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DC Comics Rarities Archives #1 cover
Cover: Sheldon Mayer & Howard Purcell & E. E. Hibbard & Joe Kubert & Martin Naydel & Harry Peter

DC Comics Rarities Archives #1

Feb 2005 · DC · 75.00 USD; 115.95 CAD
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About this Collection

This hardcover volume from DC's Archive Editions series gathers a selection of rare and unusual stories from the Golden and Silver Ages, including oddities like the first appearance of the original Vigilante, obscure western and romance tales, and experimental one-offs that never made it into standard collections. It reprints material from titles such as Action Comics, Detective Comics, and Sensation Comics, offering a curated look at DC's more offbeat publishing history. The book includes a foreword by comics historian Michael Uslan and presents restored versions of these seldom-seen stories in a premium format.

Contains 38 stories
Superman at the World's Fair
12 pp · Superhero
Superman [Clark Kent]Lois Lane

In "Superman at the World's Fair," Lois and Clark are on assignment to cover the grand event, but when Lois is taken by a dangerous criminal, Superman must step in—not only to save her, but to ensure the story gets told. With the spotlight on the Fair and the clock ticking, the Man of Steel balances heroics with the deadline pressure of a front-page report.

Chuck Warren Goes to the New York World's Fair
6 pp · Adventure, Sports
Chuck Warren

Chuck Warren and his college teammates are on the verge of competing in the mile relay at the New York World's Fair, but their journey to the event is anything but smooth—packed with unexpected twists and heart-pounding moments that test their spirit before the race even begins.

Hanko Goes to the World's Fair 3,000 Miles on Horseback
2 pp · Humor
Hanko
Butch the Pup at the New York World's Fair
4 pp · Humor, Anthropomorphic-Funny Animals
Butch
Ginger Snap at the New York World's Fair
2 pp · Humor
Ginger Snap
Scoop Scanlon, Five Star Reporter at the World's Fair
6 pp · Adventure
Scoop ScanlonRusty James
A Day at the World's Fair with Jim and Jane
8 pp · Non-Fiction
Uncle GeorgeJimJane
Slam Bradley at the World's Fair
12 pp · Detective-Mystery
Slam BradleyShorty Morgan

Slam Bradley and his partner Shorty trade their usual case files for a trip to the World's Fair, cashing in a $1000 reward after taking down a gang of toughs. But what should’ve been a well-earned getaway quickly spirals into trouble the moment they step through the gates.

The Sandman at the World's Fair
10 pp · Superhero
Sandman [Wesley Dodds]

In "The Sandman at the World's Fair," Wes and a Dodds-Bessing Steel Corporation executive prepare to meet government agents at the exposition, where they’re set to hand over classified plans for a revolutionary raygun. As the sun glints off the fair’s towering structures, tension builds in the air—between corporate secrets, national security, and the quiet presence of a man who walks through dreams.

The World's Fair Exhibit
12 pp · Superhero
John ZataraTong

In "The World's Fair Exhibit," Zatara the Master Magician and his companion Tong embark on a mystical quest to inner Mongolia, where they must retrieve the legendary jade necklace of Princess Ti-Lo before it can be displayed at the World's Fair. With ancient secrets and hidden dangers guarding the artifact, their journey tests both their wits and the limits of Zatara’s magic.

Superman at the 1940 World's Fair
10 pp · Superhero
Superman [Clark Kent]Lois Lane
The War Games
8 pp · Adventure
Red, White and Blue [Red DuganWhitey SmithBlooey Blue]
Hanko, the Cowhand at the World's Fair
4 pp · Humor
HankoDaisy
Slam Bradley at the 1940 World's Fair
10 pp · Detective-Mystery
Slam BradleyShorty Morgan
Zatara at the World's Fair
10 pp · Superhero
John Zatara

In "Zatara at the World's Fair," the master magician uses his wit and illusions to track down a pair of cunning pickpockets exploiting the chaos of the fair, turning the spectacle into a stage for his own sleight-of-hand showdown.

Hour-Man at the World's Fair
6 pp · Superhero
Hourman [Rex Tyler]

In "Hour-Man at the World's Fair," scientist Rex Tyler is tasked by Bannerman Laboratories with conducting experiments at the World's Fair, where he’s also invited to perform at a wealthy estate—blending science, spectacle, and the unexpected.

Catnip
1 pp · Humor, Anthropomorphic-Funny Animals
Catnip
At the World's Fair with Jim and Jane
8 pp · Non-Fiction
Uncle GeorgeJimJane
Untitled Humor story
1 pp · Humor
Sam
The Sandman Goes to the World's Fair
10 pp · Superhero
Sandman [Wesley Dodds]Dian Belmont
Johnny Thunderbolt at the World's Fair
6 pp · Superhero
Johnny ThunderboltDaisy Darling

In "Johnny Thunderbolt at the World's Fair," Johnny treats Daisy to a day at the fair, only to find his wallet stolen on the subway—setting off a chain of events that leaves the thief regretting the choice he made. With a mix of charm and quiet determination, Johnny navigates the bustling grounds, determined to make the day unforgettable, no matter the setback.

Ginger Snap
2 pp · Humor
Ginger Snap
Batman and Robin Visit the 1940 New York World's Fair
13 pp · Superhero
Batman [Bruce Wayne]Robin [Dick Grayson]James Gordon
Danny the Demon Had Plans!
13 pp · Superhero
Wonder Woman [Diana Prince]Steve TrevorEtta Candy
The Ten Buck Nut
4 pp · Humor
Putting on the Dog
6 pp · Superhero
Atom [Al Pratt]

In "Putting on the Dog," Big Mouth Bo-Bo hatches a clever scheme, using a highly trained dog capable of opening doors to infiltrate a wealthy household—after orchestrating its official status as homeless, just to get it adopted. The story follows the dog’s unexpected journey and the clever cat-and-mouse game that unfolds as Bo-Bo’s plan begins to take shape.

Three Fugitivies from Clarence!
6 pp · Children, Superhero
Little Boy Blue [Tommy Rogers]Blue Boys [ToughyTubby]Clarence BatesMonk Healey

In "Three Fugitivies from Clarence!", little Clarence steals the spotlight when he catches Tommy and his friends transforming into the superhero team Little Boy Blue & the Blue Boys—then decides he’s joining their adventure. With a mix of mischief and determination, Clarence becomes an unexpected partner in their mission, turning what was supposed to be a simple babysitting job into a whirlwind of superhero antics.

Peachy Pet Meets the Big Bad Wolf
7 pp · Superhero
Johnny ThunderPeachy Pet

In "Peachy Pet Meets the Big Bad Wolf," a sleepy Peachy Pet is tucked in after a chaotic birthday, only to be unsettled by Johnny’s attempt at a bedtime tale—Little Red Riding Hood. The story takes a whimsical, slightly eerie turn as Peachy’s imagination runs wild, turning the familiar fable into a dream that lingers long after the lights go out.

The Fatal Charm of Tank Tinker
6 pp · Adventure, Aviation
Hop HarriganTank Tinker
Warpath
6 pp · Western-Frontier
Whip [Rodney Gaynor]

In "Warpath," Rod Gaynor stumbles upon a wounded young Indian boy and risks everything to save him, only to uncover a deadly conspiracy: the boy’s people have had their cattle poisoned by men who pretend to be chemists. As tensions rise and trust is tested, Rod must navigate a treacherous frontier where danger wears many faces.

Simply Shocking
6 pp · Anthropomorphic-Funny Animals
Pete
Heroes Are Born...Not Made!
13 pp · Superhero
Green Lantern [Alan Scott]Doiby Dickles

In "Heroes Are Born...Not Made!", Alan and Doiby find themselves drawn into a quiet town’s mystery when the bell ringer of Baxton declares he’ll never toll the bell again—until someone does something truly heroic. When a moment of courage arrives, it brings unexpected consequences that leave the town and its visitors forever changed.

Meet Honest John
8 pp · Adventure, Fantasy, War
Ghost Patrol [FredPedroSlim]
Models for Crime
6 pp · Superhero
Mr. Terrific [Terry Sloane]
Wildcat Meets the Kidder!
8 pp · Superhero
Wildcat [Ted Grant]

In "Wildcat Meets the Kidder!", the infamous prankster Ernest Kidder, long dismissed for his antics, turns his mischievous talents toward a new scheme—using his skills to make a fortune through deception. When his latest stunt crosses paths with the vigilant Wildcat, the two are thrust into a high-stakes game of wits and timing.

A Hot Time in the Old Town
9 pp · Superhero
Hawkman [Carter Hall]Hawkgirl [Shiera Sanders]
Leary Leery McSneery
6 pp · Anthropomorphic-Funny Animals, Detective-Mystery
Bulldog DrumheadOliver Wendell McDuffyLeery McSneery

In "Leary Leery McSneery," a gruff bulldog struggles to assert himself against his perpetually calm partner, only to find that his unlikely ally, the small and unassuming Oliver, might be the key to outsmarting the cunning and slippery Leery McSneery. With a mix of wry humor and clever misdirection, this six-page mystery unfolds in a world where animals solve crimes with flair—and sometimes, a little help from the quietest member of the team.

The Million Dollar Apple!
12 pp · Superhero
Flash [Jay Garrick]Joan WilliamsWinky Moylan, Blinky BoylanNoddy ToylanJocko Wolfe

In "The Million Dollar Apple!", famed explorer Robert Cromwell stumbles upon a fortune in emeralds, but when a clever detective hides the gem inside an apple, chaos ensues. The fruit ends up at a street vendor’s stand, sparking a bizarre chase that lands the priceless jewel in the most unlikely hands—thanks to the bumbling antics of the Three Dimwits.

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Full credits

artist, inker Joe Shuster
cover pencils, inks Sheldon Mayer
cover pencils, inks Howard Purcell
cover pencils, inks E. E. Hibbard
cover pencils, inks Joe Kubert
cover pencils, inks Martin Naydel
cover pencils, inks Harry Peter

Reprints

↩ Reprints New York World's Fair Comics #[1] (1939), New York World's Fair Comics #[2] (1940), The Big All-American Comic Book #[nn] (1944)

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