Crime Cases Comics #9

This January 1952 Atlas/Marvel crime anthology promises true police cases "proving crime can't win," and Carl Burgos's cross-section cover delivers that premise with real flair — the brick facade of the notorious 13-13 Center Street is sliced open to reveal three floors of simultaneous action, from a gunman climbing a ladder on the roof level, to a tense confrontation in the middle room, to a car crash and swarming police officers at street level. A speech balloon from the cops outside — "We know you're in there, Black Angus! Open the door before we break it down!" — sets the stakes perfectly before you even turn a page. With interior stories by Jerry Robinson and additional tales teased on the side panel ("They Strike by Night!," "The Case of the Friendly Police Chief!"), this issue packs in plenty of hard-boiled thrills for a dime.