Featuring: Angel
Release: August 31, 1939
Cover: October 1939
10 cents
Credits: Paul Gustavson
8 pages
We have already read two stories from this, the very first Marvel comic, appropriately titled “Marvel Comics”. The most important character to debut in this issue is Sub-Mariner, whose story would be revived in the modern era in the pages of Fantatic Four. Next is Human Torch, who would not be revived, but rather reimagined– a new character created with the name and likeness. Another story in this issue features Ka-Zar, who will also get reimagined for the modern age. We’ll read his story when we meet the new one.
That leaves two other features, neither of whom will be revived in the Marvel Age of comics. One is the Masked Raider. Not sure when I’ll find an excuse to read his story, but I will at some point, just to complete the issue.
The other we get to now, the story of the Angel. We’re reading it now on the flimsy pretense that we just met the new Angel, a member of the X-Men. Even though it’s obvious these characters have nothing in common but a name. Not even sure this character was on anybody’s mind when they were creating the new Angel.
The story is this. The Six Big Men are a group of racketeers. People are too scared to testify against them, so the police can’t touch them. This doesn’t stop a vigilante like the Angel. So he murders each of the racketeers in turn.
Now, I love a Death Wish-style vigilante story as much as the next guy, but the story seems to be portraying Angel as entirely noble. It is hopefully clear to the readers that what happens in this story is not justice. Angel is a villain, not a hero. We have due process for a reason.
There’s a twist where we learn the mob boss had hired Angel in the first place, so he wouldn’t have to split proceeds with his men. But now I’ve gone and spoiled the twist. Ah well.
We don’t learn much about the Angel. We don’t learn his real name or see him in his secret identity. No real personality is on display. He’s spoken of in awe. And he shows up on the scene and starts murdering criminals. That’s all we get this issue. Maybe we’ll learn more next issue. Well, not us. We’re moving on to more relevant comics. (Actually, next we’ll read Marvel Boy. Maybe relevance will come later.)
Rating: ★★★☆☆, 50/100
Significance: ★★★★☆
I read this story in Marvel Masterworks: Golden Age Marvel Comics vol. 1.
Characters:
- Dr. Lang
- The Angel
- Gus Ronson
- Mike Malone
- John Dillon
- Trigger Bolo
- Lil
- Steve Enkel
Story notes:
- Six Big Men– a group of racketeers. Angel murders them one-by-one.
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