About this Collection
This volume collects the earliest issues of U.S.A. Comics, a World War II-era anthology series featuring patriotic heroes like Captain America, the Human Torch, and the Sub-Mariner, as well as lesser-known characters such as the Defender and the Spirit of '76. It reprints the first two issues of the series, originally published in 1941, showcasing the raw, energetic style of Golden Age storytelling and the patriotic fervor of the era. Part of Marvel's Masterworks line, this hardcover edition presents restored, high-quality reproductions of the original comic pages.
A 1940s Marvel Masterworks collection kicks off with "The Defender," a standout tale from the Golden Age U.S.A. Comics lineup, featuring the original appearance of Rockman. Written and illustrated by the legendary Basil Wolverton, this story sees Rockman confront the sinister hypnotist Zombo, whose mind-control schemes and secret submarine threaten to disrupt maritime trade and seize control of a nation’s wealth. The cover, a dynamic collaboration by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, captures the era’s bold, action-packed spirit.
Contains 30 stories
The Defender
1 pp · Superhero
Defender [Don Stevens]
The Hideous Dame Kackle
18 pp · Superhero
Defender [Don Stevens]RustySally KeanDame Kackle
Origin of the Whizzer
6 pp · Superhero
Whizzer [Robert Frank]Doctor Emil FrankGranno
The Spirits of Freedom
10 pp · Superhero
Mr. Liberty [John Liberty]Herr LeaderAdolf Hitler
The Tunnel That Led To Death
9 pp · Superhero
Rockman (introduction, origin)J. J. GollingsRofflerIvan
The Coming of the Young Avenger
10 pp · Superhero
Young Avenger [Bill Bryan]Eric von Himmel
The Origin of Jack Frost
6 pp · Superhero
Jack FrostDoctor ForbesAlice ForbesBrianHal JenkinsMike Zelby
The Fiends of the Seas
17 pp · Superhero
Captain Terror [Dan Kane]Admiral LeedsBlack Claw
Island Menace!!
7 pp · Superhero
Major Liberty [John Liberty]ReynoldsJarvis
Origin of the Vagabond
8 pp · Superhero
Vagabond [Pat Murphy]KellyGroganWalter Carstairs
The Fog-Gun Gun Runners
7 pp · Superhero
Defender [Don Stevens]RustyHerr Leader [P.J. Evans]
The Killers of the Sea
7 pp · Superhero
RockmanZombo
The Mechanical Octopus Pirates
8 pp · Superhero
Jack Frost
Murder at the Race Track
7 pp · Superhero
Whizzer [Bob Frank]Earl SikesSilky KirbySpike
The Magic Crystal of Death!
17 pp · Superhero
Captain Terror [Dan Kane]Admiral LeedsGeneral GarveyNorma GarveyJohn WolfBlack CarloHans SchillerMaria
The Headless Horseman
7 pp · Superhero
Major Liberty [John Liberty]Hendrick VermeerGretchenHeadless Horseman [Peter]
Orrible Oress's Horrible Plan
8 pp · Superhero
Vagabond [Pat Murphy]GroganKellyOrrible Oress
The Monster Who Couldn't Be Stopped!!
7 pp · Superhero
Defender [Don Stevens]RustyMango [Oldow]
The Deadly Pixies
7 pp · Superhero
RockmanPrincess AleciaPixie King
The Ambulance Racketeers
7 pp · Superhero
Jack FrostNortonMike Dolan
Untitled story
1 pp
Captain Kidd
Muscles Moe's Million-Dollar Robbery
6 pp · Detective-Mystery
Tom PowersKenny RobertsCupid CueballClancey MullaneyP. J. OrganMuscles Moe
The Eerie Mansion On the Hill
7 pp · Superhero
Major Liberty [John Liberty]Hans StillerHerman BlakeHeinrich TodeFritzDoctor Drew
The Adventure of the Frozen Corpses
8 pp · Superhero
Jack FrostBob DavisBettyHarlowJimmy CrainDennis
The Fog
7 pp · Superhero
Defender [Don Stevens]RustyJames SnyderFog [Doctor Rhinestone]
The Mad Monk
8 pp · Superhero
Vagabond [Pat Murphy]KellyGroganPenelope ParsonsJake PaskuniakAmbroseMad Monk [Rudolf Parsons]
The Torpedoes of Doctor Leech
8 pp · Superhero
Captain Terror [Dan Kane]Admiral LeedsDoctor Gustave LeechDolores Madrigo
La Barbe the Killer
7 pp · Superhero
RockmanZeb SandersBilly SandersLa Barbe
Dix's Homecoming
6 pp · Military
Jeff DixMrs. Dixintroduction)Joe DixEd Delaney
The Secret Carburetor
9 pp · Superhero
Whizzer [Bob Frank]Jere KenneyBriscoe
