- Script
- Al Feldstein
- Pencils
- Joe Orlando
- Inks
- Joe Orlando
- Colors
- Marie Severin
- Letters
- Jim Wroten
- Genre
- science fiction
- Characters
- Tarlton
- Synopsis
- Tarlton, the Earthman, has landed on the planet Cybrinia, home to mechanical life. He is to judge whether or not Cybrinia will be allowed to "partake of the wonders of Earth". As he is touring the planet, he notices that certain robots seem to be relegated to more menial work than others. In fact, they almost seem to be second-class citizens. After the tour, Tarlton informs the robots they are not worthy yet. As he boards his ship to return to Earth, we finally see Tarlton's face for the first time. No wonder he was so affected by the tour. As a black man, he's seen segregation firsthand.
- Reprints
Bill Gaines once related that this story actually got him in hot water with censors. They insisted that EC remove the drops of sweat from Tarlton's face in the final panel. Apparently, they found the thought of a black man's sweat offensive. Gaines threatened to sue if the story wasn't approved as-is, and the censors backed down.