Cover: Irv Novick

Pep Comics #18

Aug 1941 · Archie · 0.10 USD

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In "The Case of the Side Show Horrors," the Hangman finds himself framed when a cunning criminal dons his likeness to commit a series of murders. With the real culprit hiding in plain sight, the Hangman must unravel a twisted deception—only to discover a telltale clue in the form of an impossible detail: two thumbs on one hand. Written by Joe Blair and illustrated by George Storm, this 1941 mystery from Pep Comics #18 features a chilling twist rooted in a simple, unforgettable flaw. The cover by Irv Novick captures the eerie atmosphere of the side show setting, a perfect match for the tale’s suspenseful tone.

Contains 8 stories

The Case of the Side Show Horrors

13 pp · Superhero

The Shield [Joe Higgins]Dusty [Dusty Simmons]Ju Ju WatsonBetty WarrenMamie (introduction)Midge (introduction)Joe (introduction)The Vulture (introduction)

Hangman's Holiday

11 pp · Superhero

The Hangman [Bob Dickering]Thelma Gordon (reporter)Anthracite (introduction)The Jackal (villain, introduction)

In "Hangman's Holiday," the Jackal, evading the Hangman’s justice, dons the hero’s iconic suit to frame him for a string of murders. But when the real Hangman investigates, he discovers the impostor’s telltale flaw—two thumbs on his right hand—setting off a tense cat-and-mouse game in the shadows of 1941’s crime-flecked streets.

Thieves of Wonderland

7 pp · Fantasy

DannyFairy QueenKupkakeA band of thieves (villain, introduction, death of their leader)

The Body on the Beach

7 pp · War

Sergeant BoyleThe Nazis

Palermo the Evil Politician

7 pp · Superhero

Fireball [Ted Tyler]Eddie Collins (introduction)Suzie Collins (introduction)Palermo (villain, introduction)

The Seduction of George Seldes

6 pp · Horror-Suspense

Satan (villain)Madam Satan (villain)George Seldes (introduction)Nita (introduction)Tom (introduction)Brother Sunbeam

Tangle with Tiger Blair

6 pp · Sports

Kayo Ward [Eddie Ward]Tiger BlairMickeyJanetGulch

The Curse of the Pharaohs

6 pp · Detective-Mystery

Bentley (detective)Sir Hubert Tigh (villain, introduction, death)Professor Lee (introduction, death)Ahmid (introduction)Tom Daw (introduction)Babs Lee (introduction)