Title: "The Mad Bomber" (suggested title)
Published Date: Aug 1941
Generation: Golden Age Carter
Retcon Status: In Continuity
Summary: A remote-guided bomb strikes at a high rise in New York. The next day, a notice appears from the bomber, saying that he can strike anywhere he wants at any time. As Hawkman patrols the skies, he is nearly struck by one of the remote bombs! Following it to its target, he is able to save the intended victim -- Big Frenchy, a gangster boss. Frenchy agrees to work with Hawkman to find out who tried to kill him. As the Winged Wonder and the racketeer investigate, they discover that the bomber, a madman named Sathan, is working with Frenchy's men to eliminate the boss so that he can take over his racket.
Independently, Shiera has tracked down Sathan and tries to take him into custody. She is subdued by his men and thrown into the incinerator chute! Just then, Hawkman and Frenchy arrive. While Frenchy faces off with Sathan, Hawkman saves his lady. Together the heroes take down the bomber. On Hawkman's suggestion, Frenchy gives up a life of crime and becomes a policeman, helping with the interrogation of Sathan which leads to his conviction.
Review: Oh boy, this is definitely a lesser entry in this series so far. Despite the title, the remote bombs disappear very early in the story, and the main plot revolves around Frenchy and his eventual redemption. It's not exactly thrilling material. The main strength I can give the issue is Moldoff's art, as usual. I have really grown to appreciate his style and it continues to impress.
Insanely, when Hawkman is saving Shiera from falling to a burning death in the incinerator, he calls her an "idiot" and considers letting her fall as a punishment! The Golden Age, ladies and gentlemen...
Image: Flash Comics #20, 1941, Everett E. Hibbard.
1 comment:
I always liked this Flash Comics cover. Although Hawkman is not the main character on the cover, this is a nice piece of art. I like the hooded villains...very classic Golden Age.
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