Sarge Steel #3

In "File #103 Case of the 'Heritage of Hate'," Sarge Steel finds himself framed when a duplicate of the Smiling Skull's signature silver luger turns up in his possession. With a mysterious accomplice aiding his escape, Steel races to clear his name before the real killer's trail leads him straight into a deadly trap. Written by Joe Gill and illustrated by Dick Giordano—whose dynamic pencils and inks define the cover and interior—this 1965 Charlton thriller blends suspense and sharp detective work, all in a 12-cent package.