capture. Spy Smasher 5 (1942).

Kurt Bund. Leader of the  Blitzys, “a large and powerful organization of fifth columnists.” Whiz 20-22 (1941).

Dr. Blizzard. Axis scientist whose cold bombs cause an icy snowstorm to descend over Key West. While he delights in the chill carnage he creates, Dr. Blizzard is also prone to sneezing in the midst of his own storms. “You haff a bad cold, Herr Doktor!” a Nazi officer observes. “See my medical aide. He will giff you some wonderful medicine… from Chermany!” Spy Smasher 9 (1942).

The Mask. “Master Mind of America’s most dangerous spy ring,” the Mask wears a simple hanging mask that with eye holes that covers his nose and mouth but leaves his forehead and closely trimmed dark hair uncovered. Nattily dressed in a tuxedo, the Mask plagues Spy Smasher constantly for over a year. He even survives what would appear to be a deadly fall, turning up in Whiz 15 on crutches. It is then the Mask instigates his most ingenious maneuver yet: capturing the Spy Smasher and brainwashing him into being an Axis agent whose number one thought is murder. Little does the Mask suspect that the first victim of Spy Smasher’s murderous impulses will be him! Whiz 2-15 (1940-41).

The Red Death. Skull-faced villain in a crimson hooded robe who utilizes a deadly “red death” gas that turns the skin of its victims a bright scarlet. Already the terror of Europe, the Red Death hopes to drop aerial death bombs on New York City. Spy Smasher 2 (1941).

Tigress. Blonde-haired international spy known for keeping a pair of ferocious pet tigers at her side at all times. The Tigress wears a tiger striped, sleeveless blouse and a long black skirt.Spy Smasher 2 (1941).

Sightings: Whiz Comics 2-75 (as Crime Smasher 76-83); Spy Smasher 1-11; America’s Greatest Comics 1-6, 8; All Hero Comics 1; Crime Smasher 1

Original Chroniclers: Bill Parker and C.C. Beck

Active: 1940-47

OTHER FAWCETT SUPERHEROES and Adventurers

ATOM BLAKE, Boy Wizard

“Imagine disappearing through space on a vehicle which cannot be destroyed by guns or crashed into by planes. Such is the carrier of three souls who scoot earthward through the stratosphere. It is the conception of Atom Blake, the remarkable Boy Wizard, whose mind can conceive theories so powerful that mere mention of them destroys space…” By speaking mathematical formulas such as “3x2100xQXZ41,” the Boy Wizard can transport himself and his friends across time and space. Not only that, Atom “though a stripling, possesses the strength of a hundred men.” He also has a ring that can stop the motion of objects. His companions through time space are his father and a beautiful princess. Wow Comics 1-5 (active 1940-42).

BALBO the Boy Magician

“Ever since Balbo’s father, the Great Valdini, died by a murderous bullet, Balbo has devoted his time to a double duty. One—he has continued the magic show in order to support himself and his kid brother, Frank. In this, he is helped only by his father’s faithful assistant, John Smith. Two—he has worked remorselessly to bring evil-doers to their just desserts.” Balbo is briefly mentored by El Carim (see below) before embarking on a crime-fighting career with Smith. A tall, handsome, African-American, Smith actively assists Balbo in his cases and helps care for little Frank. He knows several magic tricks himself. A blond adolescent, Balbo wears a cape while performing magic. In some adventures he appears to use real magic, while in others he seems to rely entirely on stage magic. Master Comics 32-47; America’s Greatest Comics 7 (active 1942-44).

Bill Battle, the One Man Army

Good-humored if impetuous two-fisted soldier. Bill Battle, the One Man Army 1-4; Master Comics 133 (1952-1953).

Captain Venture and the Planet Princess

Captain Venture is described as the “king of the space-flyers” sometime in the unspecified future. In his first adventure he rescues Princess of Zyra of Saturn, the last of race of humans who settled on the planet. Together they escape and go on to have interplanetary adventures together. Nickel Comics 4-8; Master Comics 8-22 (told 1940-42).

The Companions Three

AKA, Don, Spike and Nifty. “Wherever travel and adventure may be found, Don, Spike and Nifty will find it. Whiz Comics 15;Master Comics 14-31 (told 1941-42).

Dan Dare, Private Detective

Two-fisted, dark-haired private eye. Whiz Comics 1-22 (active 1940-41).

The DEVIL’S DAGGER

The Devil’s Dagger is secretly Ken Wyman, star reporter of the Carterville Daily Blade and son of the city’s wealthiest family. Wyman “prefers a newspaper job to an executive position in his father’s bank” and fighting crime above that. As the Devil’s Dagger Wyman wears a top hat, eye mask and red cape over his tuxedo. The dagger in question is a stiletto with a dark red handle. He also leaves a miniature red dagger behind as his calling card. The Dagger drives the Speed Ghost, “a high-powered car equipped with special bullet-proof windows through which the occupants can’t be seen.” He is assistedby his friend Pat Gleason, the family chauffeur and former prize fighter. Master Comics 1-20 (active 1940-41).

DIAMOND JACK

“Diamond Jack (Lansing), in possession of a ring given him by an old magician, becomes mentally and physically strong beyond mortal limits. Assisted by this powerful gem, he labors constantly to aid the oppressed and downtrodden.” His magical powers include the ability to transform dangerous objects into harmless ones. He dresses in an ordinary blue business suit. Slam Bang Comics 1-7; Wow Comics 1 (1940).

Dr. Voodoo

Hal Carey comes to be known as Dr. Voodoo because the “white Indians” of the Amazonian Blanco tribe regard his medicinal skills as magic. But Dr. Voodoo is soon lost in the past, where he must face the ongoing machinations of several notable villains.       Whiz Comics 7-34 (active 1940-42).

EL CARIM, Master of Magic

El Carim is a stage magician who has actual magical powers. His name spells miracle backwards. El Carim has a magic crystal ball and can, by calling on the great spirit Wizzar, father of all magic, fly across the world at the speed of thought. His magic cloak was originally worn by Wizzar. El Carim also wears a yellow turban and a magic monocle. In conjunction with his spectrograph invention, the monocle enables El Carim to spy distant events. The monocle can also attract and then deflect bullets. He can also create magical illusions and is physically adept enough to break a villain’s neck with a single punch. El Carim’s stage assistant is a lovely woman named Gladys. The mage briefly mentors Balbo the Boy Magician in Master 32 and then retires. Master Comics 1-32 (active 1940-42).

The HUNCHBACK

Pampered playboy Allan Lanier dons mask and a hunchbacked, green costume to become the Hunchback. Strong, agile, able to scale walls with ease: the Hunchback unnerves criminals with his misshapen appearance and beats them down with his steely strength and wooden walking cane. Wow Comics 2-5 (active 1941-42).

Jim Dolan

“Jim Dolan, hard-hitting editor of Daring Detective magazine, is not content to sit back at his desk and wait for stories to come in. Time after time he goes out after unsolved case, solves them and brings back the story. As a result, Daring Detective is the biggest sensation in the magazine world.” Dolan’s background as a former F.B.I. man assists him in his writing and his adventuring. Sally Alden, his competent and attractive secretary, assists him in both endeavors. Slam-Bang Comics 1-7; Nickel Comics 8; Wow Comics 1-5 (active 1940-42).

Jungle Twins

Dr. Wilbur Dale and his wife are killed on Africa’s Gold Coast by hostile bushmen. Their faithful native servant is only able to save one of their infant sons, a boy named Bill. Raised in America, the 22-year old Bill decides to return to the place of his birth to investigate legends about a “huge white man” in the interior named Sti-vah, who he believes is his twin brother, Steve. Depending on the wisdom of a pygmy guide named Dagoo, Bill learns his brother grew up in the remote jungle wearing nothing more than a loin cloth, and identifiable by a cross-shaped scar on his chest. Sti-vah is initially hostile, but ultimately the twins join forces to right wrongs wherever they discover them. Dagoo is also of help, possessing musical pipes made by a witch doctor that compel wild beasts to obey him. He leads an army of snakes to the rescue like an African Pied Piper in their first joint adventure. Nickel Comics 1-7 (active 1940).

Lee Granger, Jungle King

Granger, a noted scientist-explorer, crash lands in an African jungle after Arab slavers place a bomb in his plane, fearing that his expedition would expose their secret slave hunting grounds. Rescued by pygmies, the frequently shirtless Granger returns the favor by teaching them how to build brick homes, domesticate animals and forge metal. Soon the pygmies live in a “wonderful town.” Perhaps Granger’s most remarkable achievement is using a device of his own invention to increase the brainpower of a captive lion. Said lion promptly advises: “Set me free and I will be your friend.” He names the lion Eric and together they assist the pygmies in defeating the Arab slavers. The pygmies, in turn, declare Granger their king. Slam Bang Comics 1-7; Master Comics 7-10 (active 1940-41).

Mark Swift and the Time Retarder

“Mr. Rodney Kent, grade school teacher in Greenville, has discovered the amazing principle of time-travel. In his spare time, with his inventive ability, he builds a time retarder, helped by young Mark Swift. Mark is an orphan boy living with Mr. Kent, and liked by everybody.” In their journey, Mark and Mr. Kent get entangled in the Vikings first encounter with hostile Indians in North America. Slam-Bang Comics 1-7; Master Comics 7 (active 1940).

MASTERMAN

“As a boy young Master Man was weak until a wise old doctor gave the youth a magic capsule, full of vitamins, containing every source of energy known to man! The boy becomes the strongest man on earth! Upon the highest mountain peak, he built a lofty castle made of solid rock! From there he sees all evil in the world and races to destroy it instantly!” Having no need of a mask, Masterman wears a billowy blue shirt and red leggings. Master Comics 1-6 (active 1940).

Mike Barnett

Hard-boiled private detective, his stories inspired by the television series of the same name. Mike Barnett, Man Against Crime 1-6 (1951-52)..

The RED GAUCHO

“The Red Gaucho, South American born of Yankee parents, grows to widespread fame by his dashing, smashing methods of battling crime and oppression.” The Gaucho dresses in red gaucho attire (naturally), using a whip and a sword to disarm his enemies. Nickel Comics 4-8; Master Comics 8-13 (active 1940-41).

Rick O’Shay

“With Central Africa constantly in fear of revolution and tribal feuds, Rick O’Shay, two-fisted, swashbuckling American soldier of fortune, and his ever-faithful Arab servant, Mekki, pit their strength and wits against the fanatical sheiks of the desert.” The red-turbaned Mekki has accompanied O’Shay in earlier adventures all around the world. Master Comics 1-6; Wow Comics 1-5 (active 1940-42).

The War Bird

“Tom Sharp, crack American mail pilot, sought new adventures. Granted a leave of absence, the air man enlisted in the flying forces of the Orient and then in the Spanish air force. His daring and courageous flying-fighting ability earned him the title of the War Bird. Enlisted with the French flying corps, we now find him a captain of the Eagle Squadron, somewhere on the Western front.” Slam-Bang Comics 1-7; Master Comics 7-8 (active 1940).

WARLOCK the WIZARD

“Warlock the Wizard, last of the white magicians, has dedicated his life to destroying evil and black magic. Unerringly, his wise raven Hugin guides his steps to evildoers.” Warlock wields a magic wand topped by a small golden fist. He only need say the magic word “abraxas” and the hand grows to giant size, flying across the countryside to do his bidding. Warlock also possesses the Lamp of the Gods, by which he can conjure up ancient weapons, including the hammer of Thor. The magician wears a brown waist coat and trousers, accented by black cummerbund, bowtie and cape. The cape is tied in the front to a gold medallion emblazoned with a large black W. Nickel Comics 1-7 (active 1940).

The White Rajah

David Scott, young son of a wealthy English planter, is separated from his father in an Indian jungle and presumed dead. His father returns to England, heartbroken, not realizing that David is thriving as a red-turbaned jungle boy. The elderly rajah of Ramistan hears of his exploits, invites him to his palace and soon adopts him. Recognizing his encroaching age, the rajah abdicates the throne and gives it to his adoptive son. When adventuring, the White Rajah rides an intelligent white elephant named Sin-gee, wearing only shorts and a turban. Master Comics 1-6; Nickel Comics 8; Wow Comics 1 (active 1940).

Zoro the Mystery Man

Tuxedoed gentleman who uses his wits (and a sword concealed in his cane) to undo the plans of evildoers. He is accompanied by a pet jungle cat named Cheeta. Zoro doesn’t possess any apparent powers. Slam Bang Comics 6-7; Master Comics 7-22 (active 1940-42).

ALSO: Hurricane Hansen, young American sea-adventurer joins the British Navy to join the war effort, Slam-Bang 1-7 (1940); Mr. Clue, “the world’s cleverest detective” and secret operative often solves baffling cases from a single clue, thus his nickname, Master 1-3 (1940); Scoop Smith, Ace Reporter, Whiz 1-6 (1940); Shipwreck Roberts, “adventurous free-lance diver who searches the ocean for sunken treasures,” Master 1-7, Wow 1 (1940); Streak Sloan, “boy newsreel explorer,” Master 1-3 (1940).

OTHER VILLAINS of FAWCETT SUPERHEROES

Ali-Bekr (enemy of the Jungle Twins). An Arab slave-trader, Ali-Bekr believes the robust twins will fetch a fine price at market. He wears a red turban and sports a trimmed beard that is pointed at the chin. Nickel 1-3 (1940).

Baron Gath (Warlock the Wizard). Black magician who is brought back to life in his castle after two hundred years of a now sundered spell. He commands the loyalty of a vampire, a werewolf, and his castles four stone gargoyles. Nickel 1 (1940)

Black Marco (Dr. Voodoo). Ruler of the Castle of Doom and master of the zombie-like Death Guards. Whiz 25-28 (1941-42).

The Choker (Zoro). Escapee from an insane asylum, this slavering murderer imagines himself the angel of death as he wraps long thin fingers around the necks of his victims. He wears an oversized hat and shirt over torn slacks. Master 13 (1941).

The Crystal (The Companions Three). The Crystal gained his name from the opaque glass hood that obscures his identity. He appears to sit stiffly on a chair atop a red circle in the center of a wider yellow one from which he directs the actions of his gang. If anyone should step on the yellow circle they are immediately fried by a lethal dose of electricity. But inside the glass hood is only a microphone. Elsewhere the Crystal is mobile, though still with his glass hood, suit and blue cape. Whiz 15; Master 14 (1941).

The Green Devil (Diamond Jack). Giant-sized ruler of Death Island, the Green Devil is both a master of science and magic. As such, he commands a small army of zombies. Slam-Bang 3 (1940).

Herculo Swensen (Dr. Voodoo). Seafaring pirate with a bushy blonde mustache, killed the Death Guards of Black Marco in order to obtain the prized Golden Flask for their master.Whiz 22-25 (1941).

Hungar (Dr. Voodoo). A chieftain of Attila’s conquering Huns.Whiz 30-32 (1942).

Mr. H (The Devil’s Dagger). An “arch-criminal,” Mr. H wears a simple cloth with two holes cut out for eyes to cover his face, but not his receding hairline. Besides his gang members, In Master 13, Mr. H also utilizes a powerfully built African named Abu who wears a turban and wields a scythe. The Dagger refers to Abu in disparaging terms like Rochester (Jack Benny’s black servant) and Snowball. Mr. H turns out he is actually a fellow reporter named Holfax, who apparently wasn’t very creative when it came to naming his criminal alter ego. Master 7-20 (1940-41).

Okoro (Dr. Voodoo). Scheming medicine man of the present-day Blanco tribe.Whiz 7-8, 10-12, 14 (1940-41).

Sidi-Ahmed (Rick O’Shay). A “fanatical Arab chieftain,” Sidi-Ahmed also possesses mystic secrets, able to shrink colonial soldiers and imprison them in a crystal ball or enlarge a housecat to monstrous size. He is handsome man, with a neatly trimmed beard and a red, yellow and black Bedouin cloth head covering. Master 1 (1940).

The Spider (Dan Dare). This villain wears a realistic-looking, full-sized spider suit, walking on two legs and sporting six others. The Spider’s head has one giant eye from which projects a hypnotic ray. Unmasked, the Spider turns out to be Hypno Harry, a criminal hypnotist who previously robbed banks by entrancing bank clerks. Whiz 22 (1941).

The Terror (Zoro). Dressing in a dark hooded robe, the Terror can will individuals to commit suicide with his hypnotic eyes. Secretly Stephen Barish, the Terror is also extraordinarily strong, able to better to lift Cheeta over his head and toss the jungle cat across the room. Master 12 (1941).