DC Comics Before Superman: Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's Pulp Comics

(2018)

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 1)

blank page(s) / 3 pages (report information)

Indexer Notes

Starts at the inside front cover with two blank pages with only the faintest of backgrounds suggesting the inside of platinum age comics, "Bob Merritt and his Flying Pals." The third page is completely white.

[Title and indicia] (Table of Contents: 2)

credits, title page / 2 pages (report information)

Letters

typeset

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

No illustrations.

[Adventure [v76 #1, September 15, 1930]] (Table of Contents: 3)

Shavetail / illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

?

Pencils

Duncan McMillan [as D.McM.] (signed, painted)

Inks

Duncan McMillan [as D.McM.] (signed, painted)

Colors

Duncan McMillan [as D.McM.] (signed, painted)

Letters

?

Genre

adventure

Synopsis

Mounted cavalry charge into action.

Keywords

42M; Shavetail

Indexer Notes

The cover to a pulp fiction periodical containing a novelette, "Shavetail," by Malcolm Wheeler-Nelson. Adventure [v76 #1, September 15, 1930] ed. A. A. Proctor (The Butterick Publishing Company, 25¢, pulp).

[Adventure [v73 #1, December 15, 1929]] (Table of Contents: 4)

The Song of Death / illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

?

Pencils

Loyal Faunce (signed, painted)

Inks

Loyal Faunce (signed, painted)

Colors

Loyal Faunce (signed, painted)

Letters

?

Genre

adventure

Synopsis

Portrait of a military man in a tall fur hat.

Keywords

hashknife; siberia

Indexer Notes

This is a cover to a pulp fiction periodical containing a novel, "The Song of Death," by Malcolm Wheeler-Nelson. Adventure [v73 #1, December 15, 1929] ed. Anthony M. Rud (The Butterick Publishing Company, 25¢, pulp).

[Adventure [v95 #3, July 1936]] (Table of Contents: 5)

Rider of the Golden Mare / illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

?

Pencils

Charles De Feo (painted)

Inks

Charles De Feo (painted)

Colors

Charles De Feo (painted)

Letters

?

Genre

adventure

Synopsis

A closeup of a mounted cavalryman charging into battle, sword raised.

Indexer Notes

This is a cover to a pulp fiction periodical containing a short story, "Rider of the Golden Mare," by Malcolm Wheeler-Nelson. Adventure [v95 #3, July 1936] ed. Howard V. L. Bloomfield (Popular Publications, Inc., 15¢, pulp).

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 6)

table of contents / 1 page (report information)

Letters

typeset

Indexer Notes

No illustrations.

Xmas Number (Table of Contents: 7)

cover reprint (on interior page) / 0.5 page (report information)

Pencils

Whitney Ellsworth (signed)

Inks

Whitney Ellsworth (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

humor

Reprints

• from New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#11 (December 1936)

Keywords

Christmas; X-mas

Indexer Notes

Christmas carolers.

Special Note about the Comics in This Volume (Table of Contents: 8)

foreword, introduction, preface, afterword / 0.5 page (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

DC Comics Before Superman: Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's Pulp Comics is the first endeavor in a continuing effort to bring to the general public...

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

The author discusses a few of the technical challenges in documenting such rare source material and hopes that she inspires other people to look into the origins of the comic book.

[Don Nogales - Cattle Rustler, Part 1] (Table of Contents: 9)

Jack Woods / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Lyman Anderson (signed)

Inks

Lyman Anderson (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Well, here's the Rio Grande-- --what's that?

Genre

detective-mystery; western-frontier

Characters

Jack Woods (introduction); Don Nogales (villain, introduction)

Synopsis

Jack is captured in the middle of the night by Don Nogales and his assistant Miguel. The men carry him to Don Nogales' ranch in Mexico. Once arrived there, Jack manages to ditch the custody of Miguel by his own physical prowess, throwing him to the ground and taking away his gun. When he goes in search of Don Nogales, the fallen man stands with the intention of throwing a knife at Jack.

Reprints

• from New Fun (DC, 1935 series) #v1#1 (February 1935)

Indexer Notes

This is the cover for New Fun (DC, 1935 series) #v1#1, a one-page cliffhanger for an ongoing story (only appearing on the series' covers).

Foreword (Table of Contents: 10)

foreword, introduction, preface, afterword / 1 page (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

It may be a matter of perspective, of conjecture, of perception in determining where it all began.

Genre

non-fiction

Synopsis

Steranko sets the context for what Wheeler-Nicholson accomplished amid the emerging experiments leading up to the regularly-published, original content landmark that was New Fun #1. Steranko touches only briefly on Wheeler-Nicholson's ouster from his own operations and instead takes time to draw comparisons in what the man accomplished as a soldier and what he accomplished as a publisher.

[Don Nogales - Cattle Rustler, Part 2] (Table of Contents: 11)

Jack Woods / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Lyman Anderson (signed)

Inks

Lyman Anderson (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Jack has turned the tables on the Mexicans...

Genre

western-frontier

Characters

Jack Woods; Miguel; Don Nogales (villain)

Synopsis

Jack accepts a job from Nogales so that he can investigate the cattle-rustling. But he is spotted and Nogales orders him killed.

Reprints

• from New Fun (DC, 1935 series) #v1#2 (March 1935)

Indexer Notes

This is the cover for New Fun (DC, 1935 series) v1#2.

Introduction (Table of Contents: 12)

foreword, introduction, preface, afterword / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

"Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!" ... fighting for truth, justice and the American way.

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

The author acknowledges the well-known introduction of Superman to TV and movie fans in the 1950s leading to an interest in the de facto beginning of superheroes in 1938 with Action #1 but describes the aim of this book as digging deeper into the three and a half years leading up to the print premiere of Superman. She gives a quick survey of what is known and speculated about National Allied Publications during those formative years and offers a short bibliography at the end of the introduction.

The Reign of the Superman (Table of Contents: 13)

illustration / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel [as Herbert S. Fine] (credited)

Pencils

Joe Shuster

Inks

Joe Shuster

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The bread-line! Its row of downcast, disillusioned men; unlucky creatures who have found that life holds nothing but bitterness for them.

Characters

Professor Ernest Smalley; Bill Dunn

Indexer Notes

This is the two-page Shuster illustration accompanied by text opening a short story by Jerry Siegel. This was originally self-published while the two men were only 18 years old, more than five years before Action Comics #1. The story appeared in issue #3 of a typed, mimeographed science fiction fanzine titled, "Science Fiction: The Advance Guard of Future Civilization," lasting five issues. This is presented here between the first and second page of the introduction.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 14)

Superman / comic story / 0.25 page (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel

Pencils

Joe Shuster

Inks

Joe Shuster

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

As a distant planet was destroyed by old age, a scientist placed his infant son...

Genre

superhero

Characters

Superman [Kal-El; Clark Kent]

Synopsis

Superman's origin is told in the space of a single daily newspaper strip.

Indexer Notes

The reproduction here is said to be from 1935. As pictured it is signed and dedicated by "the artist creator of Superman." This is the strip that would be reconfigured and used in the first Superman story in Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #1.

[Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster] (Table of Contents: 15)

illustration / 0.75 page (report information)

Pencils

? (photograph)

Inks

? (photograph)

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

The bottom 3/4 of the page is reserved for various promotional and high school photographs of Jerome Siegel and Joe Shuster. This appears between the first and second page of the introduction.

[Harry Donenfeld, Jack Liebowitz and Irwin Donenfeld] (Table of Contents: 16)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

? (photograph)

Inks

? (photograph)

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

This is a single full-page studio portrait of Harry Donenfeld, Jack Liebowitz (owners) and Irwin Donenfeld (executive) of National Allied Publications. Undated.

Chapter One, Harry Donenfeld and Jack Liebowitz (Table of Contents: 17)

about comics / 1.4 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

It's hard not to be captivated by Harry Donenfeld.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

17 - 19

Abstract

Harry Donenfeld and Jack Liebowitz are discussed at length - respective backgrounds, personal nature and roles in National Allied Publications.

[Harry Donenfeld] (Table of Contents: 18)

illustration / 0.25 page (report information)

Pencils

? (photograph)

Inks

? (photograph)

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

Photograph of Harry Donenfeld at work. Appears between page one and two of the chapter on Harry Donenfeld and Jack Liebowitz.

[Donenfeld Magazines] (Table of Contents: 19)

illustration / 0.75 page (report information)

Pencils

? (painted)

Inks

? (painted)

Colors

? (painted)

Letters

typeset

Genre

adventure; detective-mystery; western-frontier

Synopsis

A jungle girl spearing an alligator; a cowgirl lefty shooting it out; chorus line girls discovering one their own stabbed in the heart.

Indexer Notes

Three covers are reproduced from a stable of pulp fiction titles published by Donenfeld:
• Spicy-Adventure Stories [v5 #3, December 1936] (Culture Publications, Inc., 25¢, pulp, cover by Parkhurst)
• Spicy Western Stories [v4 #6, January 1939] (Culture Publications, Inc., 25¢, pulp, cover by H. J. Ward)
• Spicy Detective Stories [v6 #3, January 1937] (Culture Publications, Inc., 25¢, pulp, censored version)
These covers are included to demonstrate the type of material Donenfeld was publishing before entering into his partnership with Wheeler-Nicholson.

[Donenfeld Magazines] (Table of Contents: 20)

illustration / 0.6 page (report information)

Pencils

? (painted)

Inks

? (painted)

Colors

? (painted)

Letters

typeset

Genre

detective-mystery

Synopsis

A scantily-clad woman is chained to a coffin containing a dead man. Around her are the bodies of two men and a woman hanging by neck chains. A (live) black cat glares at her from the coffin lid.

Indexer Notes

This cover reproduction is a from a pulp fiction periodical, Spicy Mystery Stories [v4 #4, February 1937] (Culture Publications, Inc., 25¢, pulp). This cover is included to demonstrate the type of material Donenfeld was publishing before entering into his partnership with Wheeler-Nicholson.

[Sketch of Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson] (Table of Contents: 21)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Howard Cruse (signed)

Inks

Howard Cruse (signed)

Genre

non-fiction

Characters

Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Indexer Notes

Dated 2008.

Chapter Two, Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (Table of Contents: 22)

about comics / 3 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

My grandfather's story seems extraordinary--and many people find it unbelievable.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

21 - 23

Abstract

Discussion of Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson by the author, his granddaughter, including life story, military record, education, activism, a brush with death and court-martial. The segment includes a few family photographs, including Antoinette Wheeler-Nicholson, the subject's mother.

[G-Men [v18 #2, February 1940]] (Table of Contents: 23)

G-Men / illustration / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

? (painted)

Inks

? (painted)

Colors

? (painted)

Letters

typeset

Genre

crime

Synopsis

A man struggles at gunpoint, being held in a train cabin.

Indexer Notes

This is a cover to pulp fiction periodical, G-Men [v18 #2, February 1940] (10¢, pulp). The illustration is taken from the "Dan Fowler" story attributed to C. K. M. Scanlon--which was a pseudonym for Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson--as it was the publishing house name required for the Dan Fowler feature authors.

Chapter Three, The Pulps (Table of Contents: 24)

about comics / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

It was natural that Wheeler-Nicholson would turn to publishing and writing to care for his family.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

25 - 27

Abstract

The author discusses the breadth of the subject's short story work across a 32-year writing career with over 150 stories published. Wheeler-Nicholson first entered into publishing on his own in 1925 and again in 1929 and this lead to collecting newspaper strip reprints.

[Weird Tales [v22 #4, October 1933]] (Table of Contents: 25)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Margaret Brundage (painted)

Inks

Margaret Brundage (painted)

Colors

Margaret Brundage (painted)

Letters

typeset

Genre

fantasy-supernatural

Synopsis

An alluring woman in leather, masked not unlike Catwoman, with a near-lifelike bat figure worked into her cowl.

Indexer Notes

This is the cover to a pulp fiction periodical, Weird Tales [v22 #4, October 1933] (25¢, 128pp+, pulp, cover by M. Brundage).

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 26)

Don Drake / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

?

Pencils

Clem Gretter

Inks

Clem Gretter

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The gondola containing Don and Betty and the midget men falls off the cliff into the water.

Genre

science fiction

Characters

Don Drake; Betty

Synopsis

The giant ant-people carry the crew to the many-armed horrible monster in charge. Battle ensues.

Reprints

• from New Fun (DC, 1935 series) #v1#3 (April 1935)

Indexer Notes

This is the cover to New Fun (DC, 1935 series) #v1#3

Chapter Four, New Fun (Table of Contents: 27)

about comics / 1.5 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

In 1934, Wheeler-Nelson established National Allied Publications, Inc., and raised enough capital to finance his first comic magazine.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

29 - 31

Abstract

Discussion of the earliest history of National Allied Publications, Inc. in which Wheeler-Nelson established the first original modern comic book on January 11, 1935. The New Fun series is outlined at length including credits, editorship, and additions to the staff.

[Damsel in Distress, Part 1] (Table of Contents: 28)

Jack Woods / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

W. C. Brigham (signed)

Inks

W. C. Brigham (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Jack, passing an isolated shack in the desert, hears a cry for help in a woman's voice.

Genre

western-frontier

Characters

Jack Woods; woman in distress; kidnappers.

Synopsis

A beautiful woman is held captive in a ranch house, and Jack outwits them to rescue her.

Reprints

• from New Fun (DC, 1935 series) #v1#5 (August 1935)

Indexer Notes

This is the cover to New Fun (DC, 1935 series) #v1#5. Appears between page 1 and 2 of Chapter Four: New Fun.

[Lloyd Jacquet, Martin Goodman, Carl Burgos] (Table of Contents: 29)

illustration / 0.5 page (report information)

Pencils

? (photograph)

Inks

? (photograph)

Genre

non-fiction

Synopsis

A candid photograph (party setting) of Lloyd Jacquet, Martin Goodman, and Carl Burgos all in working suits.

Indexer Notes

Jacquet was the editor of New Fun Magazine for juveniles. Goodman was the publisher of Timely Comics. Burgman was the comic artist who would create The Human Torch, circa 1940.

Fang Gow of China (Table of Contents: 30)

Barry O'Neill / illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

As the mongol turned the paralysis ray, in the statue, on Barry O'Neill and Le Grand, ...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (Villain)

Indexer Notes

This is a single frame reproduction blown up to fill the entire page. The frame is taken from the Barry O'Neill feature in More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 Series) #v1#10, May 1936. The original feature was originally just two pages long and ten frames. This frame (the story opener) was selected to highlight O'Mealia's higher-quality art and the myriad pulp origins of the main character, going back years to 1933 in Wheeler-Nicholson's own writings. The Fang Gow storyline lasted through 35 parts for more than four years.

Chapter Five, Barry O'Neill: "Fang Gow of China" (Table of Contents: 31)

about comics / 2.5 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Barry O'Neill: "Fang Gow of China" appeared in New Fun #1 and continued throughout Wheeler-Nicholson's era.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

33 - 35

Abstract

The feature Fang Gow of China was selected to highlight the myriad pulp origins of the main character and protagonist going back at least two years in Wheeler-Nicholson's own writings. The Fang Gow storyline (as written by Wheeler-Nicholson) lasted through 29 parts for more than three years, until March 1938. The author's account includes meticulous detail on the characters and creators who worked on the feature.

The subsequent pages in this collection do not include a reprint of the first six installments (from New Fun) or the last installment, which would have come from Adventure Comics (DC, 1938 series) #37 (April 1939). Because of this, a text-only recap of the story arc's beginning and end are included on page 35.

[Leo E. O'Mealia] (Table of Contents: 32)

illustration / 0.25 page (report information)

Pencils

? (photograph)

Inks

? (photograph)

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

This is a photograph of Leo E. O'Mealia from 1905 at work at an illustrator's desk surrounded by scraps of art, ink, and brushes.

Action Comics (DC, 1938 Series) #2 (July 1938) (Table of Contents: 33)

cover reprint (on interior page) / 0.25 page (report information)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

typeset

Genre

adventure

Reprints

• from Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #2 (July 1938)

Keywords

biplanes; parachuting

Indexer Notes

The author includes the iconic cover to Action Comics (DC, 1938 Series) #2 and to study O'Mealia's remarkably advanced story-telling art.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 7] (Table of Contents: 34)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

We're headed out to sea, Barry!

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

Barry and Le Grand are taken to Fang Gow's yacht and subjected to a paralysis ray.

Reprints

• from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#7 (January 1936)

Indexer Notes

This is the first installment collected as the author explains that the preceding installments were too costly to acquire. She only summarizes the arc's beginnings in the text (see page 35 for that synopsis).

[Fang Gow of China, Part 8] (Table of Contents: 35)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Now will you answer the questions or shall the might of Fang Gow crumble you to dust?

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

Barry and Le Grand are prisoners aboard Fang Gow's yacht.

Reprints

• from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#8 (February 1936)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 9] (Table of Contents: 36)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Barry O'Neill and Inspector Le Grand aboard Fang Gow's yacht are halted in their attempt to escape--

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

Barry and Le Grand attempt to escape from Fang Gow's yacht.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v1#9 (March-April 1936)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 10] (Table of Contents: 37)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

As the mongol turned the paralysis ray, in the statue, on Barry O'Neill and Le Grand, ...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

Barry and Le Grand escape overboard.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v1#10 (May 1936)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 11] (Table of Contents: 38)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

After a vicious and bloody encounter Barry and Le Grand succeed in escaping from Fang Gow's yacht.

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand

Synopsis

Barry reveals to Le Grand that Fang Gow has a plot to blow up Paris.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v1#11 (July 1936)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 12] (Table of Contents: 39)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Dynamite in zee sewers of Paree! It ees terrible, Barry!

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

Dynamite in the sewers of Paris and Barry finally comes face to face with Fang Gow.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v1#12 (August 1936)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 13] (Table of Contents: 40)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Yes, Barry O'Neill, we meet at last.

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

Having captured Barry and Le Grand, Fang Gow demands Barry throw the switch that will destroy Paris.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#1 [13] (September 1936)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 14] (Table of Contents: 41)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Hoping to thwart Fang Gow's plans, Barry O'Neill and Inspector Le Grand hurry to the sewers where they are captured by the insidious Mongol.

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

Barry breaks free and he and Le Grand float down the sewers to what they think might be freedom.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#2 [14] (October 1936)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 15] (Table of Contents: 42)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Hoping to thwart Fang Gow's plot to blow up the city, Barry and Inspector Le Grand hurry to the sewers of Paris where they are trapped by the vicious Mongol--

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

While trapped, part of Fang Gow's trap goes awry and explodes. Barry gets the drop on Fang Gow and guns him down.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#3 [15] (November 1936)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 16] (Table of Contents: 43)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Barry O'Neill and Inspector Le Grand, trapped in the underground passageways of Fang Gow's subterranean stronghold...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

Barry and Le Grand escape from the sewers, but the gravely wounded Fang Gow disappears.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#4 (16) (December 1936)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 17] (Table of Contents: 44)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Hurrying back to police headquarters, after a series of death-defying incidents...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand (cameo); Pierre (death)

Synopsis

Fang Gow kidnaps Le Grand's daughter.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#5 (17) (January 1937)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 18] (Table of Contents: 45)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Fang Gow, paralyzed by a bullet lodged in his spine, barely escapes being captured...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Dr. Bonfil (Dr. Bonfils)

Synopsis

The paralyzed Fang Gow demands Le Grand find a doctor to operate on him if he ever wants to see his daughter again.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#6 (18) (February 1937)

Indexer Notes

Bonfils is introduced here as Bonfil, with spelling corrected in later installments.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 19] (Table of Contents: 46)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Fang Gow, the enemy of the human race, was frustrated in his attempt to blow up the city of Paris...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Dr. Bonfils; Jean Le Grand

Synopsis

Dr. Bonfils operates successfully to save Fang Gow's life. Barry disguises himself and learns more about Fang Gow's plans from the cemetery.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#7 (19) (March 1937)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 20] (Table of Contents: 47)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Dr. Bonfils, who yields to the pleadings of Inspector Le Grand, leaves the prison chamber to administer to Fang Gow...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Dr. Bonfils; Jean Le Grand

Synopsis

Jean saves Barry's life by shooting his attacker.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#8 (20) (May 1937)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 21] (Table of Contents: 48)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Alarmed by the girl's shot that saved Barry from the giant jailor's sword...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand

Synopsis

Barry, Jean, and Le Grand attempt to escape, but only Jean is in the plane when it takes off.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#9 (21) (June 1937)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 22] (Table of Contents: 49)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Pursuing Fang Gow, whose men have kidnapped Doctor Bonfils and Jean Le Grand, Barry O'Neill is captured...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Dr. Bonfils

Synopsis

Jean, Dr. Bonfils, and Fang Gow fly away as Barry and Le Grand are left to find another plane for Barry to pursue. But Barry is shot down.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#10 (22) (July 1937)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 23] (Table of Contents: 50)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Knowing he would be an easy target for the gunner if he pulled the ripcord...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Fang Gow (villain)

Synopsis

Having been shot down Barry splashes into the Mediterranean sea and is hunted. The pilot gives up and returns to Fang Gow to report his apparent victory.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#11 (23) (August 1937)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 24] (Table of Contents: 51)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

I zink eet ees a man een zee watair!

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Dr. Bonfils

Synopsis

Barry is rescued at sea by a steamer that has the Inspector on it. As Fang Gow recovers in the Port of Said, he tries to coerce the doctor and Jean into treatment and also a government formula for a poison.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#12 (24) (September 1937)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 25] (Table of Contents: 52)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Fang Gow, who wants the formula for making the deadly poison gas recently perfected in the French government laboratories...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Dr. Bonfils; Ben Ali

Synopsis

Barry follows a lead from his friend Ben Ali. Fang Gow is ready to cut off Jean's Finger when Barry pulls the trigger.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v3#1 (25) (October 1937)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 26] (Table of Contents: 53)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Barry follows the man with a hole in his hand to Fang Gow's Port Said hideout where he hopes to rescue...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Dr. Bonfils; Ling Foo

Synopsis

Barry has interrupted Jean's mutilation but in the chaos gets separated and then caught. While imprisoned he meets Ling Foo.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v3#2 (26) (November 1937)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 27] (Table of Contents: 54)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Barry O'Neill pursues Fang Gow and his band of cutthroats to the wicked city of Port Said...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Ling Foo

Synopsis

After Ling Foo frees him, Barry attempts to rescue Jean Le Grand from Fang Gow's clutches.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v3#3 (27) (December 1937)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 28] (Table of Contents: 55)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Fang Gow, wounded by Barry in Paris, kidnaps the famous surgeon, Dr. Bonfils and Inspector Le Grand's daughter...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grande; Dr. Bonfils

Synopsis

Barry rescues Jean from Fang Gow's clutches, but is unable to escape himself.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #28 (January 1938)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 29] (Table of Contents: 56)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (see notes)

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Barry, with Ling Foo's aid, escapes from his dungeon, making his way to the roof.

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Dr. Bonfils; Jean Le Grand

Synopsis

Barry and Jean are free but Fang Gow still holds Dr. Bonfils. Fang Gow wants surgery to help him walk again.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #29 (February 1938)

Indexer Notes

The author credits Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as the writer through part 29.

[Fang Gow of China, Part 30] (Table of Contents: 57)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 6 pages (report information)

Script

Leo E. O'Mealia

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

After a gun duel in which Barry wounds the treacherous Fang Gow, Dr. Bonfils, eminent French surgeon and Jean...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Dr. Bonfils

Synopsis

Fang Gow tortures Dr. Bonfils. Barry disguises himself with face paint and a turban, sneaks into Fang Gow's building, promptly gets tossed into a snake pit, finds Dr. Bonfils and the two are trapped by water.

Reprints

• from New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #31 (October 1938)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 31] (Table of Contents: 58)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 6 pages (report information)

Script

Leo E. O'Mealia

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

After rescuing Jean Le Grand from Fang Gow's Port Said hideout, Barry returns to rescue Dr. Bonfils...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Dr. Bonfils; Ling Foo

Synopsis

Barry and the doctor find an escape hatch from the water trap and meet up with Ling Foo, who reveals himself as a friendly spy with an excellent command of English after all. Jean leaves for France but is intercepted and kidnapped, as is her father, the Inspector.

Reprints

• from Adventure Comics (DC, 1938 series) #32 (November 1938)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 32] (Table of Contents: 59)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 6 pages (report information)

Script

Leo E. O'Mealia

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Fang Gow, believing Barry and Doctor Bonfils murdered by his men, sends thugs to kidnap Jean Le Grand.

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Dr. Bonfils; Shiek Ah Hamid

Synopsis

Fang Gow meets with an Arabian Shiek and arranges to exchange Jean for a mind-control drug. Jean is briefly reunited with her father. Having gotten the doctor to safety, Barry returns to Fang Gow's lair. Inspector Le Grand is used to test the slave drug, who assaults his daughter and attacks Barry foiling his rescue attempt. Jean is passed to the Shiek.

Reprints

• from Adventure Comics (DC, 1938 series) #34 (January 1939)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 33] (Table of Contents: 60)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 6 pages (report information)

Script

Leo E. O'Mealia

Pencils

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo E. O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Jean Le Grand... Daughter of Inspector Le Grand, has been traded to a sheik by Fang Gow...

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand; Dr. Bonfils; Shiek Ah Hamid; Naida; Ling Foo [as Lin]

Synopsis

Jean Le Grand, daughter of the inspector, has been kidnapped and is being auctioned by the Shiek to slave traders. Inspector Le Grand remains mind-controlled after attacking Barry. Barry acquires an antidote from Dr. Bonfils and goes back to rescue Le Grand. However, they end up fighting again. Naida, a slave girl, helps Jean to escape, only to end up wandering the desert.

Reprints

• from Adventure Comics (DC, 1938 series) #35 (February 1939)

[Fang Gow of China, Part 34] (Table of Contents: 61)

Barry O'Neill / comic story / 6 pages (report information)

Script

Ed Winiarski

Pencils

Ed Winiarski [as Win]

Inks

Ed Winiarski [as Win]

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Jean Le Grand, daughter of Inspector Le Grand, escapes from a desert sheik to whom she has been sold as a slave--

Genre

adventure

Characters

Barry O'Neill; Inspector Le Grand; Fang Gow (villain); Jean Le Grand

Synopsis

The Inspector recovers from the antidote and he and Barry escape. Jean wanders the desert until rescued by a passing rug merchant. Fang Gow is incensed by Barry's escape and sends his men to spy on Barry. Barry disguises himself to rescue Jean but is exposed and laid out on the torture table under Fang Gow's hand.

Reprints

• from Adventure Comics (DC, 1938 series) #36 (March 1939)

Indexer Notes

The first frame of this story is the same as the last frame of the previous story, but it has been redrawn by the new artist, Ed Winiarski (replacing Leo E. O'Mealia). The author of this collection makes a point of analyzing the lower quality of Winiarski's art exemplified here. This is the last installment collected as the author explains that the remaining installments were too costly to acquire. She only summarizes the arc's conclusion (see page 35 for that synopsis).

New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #1 (December 1935) (Table of Contents: 62)

Jibby Jones / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Vin Sullivan (signed)

Inks

Vin Sullivan (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

humor; children

Characters

Jibby Jones

Reprints

• from New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#1 (December 1935)

Chapter Six, Artists and Writers (Table of Contents: 63)

about comics / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Two of the most famous creators to come out of the Major's comics magazine were Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

111 - 117

Abstract

Author Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson reviews the artists and writers emerging from the field at National Allied Publications beginning in 1935. Included are Jerry Siegel, who had his first comic story published in More Fun #6. As early as October 1935, Wheeler-Nicholson was advising Siegel on what to do with the Superman strip. Also discussed are Vincent Sullivan, Sheldon Mayer (who would later be formative for William Moulton Marston), and Walt Kelly. Wheeler-Nicholson's broad writing, editing, and publishing accomplishments were soon followed by the efforts of Harry Chesler, Will Eisner, and Jerry Iger.

There is room on the last page for a very small reproduction of the interior art of Walt Kelly's complete 1-page story "Down by the Old Mill Stream" originally published in More Fun (DC, 1936 series) v1#7 (January 1936).

[Koth and the Seven, Part 3] (Table of Contents: 64)

Dr. Occult / comic story / 1 page (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel [as Leger]

Pencils

Joe Shuster [as Reuths]

Inks

Joe Shuster

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Entering an Egyptian tomb in quest of a magical belt, Occult and Zator feel apprehensive--

Genre

adventure

Characters

Doctor Occult; Zator; Glack; Koth (villain)

Synopsis

Occult defends Zator, and with his sword given by the Seven, he defeats Glack.

Indexer Notes

Only the first page of the two-page story is presented. The story originally appeared in More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) v2#3 [15] (November 1936). This page is presented between page one and two of Chapter Six, Artists and Writers.

[Rescuing the King, Part 3] (Table of Contents: 65)

Henri Duval / comic story / 1 page (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel (Signed)

Pencils

Joe Shuster (signed)

Inks

Joe Shuster

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Out of the night a horde of horsemen pour down on the inn.

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Henri Duval

Synopsis

Henri Duval must protect the King from enemies disguised as musketeers.

Reprints

• from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#8 (February 1936)

Indexer Notes

The reproduction here leaves room on the page for two more small images:
• Wow — What a Magazine! (Henle Publications, 1936 series) #1 (July 1936) - cover only.
• More Fun (DC, 1936 series) v1#7 (January 1936) - indicia only.

This page is presented between page one and two of Chapter Six, Artists and Writers.

[Part 2] (Table of Contents: 66)

Gulliver's Travels / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Jonathan Swift (credited); Walt Kelly (signed)

Pencils

Walt Kelly (signed)

Inks

Walt Kelly (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The tiny people cart Gulliver into the town of Lilliput.

Genre

children; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Gulliver

Synopsis

Gulliver arrives in Lilliput and is given a house and a meal.

Reprints

• from New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#2 (January 1936)

Indexer Notes

True to Walt Kelly's nature, each page being a single frame allows for extraordinary detail of the goings-on about town with several micro-scenes all playing out mid-frame such as two women whispering, one child rescuing another from falling out a window, etc. The two one-page scenes are framed as if it were a single poster, with the feature banner spreading across the top while the sides and bottom are bordered in intricate scenic detail. These pages are presented in this compilation between page one and two of Chapter Six, Artists and Writers.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 67)

Federal Men / comic story / 1 page (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel [as Jerome Siegel] (signed)

Pencils

Joe Shuster (signed)

Inks

Joe Shuster (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Carson, I want you to meet Professor Grant!

Genre

detective-mystery

Characters

Professor Grant (introduction); Jor-L (a Federal Man of 3000 A.D. in Prof. Grant's fantasy, not to be confused with Superman's father, introduction)

Synopsis

Professor Grant gives the Federal Men a forecast of the future of crime detection in the format of an imaginary story. In the year 3000 AD, when there is a disturbance at the Mountains of Mars, Jor-L, an ace sleuth of the service, uses his one man space flyer to track it down.

Indexer Notes

This is page one of the original four-page story published in New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) v1#12 (January 1937). Characters and synopsis only cover this one page. Visit https://www.comics.org/issue/155/#3887 for the full description.

The page is presented in this compilation between page one and two of Chapter Six, Artists and Writers.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 68)

Little Linda / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Whitney Ellsworth [as Whit Ellsworth] (signed)

Pencils

Whitney Ellsworth [as Whit Ellsworth] (signed)

Inks

Whitney Ellsworth [as Whit Ellsworth] (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Good ole winter!!

Genre

adventure; children

Characters

Little Linda

Synopsis

Little Linda has bad luck performing several everyday winter activities but is rewarded with a cozy fire at the end of the day.

Reprints

• from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#7 (January 1936)

Chapter Seven, The Comics of 1936 (Table of Contents: 69)

about comics / 2.5 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The year 1936 was one of firsts for Wheeler-Nicholson's comics.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

119 - 123

Abstract

Author Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson revisits the 21 issues published by National Allied Publications during 1936, the changes in practice for cover composition, the inclusion of the first female creators, Emma C. McKean, and Merna E. Gamble, the influence of the success of pulp fiction on comics, and Wheeler-Nicholson's evolution of rights management amidst the practice of other publishers declaring bankruptcy in order to avoid paying creators only to form a new company almost immediately.

[The Dan Bowers Case, Part 1] (Table of Contents: 70)

Calling All Cars / comic story / 1 page (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel [as Jerome Siegel] (signed)

Pencils

Joe Shuster (signed)

Inks

Joe Shuster

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

That's us! Let's Go!

Genre

detective-mystery

Characters

Sandy Kean

Synopsis

Sandy tries to take on the gamblers.

Indexer Notes

This story is page one of the original two-page story published in More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) v2#5 (17) (January 1937). Characters and synopsis only cover this one page. Visit https://www.comics.org/issue/154/#3858 for the full description.

The page is presented in this compilation between page one and two of Chapter Seven, The Comics of 1936.

More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) v1#10 (May 1936) (Table of Contents: 71)

cover reprint (on interior page) / 0.25 page (report information)

Pencils

Vin Sullivan

Inks

Vin Sullivan

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

No Swimming

Genre

humor; children

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v1#10 (May 1936)

Keywords

thermometer

New Book of Comics (DC, 1936 series) #1 (1936) (Table of Contents: 72)

cover reprint (on interior page) / 0.25 page (report information)

Script

? (various)

Pencils

? (various)

Inks

? (various)

Colors

? (various)

Letters

? (various)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Gold!

Genre

adventure; humor; children; detective-mystery

Reprints

• from New Book of Comics (DC, 1936 series) #1 (1936)

Indexer Notes

The cover consists of various excerpts from Nicholson features. The page is presented in this compilation between page one and two of Chapter Seven, The Comics of 1936.

Detective Comics (DC, 1937 series) #1 (March 1937) (Table of Contents: 73)

Bruce Nelson / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Vin Sullivan

Inks

Vin Sullivan

Colors

?

Genre

adventure

Characters

Sen Yoi

Reprints

• from Detective Comics (DC, 1937 series) #1 (March 1937)

Keywords

mandarin hats; stereotyping of Chinese

Indexer Notes

The art credits were verified by Vin Sullivan himself. The page is presented in this compilation between page one and two of Chapter Seven, The Comics of 1936.

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 7] (Table of Contents: 74)

Bob Merritt / illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia

Inks

Leo O'Mealia

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

It's a queer thing that we can't fly through that mist cloud that hangs over the volcano.

Genre

adventure; aviation

Indexer Notes

This is one-frame blowup of from the last page of [Alaskan Adventure, Part 7] (Bob Merritt) from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) v2#9 (21).

Chapter Eight, Bob Merritt (Table of Contents: 75)

about comics / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The strip, "Bob Merritt, The Mystery Plane,'" illustrated by Leo O'Mealia, appeared in New Fun #5 (August 1935).

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

125 - 127

Abstract

Author Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson discusses the emergence of the Bob Merritt strip as a staple feature for the New Fun and then More Fun publications. As far as character and plot design, Bob Merritt was typical of Wheeler-Nicholson's pulp fiction work that was published with Street & Smith in the Bill Barnes feature at the same time, sometimes re-using plots and dialog. Wheeler-Nicholson's passions for technology and invention informed Merritt's character, as well as his advanced views on minorities.

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 5] (Table of Contents: 76)

Bob Merritt / illustration / 0.5 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia

Inks

Leo O'Mealia

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Gosh, they're throwin' those bodies into the fire down there!

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Dicky Saunders; The Silent Orientals

Synopsis

Dicky spies from atop a ledge in a cave.

Indexer Notes

This is a single frame reproduction blown up to fill half a page. The frame is taken from the Barry O'Neill feature in More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#7 (19). Appears between page 1 and 2 of Chapter Eight: Bob Merritt.

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 13] (Table of Contents: 77)

Bob Merritt / illustration / 0.5 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia

Inks

Leo O'Mealia

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The gangster fleet rises to give battle to the raiders--

Genre

adventure; aviation

Indexer Notes

This is a single frame reproduction blown up to fill half a page. The frame is taken from the Barry O'Neill feature in More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #28. Appears between page 1 and 2 of Chapter Eight: Bob Merritt.

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 1] (Table of Contents: 78)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

With the two enemy planes roaring down upon their tail, Red and Shorty nose their plane toward Earth to avoid the deadly gun-fire.

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; Red; Shorty; Buzz; Lefty; Saunders

Synopsis

Bob and his pals coordinate efforts to locate Prospector Jake's gold mine.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#3 [15] (November 1936)

Keywords

Bumble-bee; Edmonton

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 2] (Table of Contents: 79)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Bob Merritt and his men finally land and pitch camp in the heart of the Alaskan Rockies.

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; Prospector Jake; Dicky Saunders

Synopsis

Saunders is captured by gangsters looking for the gold mine. Bob investigates an extinct volcano crater with his rocket plane but is mysteriously repelled.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#4 (16) (December 1936)

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 3] (Table of Contents: 80)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Bob and several of his men leave their camp base in planes.

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; Prospector Jake

Synopsis

Merritt's camp is raided, but he returns just in time to run them off with his plane and tracer bullets. They investigate the scene of the attack but find no bodies. They decide to strike camp and move to safer ground.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#5 (17) (January 1937)

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 4] (Table of Contents: 81)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

During the night Bob Merritt's camp is suddenly attacked by a mysterious and well-armed group of invaders.

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; Dicky Saunders; Monk Morton (villain)

Synopsis

Bob flies out to investigate the cloud again. Meanwhile, Monk Morton plans to topple the cliffside camp. Saunders escapes into a narrow cave, while Monk's men fire bullets after him.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#6 (18) (February 1937)

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 5] (Table of Contents: 82)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Young Saunders, a member of Bob Merritt's organization, is captured by Monk Morton who seeks to know...

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Dicky Saunders; The Silent Orientals

Synopsis

Saunders escapes from Monk Morton only to be captured by a group of Asians who seem to have discovered the gold mine.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#7 (19) (March 1937)

Keywords

chamber; execution; monks; ritual sacrifice; terror-stricken; torch-lit

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 6] (Table of Contents: 83)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Dicky Saunders, youngest member of Bob Merritt's flying company, in escaping from Monk Morton's mobsters...

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Dicky Saunders; Bob Merritt; Shorty; The Silent Orientals

Synopsis

While investigating the clouded volcano, Bob scouts too far from his plane and is also captured by the mysterious Asians.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#8 (20) (May 1937)

Keywords

chopping block; cloud; death sentence; gold; kidnapping; lookout; red light; thick glasses; underground; volcano

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 7] (Table of Contents: 84)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Knowing the danger in attempting to pierce the mysterious cloud that hovers over the crater, Bob Merritt, on his lone tour of inspection...

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; Dicky Saunders; Buzz; Shorty; Tex; Prospector Jake; Monk Morton

Synopsis

Bob is taken to the same execution chamber as Saunders. Morton's gangsters wait to blow up Merritt's camp until after they know where the gold is. Bob's flying company and Jake take off in search of Merritt.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#9 (21) (June 1937)

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 8] (Table of Contents: 85)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Captured by a band of silent Asiatics while trying to lean the secret of the mysterious cloud hovering over the volcano...

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; The Silent Asiatics (The Silent Orientals); Dicky Saunders;

Synopsis

Bob is coerced into writing a note that instructs his flying company to retreat and abandon him and the claim to the gold mine. The note is delivered, but Bob bursts free to attack the big executioner.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#10 (22) (July 1937)

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 9] (Table of Contents: 86)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The guard that Dicky tripped was stunned by striking his head against the execution block.

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; Dicky Saunders

Synopsis

Bob and Dicky fight three thugs to the death, with Dicky turning the tide with a decisive blow from the executioner's sword. Meanwhile, Bob's company prepares to comply with the note, Morton's men wait at the bottom of the cliff. Bob and Dicky split up--Bob is to try to get to his plane, and Dicky is to get to Morton's men to save the camp from explosives.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#11 (23) (August 1937)

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 10] (Table of Contents: 87)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

In stunned amazement the Asiatics watch this half-naked American's sudden rush towards them with the executioner's huge sword.

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; The Silent Asiatics; Dicky Saunders; Monk Morton

Synopsis

Bob does his best to cause a ruckus outside the cave near the airfield to cover Dicky escaping the other direction towards Morton's men and Dicky is killing everyone who gets in his way. Finally, Bob retreats back into the cave and uses the sword to collapse the tunnel on the angry horde of Asiatics. He makes his way out to the airfield and steals back his plane.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v2#12 (24) (September 1937)

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 11] (Table of Contents: 88)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Bob got away!

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; Dicky Saunders; Buzz; Red; Shorty; Tex; Prospector Jake; Monk Morton

Synopsis

Merritt flies into his camp and checks with Buzz about the secret message that was coded into the note Bob was forced to write. He finds preparations are in place. Meanwhile, Dicky finds the explosives set at the base of the cliff just in time to disarm them from the remote detonation wire. However, he is briefly electrocuted in the process and is discovered by Morton and his men. The remaining Asiatics have taken to the air.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v3#1 (25) (October 1937)

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 12] (Table of Contents: 89)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

With their huge transport planes laden with the gold from old Prospector Jake's Alaskan volcano mine, the Asiatics have taken to the air.

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; Dicky Saunders; Monk Morton (villain); The Wasp (villain); Trigger (villain)

Synopsis

The Asiatics' planes bear down on Bob's camp, Morton presses his attack on Dicky's position and Merritt prepares to ambush Dicky's attackers from the rear. By the time the bombs drop, however, Bob's men have already evacuated the camp.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #v3#3 (27) (December 1937)

Indexer Notes

'The Wasp' and 'Trigger' are not super-villains - just thugs from Monk's crew with decent nicknames.

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 13] (Table of Contents: 90)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Fearing Bob Merritt and his companions might interfere with their transporting the gold from old Prospector Jake's claim...

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt; Dicky Saunders; Buzz; Red Gleason; Shorty; Tex; Prospector Jake; Monk Morton (villain); The Wasp (villain, death); Trigger (villain, death)

Synopsis

Bob meets up with Dicky, having gunned down The Wasp and Trigger, as Morton and the rest of his men retreat to find their planes, as the Asiatics' bombs are hammering Merritt's camp.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #28 (January 1938)

[Alaskan Adventure, Part 14] (Table of Contents: 91)

Bob Merritt / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Inks

Leo O'Mealia (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

With a roar the rocket ship shoots from the ground.

Genre

adventure; aviation

Characters

Bob Merritt

Synopsis

Merritt flies alone against both the planes of the Asiatics and those of Monk Morton's men. He uses his tiny "Bumble-Bee" rocket plane effectively dodging among the other heavier planes and bi-planes, making kill after kill.

Reprints

• from More Fun Comics (DC, 1936 series) #29 (February 1938)

Indexer Notes

This segment is the last installment collected here and the second-to-last ever written for Bob Merritt. Similar to the explanation for the missing episode of Barry O'Neill, the author states on page 127 that the final installment of the Bob Merritt story arc collected here (originally published in More Fun Comics (1936 series) #30 March-April 1938) was left out because of the rarity of the original material. However, she explains that the uncollected sequence is one-page, black and white, and ends with Bob flying off with "to be continued."

The author's description (of the uncollected segment) conflicts with GCD records for that sequence. GCD indexer Jim Van Dore confirmed the sequence has no color, but that it is two pages. Furthermore, Bob Merritt wins the dogfight, descends to the volcano and deplanes, only to be shot by the Asiatic marauders. It's an unresolved cliffhanger since no Merritt stories have ever appeared since. In fact, it is part 14 collected here that ends with Bob flying off with "to be continued."

[Mystery Stories [v12 #1, October 1927]] (Table of Contents: 92)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

? (painted)

Inks

? (painted)

Colors

? (painted)

Letters

typeset

Genre

adventure

Synopsis

A lone Viking figure looks out at the sun breaking the horizon.

Indexer Notes

This is the original cover was for Mystery Stories [v12 #1, October 1927] (25¢, pulp) and contained the short story "The Blood Pearls," by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson.

Chapter Nine, "Blood Pearls" (Table of Contents: 93)

about comics / 1 page (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

"Blood Pearls" is one of the finer examples of Wheeler-Nicholson's pulp writing.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

157 - 157

Abstract

The author discusses "The Blood Pearls," a story published in comics in six 4-page installments in New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #8-11 and New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #12-13. Again, this is writing that originated in Wheeler-Nicholson's pulp career, this time from 1927 with the publication of "The Blood Pearls" in the pages of Mystery Stories [v12 #1, October 1927] (25¢, pulp). She discusses Wheeler-Nicholson's military background as having informed the narrative and remarks on the unusual choices made for the protagonist. Artist Munson Paddock's background is also discussed, as well as his remarkable work for the comic book implementation.

[Episode 1] (Table of Contents: 94)

The Blood Pearls / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (credited)

Pencils

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Inks

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Baslyn, heavy-jowled white man, lives by his wits in the Orient.

Genre

adventure

Characters

Baslyn; Dato Penang; Tsao-Chung's daughter

Synopsis

Baslyn wants the Blood Pearls so badly he agrees to abduct a Chinese mestiza girl for old Dato who taunts him with the necklace's rare beauty and unusual snake setting made up of seven rubies. So charged, he returns to Manila and happens upon a festival and meets a masked woman. He woos her out of selfish reasons at first, but when she is unmasked he realizes she fits the bill for old Dato, so he drugs her.

Indexer Notes

Baslyn could be referenced as a villain, but his story as an unwitting protagonist in a story about cursed jewelry transforms him into something of a victim of his greed leading him from one wrong choice to the next with no hope of escape.

A Filipina mestiza is a woman of mixed Filipino and any foreign ancestry. The context here indicates an exotic Chinese woman of rare beauty.

[Episode 2] (Table of Contents: 95)

The Blood Pearls / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (credited)

Pencils

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Inks

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Baslyn, in Manila, has drugged a lovely Chinese girl!

Genre

adventure

Characters

Baslyn; Tsao-Chung's daughter; Felipe; Penang's nephew (introduction); Dato Penang (death)

Synopsis

Baslyn and Felipe sail back to old Dato but are met by Dato's nephew, who makes them wait till morning. Baslyn tries to trade the girl to Data for the pearls, but the nephew stabs Dato and seizes the girl escaping into the night. On the way out, oddly, he insists Baslyn take the priceless necklace. As Baslyn recovers and cleans up, he is seized almost immediately by haunted guilt over having betrayed the girl.

Indexer Notes

The story arc will finish after part six with no explanation as to whatever happens to the girl.

[Episode 3] (Table of Contents: 96)

The Blood Pearls / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (credited)

Pencils

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Inks

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Baslyn, white scoundrel in Manila, takes a Chinese girl, drugged, to old Dato Penang--receiving in exchange Dato's blood pearls.

Genre

adventure

Characters

Baslyn; Fong; Tsao-Chung; Filipe

Synopsis

Baslyn tries to sell the pearls to Fong, but he refuses them and only looks at Baslyn with pity. Baslyn tries other dealers with no luck. Knowing he cannot go to white dealers he retreats and is followed by the girl's father, Tsao-Chung. Tsao-Chung threatens him with a curse, but Baslyn throws him overboard for the sharks and escapes with Felipe. He sells his boat and packs hastily for the States.

[Episode 4] (Table of Contents: 97)

The Blood Pearls / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (credited)

Pencils

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Inks

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Baslyn, in Manila, abducts a Chinese mestiza girl and exchanges her for blood pearls which he is unable to sell.

Genre

adventure

Characters

Baslyn; Tsao-Chung's daughter (flashback); Penang's nephew (flashback); Dato Penang (flashback)

Synopsis

Baslyn makes it to his transpacific ship in time, but as they set sail, he begins to stew about the events. He becomes obsessed with the number seven noticing it everywhere and letting Tsao-Chung's warning curse get under his skin. Reaching the U.S., he spooks at the sight of a Chinese person who might be Tsao-Chung and bolts for a train station to Chicago. Once in the new city, he spots another Chinese man again.

[Episode 5] (Table of Contents: 98)

The Blood Pearls / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (credited)

Pencils

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Inks

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Baslyn has committed two heinous crimes--he fears "certain punishment."

Genre

adventure

Characters

Baslyn; Tsao-Chung (The Chinaman)

Synopsis

Baslyn is somewhat hysterical by now and leaves the train in Michigan heading to a farmhouse to hide out. But while he sleeps, he is robbed by a drifter who himself befalls an unfortunate accident right there in the barn. He retrieves the pearls and makes his way to a remote cabin. But nearby the Chinese man approaches. Baslyn bursts from the cabin, escaping into the night.

[Episode 6] (Table of Contents: 99)

The Blood Pearls / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (credited)

Pencils

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Inks

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Relentlessly, the Chinaman pursues!

Genre

adventure

Characters

Baslyn (death); Tsao-Chung's brother (The Chinaman)

Synopsis

Baslyn believes the ghost of Tsao-Chung is pursuing him. He flees the cabin, through Detroit and onto New York City. He finds a pearl dealership near Bell Street, but the Chinese man is waiting for him. Baslyn is done for. The pearls and the body are left for the dealer to find. The Chinese man visits a high priest on the very same street and reports the disposition of Baslyn. The Chinese man is revealed to be the girl's uncle--the brother of the murdered Tsao-Chung.

Indexer Notes

In the comics, the story is considered complete, but Tsao-Chung's daughter is never recovered nor is Dato Penang's nephew who had made off with her into the night in part two.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 100)

The Monastery of the Blue God / illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Munson Paddock

Inks

Munson Paddock

Colors

?

Genre

adventure; military

Characters

The Governor of Kalgan

Synopsis

The Governor of Kalgan orders executions.

Indexer Notes

This is a single frame reproduction blown up to fill the entire page. The frame is taken from The Monastery of the Blue God in New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 Series) from possibly v2#11 (23) or v2#12 (24), which would have been the tenth or eleventh installment out of twelve. It wouldn't be earlier because earlier installments are sufficiently indexed so as to be ruled out.

Chapter Ten, "The Monastery of the Blue God." (Table of Contents: 101)

about comics / 1.4 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

"The Monastery of the Blue God" was originally a pulp story, "The Monastery of the Blue Death" in The Popular Magazine (April 2, 1930).

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

183 - 185

Abstract

The author covers the background pulp story in detail and relates it to Wheeler-Nicholson's own military experience again, but also takes time to discuss family history, including the Major's wife Elsa Bjøerkbom, a woman of aristocratic background, who is the model for the story's heroine. This is apparent in the writing as well as Munson Paddock's art. The comic story appears in twelve 4-page installments but only three are collected in this volume.

[Elsa Bjøerkbom] (Table of Contents: 102)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

? (photograph)

Inks

? (photograph)

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

The author, Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson, includes a charming studio portrait of Elsa Bjøerkbom, a woman of aristocratic background, who is Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's wife and the model and prototype for the heroine of The Monastery of the Blue God. This is apparent in the Major's writing as well as Munson Paddock's art.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 103)

The Monastery of the Blue God / illustration / 0.6 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Munson Paddock

Inks

Munson Paddock

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Who is this Von Bolander?

Genre

adventure; military

Characters

Captain Douglas Stewart; Baroness Elsa von Saxenberg

Synopsis

Stewart asks the lovely Elsa what she knows about Lieutenant Count Kraft Von Bolander.

Indexer Notes

This is the 19th frame of episode 2 of The Monastery of the Blue God, originally published in New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) v2#3 (15) May 1937. The author of this compilation includes this enlarged frame to demonstrate the likeness to the real-life Elsa Bjøerkbom.

[Episode 1] (Table of Contents: 104)

The Monastery of the Blue God / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (credited)

Pencils

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Inks

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The Swedish legation in Paris is ablaze with lights!

Genre

adventure; military

Characters

Captain Douglas Stewart (introduction); Sergeant Miller; Lieutenant Count Kraft Von Bolander (Swedish military); Baroness Elsa von Saxenberg; Vivan Kroningeld

Synopsis

The armistice for the World War has been signed, and Captain Stewart attends a celebratory ball in Paris where he runs into his friend, Miller. At once, he is distracted by the appearance of Elsa von Saxenberg, a Swedish aristocrat. Stewart gets an uneasy introduction to her by Von Bolander and by the end of the evening, the two have another date planned. As they part, he tells that in three days he will propose to her.

Reprints

• from New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #v2#2 (14) (March 1937)

Indexer Notes

The first two pages are black, white, and red; the last two pages are black and white. The story arc originally appeared in twelve 4-page installments, but only three are collected in this volume, selected by the author of the compilation to highlight the relationship between the family-inspired characters written by her grandfather. Sergeant Miller is described in his first frame as being dressed in a lieutenant's uniform, but the story consistently refers to him as a sergeant.

[Episode 2] (Table of Contents: 105)

The Monastery of the Blue God / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (credited)

Pencils

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Inks

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Well roommate, I am to return to the States on the next transport!

Genre

adventure; military

Characters

Captain Douglas Stewart; Lieutenant Count Kraft Von Bolander (Swedish military); Baroness Elsa von Saxenberg; Vivan Kroningeld

Synopsis

With only a day left in Paris, Stewart makes his plans to woo Elsa. They manage to take lunch but are shadowed the Count and another man. Afterward, they evade the Count, while Elsa remains reluctant but charmed by the Captain's plans for their future. He learns about the sapphire she wears with its hidden note and about the Blue God, but they are spied upon. Her brooch is misplaced, and Von Bolander and a scar-faced man steal the note about the treasure behind the jewel. Stewart finds the Count and confronts him.

Reprints

• from New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #v2#3 (15) (May 1937)

Indexer Notes

The first two pages are black, white, and red; the last two pages are black and white. The story arc originally appeared in twelve 4-page installments, but only three are collected in this volume, selected by the author of the compilation to highlight the relationship between the family-inspired characters written by her grandfather.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 106)

The Monastery of the Blue God / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (credited)

Pencils

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Inks

Munson Paddock [as Pad] (credited)

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Captain Douglas Stewart, Intelligence Service, Peking, his fiancée, Baroness Elsa Von Saxonberg, Sergeant Miller and Corporal Drenoff travel to Mongolia...

Genre

adventure; military

Characters

Captain Douglas Stewart; Baroness Elsa Von Saxenberg; Sergeant Miller; Corporal Drenoff; The Governor of Kalgan; Lieutenant Count Kraft Von Bolander (villain)

Synopsis

The Chinese Governor of Kalgan listens to Von Bolander's lies about our heroes and orders the men executed and the woman captured. Meanwhile, Stewart, Elsa, Miller and Drenoff drive through the desert. They narrowly escape the advance of fifty Chinese cavalry and instead manage to effect a capture and surrender by using a herd of Mongol ponies to hide their numbers.

Indexer Notes

The first two pages are black, white, and red; the last two pages are black and white. The story arc originally appeared in twelve 4-page installments, but only three are collected in this volume, selected by the author of the compilation to highlight the relationship between the family-inspired characters written by her grandfather. This 4-page story is the third segment collected and originally occurred either as the tenth or possibly the eleventh installment out of twelve. It wouldn't be earlier because earlier installments are sufficiently indexed so as to be ruled out.

New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) v2#1 [13] (February 1937) (Table of Contents: 107)

cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Whitney Ellsworth (signed)

Inks

Whitney Ellsworth (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

humor

Synopsis

A woman is unsteadily ice-skating while a boy follows her around with a pillow.

Reprints

• from New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #v2#1 [13] (February 1937)

Keywords

pillow

Chapter Eleven, The Comics of 1937 (Table of Contents: 108)

about comics / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The year 1937 was a watershed for the Major and his comics business.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

199 - 201

Abstract

The author discusses the business particulars of the emergence of the company that publishes Detective Comics #1, the major's fourth company and first to have stipulated a partnership with anyone--Harry Donenfeld and Jack Liebowitz. This partnership is short-lived as the Major was soon ousted. The author is careful in outlining Donenfeld's possible relationship to organized crime and the alleged coercion by Liebowitz and Donenfeld of the Major's agreements that led to him losing control over the entire comics operation. The author surveys the talent used in the 1937 comics.

New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) v2#7 (19) (September 1937) (Table of Contents: 109)

cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Creig Flessel (signed)

Inks

Creig Flessel (signed)

Colors

?

Genre

adventure

Synopsis

Two kids are at a beach playing pirates, suitably dressed, swords in hand. At their feet is a wooden crate half-buried in the sand with "Hidden Treasure, Captain Kidd" etched into it, with a pirate skull and crossbones. Also in hand is a copy of "How to Fence."

Reprints

• from New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #v2#7 (19) (September 1937)

Indexer Notes

This is presented between pages 1 and 2 of Chapter Eleven, The Comics of 1937.

[Sven Elven Sketch] (Table of Contents: 110)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Inks

Sven Elven (signed)

Synopsis

A profile of an attractive woman.

Indexer Notes

Pen and ink drawing from the artist behind many of Wheeler-Nicholson's classic adaptations for comics.

Chapter Twelve, Some Classics Illustrated (Table of Contents: 111)

about comics / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

First Line of Dialogue or Text

In addition to his pulp adventure stories based on his experiences and travels...

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

203 - 205

Abstract

The author discusses Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's pulp stories that took place in historical periods with elements of medieval crusades, knights and the occasional historical figure or location. Many of these pulp works would later inform the Major's writing and editing for comics. Artist Sven Elven had collaborated with Wheeler-Nicholson as early as 1925 on a rendition of The Three Musketeers. They would work together on Stevenson's Treasure Island and Haggard's She. The author delves into Sven Elven's background and biography. There is space enough for three frames of Sven Elven art taken from the story, "She." This classic novel adaptation ran fifty pages through 16 installments beginning in New Comics (1935 series) v1#6 (July 1936 through December 1937).

Indexer Notes

There is no reference to any Classics Comics or Classics Illustrated titles from Gilberton.

Foe of the Borgias (Table of Contents: 112)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Sven Elven

Inks

Sven Elven

Colors

?

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Rafael Colonna; tower guard

Synopsis

Rafael disarms a tower guard

Indexer Notes

This illustration is taken from the 22nd frame of the story, Foe of the Borgias, which originally appeared in New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) v2#1 [13] (February 1937)

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 113)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Sven Elven

Inks

Sven Elven

Colors

? (purple tint over black and white)

Letters

typeset

Genre

adventure; fantasy-supernatural

Indexer Notes

This illustration is a composite of two elements:
• text from the author introducing the next two stories ('Foe of the Borgias' and 'She').
• a faint, full-page background image taken from the second story ('She').

This is a single frame reproduction blown up to fill the entire page. The frame is taken from the story "She" running through fifty pages in 16 installments beginning in New Adventure Comics (1937 series) v1#6 (July 1936 through December 1937). The original frame text would have included, "She sits in Judgement, meting out a terrible penalty for this who dared to disobey her by attacking Holly and his companions."

Foe of the Borgias (Table of Contents: 114)

comic story / 11 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Sven Elven

Inks

Sven Elven

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Rafael Colonna, alone at meat in the castle of his love, the Princess Yolanda, perceives a sinister reflection...

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Rafael Colonna (introduction); Cesare Borgia (introduction, villain)

Reprints

• from New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #v2#1 [13] (February 1937)

Indexer Notes

The author of this compilation inexplicably elects to leave out the last page of the story, stating that the story is "almost impossible to obtain."

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 115)

She / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Sven Elven

Inks

Sven Elven

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Leo Vincey; Horace; Holly, with their men, Job and Mahomed, are captured by a savage tribe.

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Leo Vincey; Horace; Holly; Job; Mahomed; Ustane; Chief Billali

Synopsis

Captured by an African tribe, the crew shoots and fights their way through a thick crowd of 'savages.' Holly uses his enormous strength to crush, while Leo fights well, but is overwhelmed. At the last possible moment, Ustane uses her body to block and safeguard him. The skirmish is then interrupted by Chief Billali.

Indexer Notes

This two-page segment reprints entirely one of the two-page bits among 16 episodes of "She," adapted from the H. Rider Haggard novel. There are no dialog balloons - all the narrative and dialog is in short text at the bottom of each panel, with each page generally holding up to eight panels. The comic story originally ran through fifty pages in 16 installments beginning in New Adventure Comics (1937 series) v1#6 (July 1936 through December 1937). This installment (not identified by the author) has to be among the first seven episodes, as they were two pages long--possibly episode six. This is one of only two installments selected for this collection.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 116)

She / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Sven Elven

Inks

Sven Elven

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

She, seeing the scarab ring on Holly's finger and recognizing it as the one belonging to her ancient lover, Kallikrates...

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Leo Vincey; Holly; Job; Ustane; Chief Billali

Synopsis

She interrogates Holly about how he acquired the scarab ring. Holly is flustered but doesn't reveal anything, and soon She relents. Holly visits Leo, finding him still feverish and declining, so instead, he goes back to investigate a passageway. At the end of it, he glimpses She in the middle of a feverish ritual. He remains hidden and speculates to himself whether Leo really is her lover reincarnated. Later She and Holly discuss her rule and whether She can help save Leo. She arrives to do this and realizes that Leo is her reincarnated lover, Kallikrates.

Indexer Notes

The first two pages are black, white, and red; the last two pages are black and white. There are no dialog balloons - all the narrative and dialog is in short text at the bottom of each panel, with each page generally holding up to eight panels. This four-page segment reprints entirely one of the four-page bits among 16 episodes of "She," adapted from the H. Rider Haggard novel. The comic story originally ran through fifty pages in 16 installments beginning in New Adventure Comics (1937 series) v1#6 (July 1936 through December 1937). This installment (not identified by the author) has to be among the first few of the last nine episodes, as they were four pages long. This is one of only two installments selected for this collection.

[New Comics (DC, 1935 series) v1#6 (July 1936)] (Table of Contents: 117)

cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Whitney Ellsworth

Inks

Whitney Ellsworth

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

humor; children

Synopsis

A boy fishing (while wearing a tie) holds up a fish skeleton to a guilty cat with a halo on his head.

Reprints

• from New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#6 (July 1936)

Chapter Thirteen, "The Golden Dragon" (Table of Contents: 118)

about comics / 1.25 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

"The Golden Dragon" first appeared in New Comics #6.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

225 - 227

Abstract

Author Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson introduces "The Golden Dragon." The comic story originally ran through 126 pages in 31 installments beginning in New Comics (1935 series) v1#6 (July 1936 through March 1939). While the pulp source of this story (published as a serial in the summer of 1931) is not considered as good as some of the other of the Major's pulps, it was suitable for adaptation as a comic story. The entire 126 pages are rendered by pulp artist Tom Hickey and his bio and background are also discussed. Only six complete segments are included in this compilation, so the author takes time to frame up plot points from the other 25 sections.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 119)

The Golden Dragon / illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Tom Hickey (signed)

Inks

Tom Hickey

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Down the valley charged a mob of Mongol horsemen!

Genre

adventure; historical

Synopsis

The Cossacks defend Ian Murray's weapons caravan from Mongol horsemen.

Indexer Notes

This is a single frame reproduction blown up to fill the entire page. The frame is taken from The Golden Dragon feature in New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#9, October 1936. The original feature was originally just two pages long and twelve frames. This frame (the story's action peak) was selected to highlight Hickey's higher-quality art and the myriad pulp origins of these characters, going back years to 1931 in Wheeler-Nicholson's own writings. The Golden Dragon storyline lasted through 31 parts for almost three years. The presentation here is between page 1 and 2 of Chapter Thirteen: The Golden Dragon.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 120)

The Golden Dragon / illustration / 0.75 page (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Tom Hickey

Inks

Tom Hickey

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Why yes, do you know of him?

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Doris Willis; Ian Murray; Ken Cockerill

Synopsis

Doris and Ken discuss Torgadoff, who had abducted her in Peking.

Indexer Notes

This is a single panel reproduction blown up to fill nearly the entire page. The frame is taken from The Golden Dragon feature in New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#9, October 1936. The feature was originally just two pages long and twelve panels. This frame (a complimentary profile of Doris on her mount) was selected to highlight Hickey's higher-quality art and the myriad pulp origins of these characters, going back years to 1931 in Wheeler-Nicholson's own writings. The Golden Dragon storyline lasted through 31 parts for almost three years. The presentation here is between page 1 and 2 of Chapter Thirteen: The Golden Dragon.

[Episode 3] (Table of Contents: 121)

The Golden Dragon / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Tom Hickey (signed)

Inks

Tom Hickey

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

There's a blockade on the tracks!

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Ian Murray; Lefty Murphy; Ken Cockerill; Doris Willis

Synopsis

In the Gobi desert, Bandits attack the train, but Ian and his crew drive them off. They arrive safely in Kuei-Hua. They're about to set off with guns and ammo loaded into a camel caravan when Doris Willis is chased into the scene by mounted Mongols. Ian scatters them to save her.

Reprints

• from New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#8 (September 1936)

Indexer Notes

• The indexed copy has the pages printed out of order. The correct reading order for this segment is page 228 followed by page 237. This installment is comprised of numbered panels from 1 to 8 and 9 to 15, having the synopsis as described above.
• Of the six episodes collected from The Golden Dragon, overall the correct reading order is pages 228,237,236,229-235 and 238-243.
• This is the first segment to read of the six available.

[Episode 4] (Table of Contents: 122)

The Golden Dragon / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Tom Hickey (signed)

Inks

Tom Hickey

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Well, it was this way: In Peking I had the misfortune to be captured by a horrible, pale-faced Tartar by the name of Torgadoff.

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Ian Murray; Ken Cockerill; Doris Willis; Lefty Murphy; Torgadoff (villain)

Synopsis

Ian learns how Doris was taken from Peking to the Mongol compound near Kuei-Hua where she managed to escape and reach his caravan. Since she is on her own, Ian is obliged to accept her into the band. The group sets out to deliver weapons caravan to the Ja-Lama. On the way, they meet up with a friendly band of Cossacks who join as guards. Soon Mongol riders come upon Ian's advance patrol and the Cossacks drive them off. Shortly, they spy Torgadoff heading a column of horsemen directly for their weapons caravan behind them.

Reprints

• from New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#9 (October 1936)

Indexer Notes

• Torgadoff is described by Doris as a Tartar, which is a particular Turkic-speaking culture from west-central Russia.
• The indexed copy has the pages printed out of order. The correct reading order for this segment is page 236 followed by page 229. This is comprised of numbered panels from 1 to 6 and 7 to 12 having the synopsis as described above.
• Of the six episodes collected from The Golden Dragon, overall the correct reading order is pages 228,237,236,229-235 and 238-243.
• This is the second segment to read of the six available.

[Episode 5] (Table of Contents: 123)

The Golden Dragon / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Tom Hickey (signed)

Inks

Tom Hickey

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Recovering from the shock of seeing the vast column of Mongol horsemen, Ian, Ken and Lefty Murphy come to a quick decision--

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Ian Murray; Ken Cockerill; Lefty Murphy

Synopsis

Ian's patrol elects to harass the column of Mongol riders to prevent them from reaching the caravan, but are soon in over their heads as ammunition runs out and the Mongols advance on their high-top position.

Reprints

• from New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#10 (November 1936)

Indexer Notes

• Of the six episodes collected from The Golden Dragon, overall the correct reading order is pages 228,237,236,229-235 and 238-243. This is because of the page-ordering misprint.
• This is the third segment to read of the six available.

[Episode 6] (Table of Contents: 124)

The Golden Dragon / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Pencils

Tom Hickey (signed)

Inks

Tom Hickey

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

We left Ian, Ken and Murphy stranded on the mountaintop, out of ammunition and about to be attacked by a mob of fierce Mongols.

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Ian Murray; Ken Cockerill; Lefty Murphy; Doris Willis; Bob Walker; Don Walker; Red Riley; Pan Chi-Lou

Synopsis

While Ian fights at the mountaintop, Doris, the Cossacks, and the rest of Ian's band wait for their return. Bob gets educated on Doris' ability to handle a weapon and they begin to hear Ian's fighting. They plan to take five men up and relieve them.

Reprints

• from New Comics (DC, 1935 series) #v1#11 (December 1936)

Indexer Notes

• Of the six episodes collected from The Golden Dragon, overall the correct reading order is pages 228,237,236,229-235 and 238-243.
• This is the fourth segment to read of the six available.

[Episode 7] (Table of Contents: 125)

The Golden Dragon / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (plot); Tom Hickey (script)

Pencils

Tom Hickey (signed)

Inks

Tom Hickey

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Hearing his name called, Ian whirls to find a breathless Pan Chi-Lou standing there, his arms loaded with ammunition drums.

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Ian Murray; Ken Cockerill; Lefty Murphy; Pan Chi-Lou; Bob Walker; Don Walker; Doris Willis;

Synopsis

While five men have left the caravan to bring ammunition to Ian, Ken, and Murphy, it is a sixth person (Pan Chi-Lou) who arrives first, having taken a shortcut. The Mongols are routed yet again, and Pan walks Ian through what might be coming next, based on the gold pieces found on the dead from the treasure of Genghis Khan. The final panel gives a glimpse of the Dragon Priests who are making big plans to stop Ian's weapons caravan from reaching the Ja-Lama.

Reprints

• from New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #v1#12 (January 1937)

Indexer Notes

• Of the six episodes collected from The Golden Dragon, overall the correct reading order is pages 228,237,236,229-235 and 238-243. This is because of the page-ordering misprint.
• This is the fifth segment to read of the six available. This is also the last segment that is collected without skipping anything, as this segment concludes with the band at the mountaintop in daylight, while the next segment begins at night and the band has already reached their destination, safe behind a gate.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 126)

The Golden Dragon / comic story / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (plot); Tom Hickey (script)

Pencils

Tom Hickey (signed)

Inks

Tom Hickey

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

What the heck is going to pop next?

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Ian Murray; Ken Cockerill; Lefty Murphy; Mongol Messenger (The Mongol Leader, disguised)

Synopsis

Ian, Ken, and Lefty are holed up at night when a fat messenger arrives demanding to see Pan Chi-Lou. They allow him to enter the compound, but then Pan Chi-Lou is nowhere to be found.

Indexer Notes

This two-page excerpt appears to be a detached story example (page 3 and 4 of an episode, with the episode's conclusion evident) taken from one of the four-page segments of The Golden Dragon. Only episodes 10 through 21 are four-pagers. The Golden Dragon comic story originally ran through 126 pages in 31 installments beginning in New Comics (1935 series) v1#6 (July 1936 through March 1939). As the series changed names and indicia publishers, the chapters kept up, missing only one issue.
• Of the six episodes collected from The Golden Dragon, overall the correct reading order is pages 228,237,236,229-235 and 238-243, because of the page-ordering misprint.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 127)

The Golden Dragon / comic story / 4 pages (report information)

Script

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (plot); Tom Hickey (script)

Pencils

Tom Hickey (signed)

Inks

Tom Hickey

Colors

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Disguised partially by the heavy coat and hat taken from the unconscious Mongol, Ian boldly walks toward the campfire and the sentinel...

Genre

adventure; historical

Characters

Ian Murray; Doris Willis; Pan Chi-Lou; The Mongol Leader

Synopsis

Ian is in the Mongol outpost where Doris and Pan are being held captive. While disguised he sneaks about at night trying to misdirect the guards while Pan acquires three camels for their escape. Ian stumbles upon the Mongol Leader and the fight.

Indexer Notes

This sequence is complete and originates from one of the four-page segments of The Golden Dragon. Only episodes 10 through 21 are four-pagers. The Golden Dragon comic story originally ran through 126 pages in 31 installments beginning in New Comics (1935 series) v1#6 (July 1936 through March 1939). As the series changed names and indicia publishers, the chapters kept up, missing from only one issue.
• Of the six episodes collected from The Golden Dragon, overall the correct reading order is pages 228,237,236,229-235 and 238-243, because of the page-ordering misprint.
• This installment is the last complete segment to read of the six available.
• In one panel Pan Chi-Lou looks right at Ian Murray and inexplicably says, "Sure, Mike!"

Action Comics [ashcan] (DC, 1937 series) #1 (Table of Contents: 128)

cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Creig Flessel

Inks

Creig Flessel

Letters

typeset

Genre

detective-mystery

Reprints

• from Action Comics [ashcan] (DC, 1937 series) #1 ([December 1, 1937])

Indexer Notes

The cover was originally intended for Detective Comics (DC, 1937 series) #2, but never used.

Chapter Fourteen, The Endgame (Table of Contents: 129)

about comics / 2.5 pages (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

In spite of the stress he was under in 1937, the Major managed to publish 32 comics, consisting of three titles, More Fun, New Adventure and Detective Comics.

Genre

non-fiction

Pages

245 - 247

Abstract

Author Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson presents the case to explain her grandfather's importance in the emergence of the American comics business. It's evident that by December 1937, the race was on to secure the Action Comics copyright and to line up Superman as the lead content for the new title. The legal battle brought by Liebowitz and Donenfeld is portrayed as one to keep the Wheeler-Nicholson mired, out of the way and ultimately out of the business. The author describes the family's perspective on what happened, the public records, the Major's steps and possible missteps in the larger context of his character. After the bankruptcy was ruled against him he returned to writing novels.

Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #1 (Table of Contents: 130)

Superman / cover reprint (on interior page) / 0.25 page (report information)

Pencils

Joe Shuster (see notes)

Inks

Joe Shuster (see notes)

Colors

Jack Adler (see notes)

Letters

typeset

Genre

superhero

Characters

Superman [Clark Kent]

Reprints

• from Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #1 (June 1938)

Keywords

automobiles

Indexer Notes

View sequence notes for the original publication https://www.comics.org/issue/293/#6720 for more information about credits. This cover is presented on the second page of Chapter Fourteen, The End Game.

[Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson] (Table of Contents: 131)

illustration / 0.25 page (report information)

Pencils

? (photograph)

Inks

? (photograph)

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

The bottom left quarter of the page is reserved for a studio portrait of Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson in later years. This is presented on the second page of Chapter Fourteen, The End Game.

New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #24 (February 1938) (Table of Contents: 132)

cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Creig Flessel (signed)

Inks

Creig Flessel (signed)

Colors

?

Genre

adventure; western-frontier

Synopsis

Two men in a canoe going through rapids.

Reprints

• from New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) #24 (February 1938)

Afterword (Table of Contents: 133)

foreword, introduction, preface, afterword / 2 pages (report information)

Script

David Armstrong

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

I have long wanted to produce a documentary series about the comic book business.

Genre

non-fiction

Synopsis

Associate editor, David Armstrong reviews his personal experiences leading him to be interested in comics history and Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson's project in particular. He recounts early fan experiences of the 1960s and entering into film-making. In particular, he recounts his personal interviews with some of the talents documented here and their contemporaries, including Vin Sullivan, Creig Flessel, Joe Giella, Mart Levy and Sy Barry. Many were able to attest to what it was like to work for Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's companies. Includes a small photo of Creig Flessel and Fred Guardineer.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 134)

Federal Men / comic story / 1 page (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel

Pencils

Joe Shuster

Inks

Joe Shuster

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

adventure; science fiction

Characters

Jor-L (a Federal Man of 3000 A.D. in Prof. Grant's fantasy, not to be confused with Superman's father, introduction); Nira-Q (villain in Grant's fantasy, introduction, reforms); Martain gang (villains)

Synopsis

Jor-L, ace sleuth of the service, uses his one man space flyer to track down a disturbance on Mars. There he meets Nira-Q, the bandit queen. She captures him to use as a hostage when she tries to seize a space ship with a priceless radium cargo.

Indexer Notes

This is page two of the original four-page story published in New Adventure Comics (DC, 1937 series) v1#12 (January 1937). Characters and synopsis only cover this one page. Visit https://www.comics.org/issue/155/#3887 for the full description.

The page is presented in this compilation between page one and two of the afterword.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 135)

Oscar / comic story / 0.1 page (report information)

Script

?

Pencils

?

Inks

?

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Hello there, sonny boy!

Genre

humor

Synopsis

Oscar taps a boy on the head in greeting, but when the boy cries, he gets his own lesson in head knocks.

Reprints

• from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#7 (January 1936)

Indexer Notes

The three sequences taken from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#7 are reproduced as a single image effectively retaining the page's original layout.

Answer to Puzzles in Last Issue (Table of Contents: 136)

activity / 0.65 page (report information)

Script

?

Pencils

?

Inks

?

Letters

?

Reprints

• from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#7 (January 1936)

Indexer Notes

The three sequences taken from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#7 are reproduced as a single image effectively retaining the page's original layout.

More Fun (DC, 1936 series) v1#7 (January 1936) (Table of Contents: 137)

statement of ownership / 0.25 page (report information)

Script

F. B. Jeske

Letters

typeset

Genre

non-fiction

Reprints

• from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#7 (January 1936)

Indexer Notes

The three sequences taken from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#7 are reproduced as a single image effectively retaining the page's original layout.

"Published monthly in St. Louis, MO
Publisher: More Fun Magazines, Inc., 373 Fourth Ave, New York, NY
Editor: Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, 373 Fourth Ave, New York, NY
Managing Editor: William H. Cook, 373 Fourth Ave, New York, NY
Business Manager John F. Mahon, 373 Fourth Ave, New York, NY
Asst. Business Manager F. B. Jeske, 420 DeSoto, Ave. St. Louis, Mo.
Owners:
More Fun Magazines, Inc., 373 Fourth Ave, New York, NY
Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, 5 Forest Ave Great Neck, Long Island, NY
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Eagle Bldg., Brooklyn, NY"

Acknowledgments (Table of Contents: 138)

foreword, introduction, preface, afterword / 1 page (report information)

Script

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

It is impossible to write a book that reveals new information about the early days of comics history without the help of...

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

The author lists a treasure trove of resources for any comics researcher, alongside numerous thanks to individuals and institutions.

[The Vampire Master, Part 2] (Table of Contents: 139)

Doctor Occult / comic story / 1 page (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel [as Leger]

Pencils

Joe Shuster [as Reuths]

Inks

Joe Shuster

Letters

?

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Rose!-- The silver bullets!

Genre

adventure; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Doctor Occult; Rose Psychic; Sander Amster; The Vampire Master

Synopsis

After a thwarted attack for the Vampire Master, the villain threatens to swarm the city with vampires if a ransom is not paid. Doctor Occult prepares a trap.

Reprints

• from More Fun (DC, 1936 series) #v1#7 (January 1936)

Indexer Notes

The is the second of four 1-page episodes.

About the Authors (Table of Contents: 140)

foreword, introduction, preface, afterword / 1 page (report information)

Script

?

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson is writing a biography of Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson...

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

Includes blurbs for Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson, Jim Steranko and David Armstrong.

[Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson] (Table of Contents: 141)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

? (photograph)

Inks

? (photograph)

Genre

non-fiction

Indexer Notes

The author includes a full-page, candid outdoor photograph of her grandfather, Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, in a hat, warm coat, and an ascot.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 142)

blank page(s) / 3 pages (report information)

Indexer Notes

Starting just before the inside back cover, the first page is completely white. The last two blank pages have only the faintest of backgrounds suggesting the interior stories of platinum age comics, "Barry O'Neill."

[Adventure [v76 #1, September 15, 1930]] (Table of Contents: 143)

illustration / 1 page (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko

Pencils

Duncan McMillan [as D.McM.] (signed, painted)

Inks

Duncan McMillan [as D.McM.] (signed, painted)

Colors

Duncan McMillan [as D.McM.] (signed, painted)

Genre

adventure

Keywords

42M; Shavetail

Indexer Notes

This is the back cover and is a composite of two elements:
• The art for the Pulp fiction periodical containing a novelette, "Shavetail," by Malcolm Wheeler-Nelson. Adventure [v76 #1, September 15, 1930] ed. A. A. Proctor (The Butterick Publishing Company, 25¢, pulp). Presented without trade dress at about 50% size, centered.
• Above the art is a quote from Jim Steranko's foreword in this volume.