Supermen! The First Wave of Comic Book Heroes 1936-1941 #[nn]
☆ Be the first to review + Add to your collection — Join freeThis Fantagraphics collection surveys the dawn of the superhero genre, reprinting rare and influential stories from 1936 to 1941. It features early appearances by characters like Bart Hill, Daredevil, and The Claw, showcasing the diverse and experimental origins of costumed crime-fighters before and just after Superman's debut.
In "null," the mysterious Zator orchestrates a citywide disturbance not for destruction, but to draw Dr. Mystic into the spirit world. His mission: to guide Dr. Mystic to the Seven, though their journey is cut short when they’re ambushed by the relentless Koth.
In the isolated woods of Canada, Dan and Dr. Carter lead Gloria and Bob in a desperate bid to evade their pursuers, taking refuge in a remote cabin. While Dr. Carter examines the captured enemy ray gun, Dan ventures into the wilderness to reach the Canadian ministry of war and summon help.
In "null," Dirk and the Princess arrive at the palace for her wedding to Prince Marcus, only to find the grand halls overrun by masked strangers. With the royal couple imprisoned, Dirk must slip past the masked intruders to free them before it’s too late.
In "null," the Flame confronts a terrifying threat: the Kikoo, spectral beings from a hidden island where they were imprisoned by government leaders due to their perceived inferiority. When these creatures begin unleashing violent rampages—robbing and killing with no regard for life—the Flame must face not just their physical power, but the disturbing truth behind their sudden, unchecked aggression.
In "null," the shadow of mortality looms as Madame Punjai wields the Golden Amulet to summon Death itself, seeking to destroy young Carla Dennis out of envy. When Sir Arthur Dennis turns to Yarko for help, the hero ventures into the Land of Death, confronting demons and unraveling a twisted fate. There, in the Hall of Time, beauty is reborn—but only at the cost of life, and only if one truly understands its price.
In "null," the Comet returns home after aiding the police—only to be drugged, kidnapped, and brought to California under the control of the sinister Zadar. Once hypnotized into hating the law and embracing violence, he becomes a weapon for Zadar and the devilish Satan. When Zadar discovers Satan has betrayed him, he orders the Comet to kill his master. After Satan's demise, the Comet, still under the spell, disintegrates Zadar—only to break free from the trance and realize he's now a wanted outlaw, hunted by the very forces he once served.
In "null," the jungle's hidden dangers come alive when Fantomah confronts a mad scientist whose serum has awakened terrifying intelligence in a troop of gorillas. With the creatures now a threat to all life in the wild, Fantomah must decide how far justice should go—before she sets the balance of nature right again.
In "null," the Face uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving a corrupt official who exploits vulnerable asylum children, using tainted food and stolen funds to line his own pockets. With quiet determination, he gathers the evidence needed to expose the truth, setting a dangerous game in motion.
In "Daredevil Battles the Claw: Part 1," the Claw launches a sinister assault on New York City by tunneling beneath the Atlantic Ocean with his underground forces. When the attack begins, Bart Hill is on hand—transforming into the Daredevil to confront the threat head-on and defend the city from a foe who strikes from below.
In "null," a vengeful Professor X targets a patrolman who once imprisoned him and now endangers the prosecutor who sent him to jail. When Sub-Zero is summoned to stop him, he faces a deadly trial by electric chair—where his mind, not his body, must find a way to survive.
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↩ Reprints The Comics Magazine #1 (1936), Funny Picture Stories #1 (1936), Detective Picture Stories #5 (1937), Star Comics #5 (1937), Amazing Mystery Funnies #3[a] (1938), Amazing Mystery Funnies #3 (1939), Wonderworld Comics #4 (1939), Mystery Men Comics #4 (1939), Wonderworld Comics #7 (1939), Wonderworld Comics #8 (1939), Pep Comics #1 (1940), Fantastic Comics #3 (1940), Planet Comics #2 (1940), Jungle Comics #4 (1940), Pep Comics #3 (1940), Big Shot Comics #1 (1940), Planet Comics #5 (1940), Science Comics #4 (1940), Silver Streak Comics #4 (1940), Big Shot Comics #2 (1940), Target Comics #7 [7] (1940), Silver Streak Comics #6 (1940), Blue Bolt #5 [5] (1940), Fantastic Comics #12 (1940), Target Comics #11 [11] (1940), Silver Streak Comics #7 (1941), Blue Bolt #10 [10] (1941)
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