Featuring: Marvel Boy
Release: December 30, 1942
Cover: February 1943
10 cents
7 pages
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The only wrecks in this subway will be Nazis– not trains!
We read about Marvel’s original Marvel Boy from 1940, and now we jump ahead almost 3 years. Online sources differ as to whether this is the character’s second appearance, or the first appearance of a new character with the same superhero name.
There is textual evidence to support and refute both positions.
I have my own opinion, but let’s read the issue and consider the evidence.
To remind us of the previous Marvel Boy for comparison: Hercules was a master of the Egyptian art of reincarnation and a staunch defender of America and its ideals. When he died, his soul went to Valhalla, which is presided over by Jupiter. When Hercules realized the threat Hitler posed to America, he had himself reincarnated as young Martin Burns. Martin Burns was a very strong baby, and on his 14th birthday, he learned his true identity and purpose, and was given a name and costume to enable him to battle Germany spies and saboteurs: Marvel Boy.
Hypothesis A: These are the same character.
Hypothesis B: These are different characters.
Examine the evidence.
Continue reading “PRELUDE: USA Comics #7, Story C”