Marvel Mystery Comics #2, December 1939 [published 13 Oct 39]

“The Human Torch” – We have a re-cap on page 1 – how like Silver Age Marvels! We learn that the Human Torch’s departure last issue killed poor Professor Horton. Last month’s text story was about car racing and now this month’s Human Torch adventure features the same subject matter. The Torch can’t fly yet, but he can apparently run at super-speed!!?! Well, there’s plenty of action with no depth; and I have to admit to being underwhelmed by Burgos’ art.

“The Angel” – I sort of liked this story – good plot – not too hackneyed for 1939. The artwork’s pretty good, and I enjoyed this way more than the Human Torch adventure.

“The Sub-Mariner” – Wow! This is certainly an interesting story – the star of this issue. Namor is bullet-proof, hmm. A tramp calls the Sub-Mariner “Tarzan"; ha-ha-ha! You know, there are actually some larger panels in this story! Namor’s libido raises it’s subsurface head. The Sub-Mariner takes lives again for the second time in two issues.

“The Masked Raider” – towns of outlaws weren’t a new literary device either. This is a pleasant little tale, even though it's rough around the edges.

“American Ace” – This tale is okay, but it reads more like a synopsis than a story.

“Death-Bird Squadron” (text story) – This is not the last time a Marvel hero would star in a text story! How can a sound be both deep and tinny? Let’s pause a minute: Golden Age Marvel super-heroes would be known for their involvement in World War Two; well, the first blow was struck here in this text story. Was this story written in a hurry? The Nazis invaded Poland September 17th, and this issue hit the stands less than a month later: October 13th! I can only presume that America’s involvement in World War Two, or perhaps even just commenting on the European war, was important to Martin Goodman.

“Adventures of Ka-Zar the Great” – This is, of course, the second installment of the adaptation of the first Ka-Zar pulp. Page 9, panel 7: this is one of the few bad panels in this series. Because this is an adaptation, each individual story seems a little episodic, but I don’t mind.

“All in Fun” – My favorite joke on this page is “I’m keepin’ them for a friend!”

“Loony Laffs” – My vote goes to “Your nose itches!”

Anarchy and Chaos are the natural state of the human race. Civilization is unnatural. It is a whim of circumstance. And Chaos must always ultimately triumph.