Showing posts with label 1941. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1941. Show all posts

Crystal

Real Name: Mr. Crystal James
First Appearance: Whiz Comics #15 (March, 1941)
Original Publisher: Fawcett
Created by: Ken Battefield

Origin 

Crystal James was the leader of a gang of thieves. He used "The Crystal" disguise to protect his identity when he attempted to kidnap his own millionaire ward, Ronnie Keller, and throw off suspicion when he forced her to sign over the enitre Keller Estate to himself. However, Ronnie was saved by the efforts of The Companions Three who eventually brought the Crystal to justice.

The Crystal was clever and extremely athletic, especially when making a getaway. He carried conventional weapons such as guns and knives, but he also enjoyed laying elaborate traps, such as "The Death Circle" which would kill anyone who entered it. On at least one occassion, he used a robot decoy to fool his opponents.

Golden Age Appearances: 

Master Comics #14
Whiz Comics #15

Mist

Real Name: Unknown
First Appearance: Top-Notch Comics #16 (June, 1941)
Original Publisher: MLJ
Created by: Al Camy, Harry Shorten

Origin: 

The Mist was a thief and killer who wore a "Molecular Disintegrator" belt, which allowed him to turn his body into a gasseous state. In this state, he was impervious to fists and bullets and could escape through even the smallest crack. He could also fly and carry small objects in this state. However, to make attacks, he had to become solid.

He usually carried a dagger on him, but he was also known to use firearms. He battled The Black Hood on several occassions.

Golden Age Appearances: 

Top-Notch Comics #16
Jackpot Comics #3

Super-Brain

Real Name: Unknown
First Appearance: Rangers Comics #1 (1941)
Original Publisher: Fiction House
Created by: Joe Doolin

Golden Age Origin:

The Super-Brain was an extra-terrestrial scientist who came to Earth some time before the 1940s. He set out to conquer the planet, but he didn't have the resources or manpower to pull it off. He allied himself with the Axis powers, who were more than happy to provide him both in exchange for his help with their own imperial ambitions. He worked directly under Hitler, but he seemed to have shifted his allegiance to Japan. He came up with several plans (both covert and overt) to destroy America, but he was stopped at every turn by Rangers of Freedom and the Ranger Girl.

Super-Brain managed to survive until Mysta's time. When Mysta defeated Mars, he decided to take advantage of the Earth's weakened state to finally conquer it. He engineered a fungus-like bio-weapon that could grow around any object, spreading at exponential rate. The inorganic materials were gradually corroded while the organic materials were turned into an explosive gas. Most of the planet's population was killed off in the initial attack. Super-Brain hunted down the survivors and used a new version of his brain-washing technology to turn them into compliant "zombies." When Mysta arrived to survey the planet, the alien mastermind was able to capture her, but she managed to free herself and all of the other imprisoned humans. Together, they drove Super-Brain off. But before the alien genius could run away and start anew somewhere else, Mysta shot him with the fungus-emitting gun. After all the centuries of scheming and plotting, Super-Brain died by his own weapon.

Powers and Equipment: 

Super-brain possessed significant telekinetic and telepathic abilities, which he could further boost through technology of his own invention (to the point where he could simultaneously influence large portions of the population in all major Anerican cities). Aside from the green moss bio-weapon mentioned earlier, he invented a serum that granted termporary immortality, a submersible island base, two-way video communicators and other devices. His large head made it hard for him to walk, so he preferred to remain in a wheelchair, but he could walk with the aid of telekinesis when necessary. During 1940s, he used a regular wheelchair characteristic of this time period, but by the time he appeared in Mysta's story, he got a more futuristic self-propelled wheelchair.

His minions included the Black Axeman, "Scarface" and Bela. Scarface was a thinly veiled Al Capone - the comic mentioned that he was the "biggest operator" in Chicago, and, of course, "Scarface" was the real-life Al Capone's nickname.


Golden Age Appearances: 

Rangers Comics #1-4, 5 (cover only)
Planet Comics #36

Gorilla with a human brain

Real Name: Jack Castle
First Appearance: Blue Beetle #9 (October, 1941)
Original Publisher: Fox
Created by: Harry Graves

Golden Age Origin: 

Jack Castle was both a drunk and assistant to a mad scientist. He is knocked unconscious by the mad doctor, so Castle would not reveal the nature of the doctor's experiments to Elsa, the doctor's niece. Castle's brain is removed and then placed into the body of a gorilla. When he awakens from his operation, he seeks revenge. First, he kills the mad doctor, and then goes after his assistants hoping to be cured of his affliction.


Golden Age Appearances: 

Blue Beetle #9-10

Lady Satan

"Perhaps I am the only person in the world today who is a master of the art of Black Magic. That is why I am called Lady Satan."

Real Name: Unknown
First Appearance: Dynamic Comics #2 (1941)
Original Publisher: Harry 'A' Chesler
Created by: George Tuska

Origin:

Lady Satan and her fiancé were victims of a German bombing while on a ship. It sunk, and her fiancé died. Thus, Lady Satan took an oath to be a foe of the Nazis. Donning a mask and waltzing about in an evening dress, Lady Satan traveled unnoticed through the streets of Nazi occupied France as she fought the German invaders.

In her third appearance, she was a sorceress who fought against the occult instead of Nazis. No explanation for the change in methods or powers was given.

Powers and Abilities:

As a spy, Lady Satan used her charm and good looks to gain information as well as stealth and weapons (conventional and a few gimicks) when it is necessary.

As a sorceress, she used powerful magic that allowed her to do just about anything. She also wore a ring in the shape of a serpent which could release gasses derived from “dragon scales” that allowed her to “unveil the shadow world." This sorceress version fought supernatural foes.

Public Domain Appearances: 

Dynamic Comics #2-3
Red Seal Comics #17-18, 20-21
Authentic Police Cases #2 (re-print)

Notes:

Lady Satan was ranked sixth in the Huffington Post's list of the 10 Most Bada** Comic Book Heroines.

Sentinel

Real Name: None
First Appearance: Liberty Scouts #3 (1941)
Original Publisher: Centaur
Created by: George Wilson

Golden Age Origin: 

The ghost of a Revolutionary War minuteman, known only as the Sentinel, was released when a Revolutionary War cannon was fired for the first time in 150 years. He was created by the "Spirit of America." The Sentinel used his powers to fight both crime and the enemies of America. He possessed the power to control flames (including the ability to transform his body into a small flame), teleportation, flight, and intangibility. He is also transported to wherever America needs him most.

Golden Age Appearances: 

Liberty Scouts Comics #3
Man of War Comics #1-2
Liberty Guards Comics

Black Lion

Real Name: George Davis
First Appearance: Wonderworld Comics #21 (January 1941)
Original Publisher: Fox Features
Created by: Jerome Peters

Golden Age Origin:

George Davis, a very successful (and therefore bored) big game hunter, decides to go after the most dangerous game and begins hunting criminals. He is never specifically said to have superpowers, but the stories show him surviving otherwise mortal wounds in superhuman fashion. He is cat-like in his agility and strength and is a good fighter. He is helped by his side-kick, Cub.

Black Lion battled Blitz, the notorious super-criminal.

Golden Age Appearances: 

Wonderworld Comics #21-27

Super Ann

Real Name: Ann Star
First Appearance: Amazing Man Comics #24 (1941)
Original Publisher: Centaur
Created by: Martin Filchock

Superstar suit
Origin:

When Ann Star was a child, she was caught outside in a fierce snow storm. She managed to survive by taking refuge in a cave until the storm was over. In the cave, she discovered and old hermit from another planet who could not stand the light of day. He taught her secrets that gave her super strength and increased resistance to damage. Now known as Super Ann, she is depicted as always running on tiptoes, ballerina style, and as having many Superman-like powers. These powers include super speed, super strength, and the ability to leap tall buildings. Starting in 1941, Super Ann was aided by Mighty Man in his later appearances, but for some reason, he deliberately made sure the young heroine never actually saw him face-to-face.

Public Domain Appearances:

Amazing Man Comics #24-25
Stars and Stripes Comics #5-6

Yankee Doodle Jones and Dandy

Real Names: Unknown
First Appearance: Yankee Comics #1 (1941)
Original Publisher: Harry A. Chesler
Created by: Lou Fine

Golden Age Origin: 

Dandy was the unnamed son of the scientist who created Yankee Doodle Jones. He watched the android's creation from the sidelines. When his father injected the artificial man secret formula that gave him heightened strength, speed,and near-invulnerability, the young boy wished that he too would receive an injection, but moments later, a group of Nazi's agents broke in and mortally wounded the boy's father.

Dandy becomes Yankee Doodle Dandy
Yankee Doodle Jones fought the Nazis, and the scientist's son was eager to help as well. He injected himself with the secret fluid. While they stopped the Nazis, Dandy's father died, but with his last words he told his son and his creation to use their powers to defend America, giving them their respective codenames.

The newly minted superhero duo proceeded to lounge around and do nothing until they were approached by Uncle Sam, who ordered them to investigate the mysterious deaths of his agents. The search lead them to two Nazi agents - the costumed Leader and the Hag, who used her voodoo-like powers to choke the agents from a distance. Yankee Doodle Jones and Dandy were able to stop the Nazi agents, killing them both in the process.

Golden Age Appearances:

Yankee Comics #1-4
Bulls Eye Comics #11 (Reprint)
Dynamite Comics #8 (Reprint)
Hello Pal Comics #1


Wraith

Real Name: Gary Kennedy
First Appearance: Mystery Men #27 (1941)
Original Publisher: Fox Features Syndicate
Created by: Paul Devlln

Golden Age Origin: 

Gary Kennedy and his brother were shot down by criminals. He vowed to return from the dead to avenge his brother's death - and he did, becoming a ghost with the ability to be super strong when solid and fly or possess people as a ghost. He used his new ghostly powers to fight crime.

Golden Age Appearances: 

Mystery Men Comics #27-31

U.S. Jones

Real Name: Unknown
First Appearance: Wonderworld Comics #28 (1941)
Original Publisher: Fox Features
Created by: Bob Farrow & Louis Cazeneuve

Origin:

U.S. Jones was a patriotic crime fighter with no powers. His real name, if he had one, was never stated. He was assisted by a friend called the Grumbler. He eventually became a government-sponsored Secret Service agent. His enemies included the White Killer and Black Snake.

Public Domain Appearances: 

Wonderworld Comics #28-33
U. S. Jones #1-2

Thun-Dohr

Real Name: Unknown
First Appearance: Silver Streak Comics #13 (August, 1941)
Original Publisher: Lev Gleason
Created by: Jeff Remon

Origin:

Thun-Dohr was a young American raised as a lama in the monastery of Lha-I-Ha in Tibet. His parents had taken him with them on a dangerous trek through the Himalayas while he was only an infant, and they had frozen to death, but managed to protect him. The young blue eyed, blond haired American boy was found and raised by the monks of Lha-I-Ha, and showed unusual promise as a student of the art of art of Gom-Pa. He took the tests of Potala, and demonstrated power rivaling that of the 300 year old Dhali Lama who raised him.

Thun-Dohr demonstrated the following abilities:

*To teleport himself over great distances in the blinks of an eye, disappearing within rings of fire;

*To communicate with people through astral projection;

*Telekinetic powers

*The ability to cast illusions through mental suggestion;

*To use the power of his mind to make himself immune to the heat of flames;

*To put himself into a state of suspended animation in order to survive being encased in ice, or being placed in an airless vacuum;

*His body had been trained to be physically strong, and he was an excellent martial artist.

Thun-Dohr eventually left the monastery to track down the evil Sin Khaii, an outcast lama who had stolen Pandora's Box and planned to bring humanity to its knees.

Golden Age Appearances:

Silver Streak Comics #13-14

Nightro

Real Name: Hugh Goddard
First Appearance: Daredevil Comics #2 (1941)
Original Publisher: Lev Gleason
Created by: Dick Wood and George Roussos

Golden Age Origin: 

Hugh Goddard was left for dead in a radium mine by criminals. He survived the experience but was blinded by the radiation. Wanting revenge, he uncovered a pair of special glasses that gave him his sight back, but they only worked if he avoided light. He then created the identity of Nightro, which he would use to terrify and fight crime. Hugh Goddard was accompanied by his guide dog, Blackie, during the day, but at night, he donned his glasses to become Nightro. Sometimes Blackie accompanied him on missions as an attack dog.

Golden Age Appearances:

Daredevil Comics #2-8

Miss Victory

Real Name: Joan Wayne
First Appearance: Captain Fearless #1 (1941)
Original Publisher: Holyoke/Helnit
Created by: Charles Quinlan

Origin:

Joan Wayne was a Washington D.C. stenographer who grew tired of watching corrupt politicians. She decided to help the FBI by putting on a costume and fighting the crooked politicians as Miss Victory. It seems she has superhuman strength and limited invulnerability because of her abilities to survive explosions, break free of ropes, or knock down walls. Her enemies include the Mad Monster. She is considered the first patriotic heroine.

Public Domain Appearances:

Captain Aero #1-26
Captain Fearless #1-2

Green Knight & Lance

Real Names: Denis Knight & Lance Cooper
First Appearance: Dynamic Comics #2 (1941)
Original Publisher: Harry A. Chesler/Dynamic
Created by: Al Plastino

Origin:

Denis Knight was a wealthy American sportsman who inspired by the chivalrous knight of the past becomes the Green Knight. In this identity, Denis becomes a defender of the defenseless and keeper of justice.

While patrolling the Everglades, Denis discovers a young boy has been kidnapped by a blood thirsty Vampire and his hulking minion. After saving the young boy, Lance Cooper, from the monsters, Green Knight adopts him as his crime fighting partner Lance. Together they prevent the vampire from drinking the blood a of a damsel in distress named Dale who foolishly ignored her friends warnings and wandered into the everglades.

Powers and Abilities:

Green Knight had no powers but he was skilled with a bow/arrow and a sword. He was also capable at hand to hand combat.

Public Domain Appearances:

Bulls Eye Comics #11
Dynamic Comics #2-3
Kayo Comics #12

Fly-Man

Real Name: Clip Foster
First Appearance: Spitfire Comics #1 (Aug 1941)
Original Publisher: Harvey
Created by: Sam Glanzman

Golden Age Origin:

Clip Foster is a heavyweight boxer who is shrunk to fly size by his father, an inventor and scientist. Before the process is reversed, gangsters enter the lab and kill Clip’s father. They also knock over acid, which burns and disfigures Clip’s face. He swears revenge and designs a costume for himself that includes working wings.

Golden Age Appearances:

Spitfire Comics #1-2

Flame Girl

Real Name: Linda Dale
First Appearance: Wonderworld Comics #30 (Nov. 1941)
Original Publisher: Fox Features
Created by: Will Eisner & Lou Fine

Origin:

After Linda Dale's boyfriend,  the Flame, was injured battling the Octopus, she use a secret formula that gave her the secret powers of the flame people, making her into Flame Girl.

Public Domain Appearances:

Wonderworld Comics #30-33


Dash the Human Meteor

Real Name: Dash (Dashford) Dartwell
First Appearance: Amazing-Man Comics #22 (1941)
Original Publisher: Centaur
Created by: Harry Francis Campbell

Golden Age Origin:

Dash Dartwell was a college athlete at Dravrah University. He was given Metabo-tablets by his bio-chemistry professor, Dr. Drew Moss. The pills gave him powers such as superhuman speed and recovery. Each tablet's effect only lasted for a comparatively short time. He used the pills to win an inter-college track meet against rival school Elay University, breaking four world records at the same time. The press dubbed him the Human Meteor, a name he later used when he decided to use his new abilities to fight criminals such as Slug.

Golden Age Appearances:

Amazing-Man Comics #21-22
Stars and Stripes Comics #2
The Arrow #3

Captain Freedom

Real Name: Don Wright
First Appearance: Speed Comics #13 (1941)
Original Publisher: Harvey Publications
Created by: Arthur Cazeneuve & "Franklin Flagg"

Golden Age Origin and Background:

Don Wright was a publisher of Daily Bulletin, a newspaper based in either Central City or New York City (different issues give different locations). He put on a costume to help the downtrodden and oppressed. When World War II broke out, he focused on fighting the Axis saboteurs. He was aided by the Young Defenders, four children named Lefty, Slim, Whitey (later Beanie) and Joanie, who worked as newsboys for the Daily Bulletin. Captain Freedom originally displayed super-strength and limited flight, but those powers vanished shortly after his original appearance and he remained non-powered for the remainder of his appearances.

Golden Age Appearances:

Speed Comics # 13-44
Pocket Comics #4

Blue Lady


Real Name: Lucille Martin
First Appearance: Amazing-Man Comics #24 (1941)
Original Publisher: Centaur
Created by: Frollo

Bluebird
Origin:

Lucille Martin, an adventurous novelist, was returning from a vacation in China when she met an elegant Chinese lady. This lady asked Lucille to safeguard a package for her. In the event that she should be meet with foul-play, she was to deliver the package to Chin Liang in Washington, DC. The lady also gave her a bluebird-shaped ring which was said to grant superpowers to the wearer.

One night, the power went out, and Martin knew that people had come for the package. While hiding in her bedroom, she began playing with the Bluebird Ring, but it fell off and she then stepped on it in the dark. This released some of the gas within it, which Lucille breathed in, not noticing until it was too late. The gas she inhaled gave her the strength of ten men, heightened reflexes and possibly resistance to up to 38 caliber bullets. In her second adventure these powers could be neutralized by the villains covering the ring on her finger with oil (although depriving her of the ring entirely would supposedly bring bad luck). By her third adventure she had learned to release the blue gas as a mist that made her temporarily invisible which came in useful against the Trigger and his gang of white-hooded thugs.

Public Domain Appearances:

Amazing Man Comics #24-26