True Comics #9

Born in 1768, Tecumseh grew from a young warrior taught in his tribe's traditions into a visionary leader who recognized the threat the expanding white settlements posed to his people. Raised by his brother Cheesekau to value honor and statesmanship, Tecumseh rose to prominence after defeats by American forces, becoming convinced that only united resistance across many Indian tribes could preserve their freedom and lands. This five-page chronicle follows his efforts to organize that resistance and his fateful decision to fight alongside the British during the War of 1812.

When young chemist Humphry Davy takes on the challenge of stopping deadly fire damp explosions that plague England's coal mines, his brilliant experiments with gases and electricity lead him to an ingenious solution—a revolutionary safety lamp that would save countless lives. This True Comics story chronicles how Davy's curiosity and dedication to serving humanity transformed the most hazardous industry of his day, turning a chemical wizard into a savior of miners everywhere.

During the Civil War, Union soldier James Andrews leads twenty-one men in a daring raid: disguised in Confederate dress, they infiltrate enemy lines, board a Confederate train called the "General," and steal it in broad daylight to cut off supplies to Chattanooga. What follows is a desperate cross-Georgia chase as Andrews and his men race northward, sabotaging tracks and tearing up rails while Confederate Captain Fuller pursues them by hand-car and commandeered trains in a battle of wits and nerve. It's a true story of audacity and quick thinking set against the chaos of the Civil War.

Meet Katharine Dewey, a 24-year-old head nurse at a New York hospital who doubles as one of America's top bob-sledders—a death-defying winter sport that demands nerves of steel. After just one day of practice in 1940, she piloted her team through 25 icy hairpin turns at Lake Placid at 70 miles per hour to claim the senior championship, proving that this remarkable athlete thrives on winter's most thrilling challenges.

When the Count of Frontenac takes command of French Canada in 1682, he sets out to transform the colony's relationship with the local tribes, earning the name "Great Mountain" in their language. Yet his vision faces resistance both from those who doubt his methods and from the arrival of English forces under Sir William Phips, who sail against Quebec with a powerful fleet. Frontenac must rally his people and allies to defend the colony against invasion, drawing on unconventional tactics to preserve Canada for France.

When a violent storm sweeps a young boy's skiff miles offshore near Cape Canaveral, Lieutenant Commander Carl Von Paulsen of the U.S. Coast Guard takes the flying boat Arcturus into the teeth of the gale to locate him. With fuel leaks, structural damage, and sharks circling below, Von Paulsen and his crew battle the elements in a desperate race against nightfall and the sea itself. This gripping account showcases the everyday heroism of the Coast Guard, where split-second decisions and unflinching courage mean the difference between life and death.

In 1637 near Boston, a poor woman named Mrs. Sherman fights for justice when a wealthy gentleman, Captain Keayne, kills her only pig after it wanders onto his land—a dispute that spirals far beyond one animal and sets in motion changes that reshape colonial governance. This true story shows how a humble pig became the unlikely catalyst for establishing equal representation in American democracy. Originally presented in True Comics #9 (1942), this is a fascinating look at how everyday conflict can ignite historical transformation.

In 1755, Colonel George Washington joins British General Braddock's campaign to drive the French from the Ohio Valley, serving as the general's aide despite pleas from home to stay safe. Along the way, Washington encounters Benjamin Franklin and offers tactical advice based on his frontier experience—urging the general to outfit troops in practical hunting shirts and deploy Virginia scouts ahead of the main force—but Braddock dismisses his warnings, confident that British regulars alone can handle any threat. As the army marches toward enemy territory, Washington grows uneasy about what lies ahead.

A Scottish woman's pet cat and canary are the best of friends—until a strange cat sneaks into the room and threatens everything. When the woman's loyal cat springs into action to protect its unlikely companion, the true nature of their bond is revealed in this charming tale of unexpected heroism.

Born on a Mexican ranch in 1877, Emiliano Zapata witnessed firsthand the injustices inflicted on peasants under the dictatorial rule of President Díaz—and vowed to fight back. From leading delegations to the capital to commanding armies across the southern states, Zapata became the fiery leader of the "Land and Liberty Party," rallying the peons against crushing oppression even as he faced betrayal from all sides. This non-fiction account follows his relentless struggle for freedom and land reform, and the fierce price he paid for championing the Mexican people.