CATALOG RECORD

Marvel Mystery Comics #21

Marvel · Series began 1939 · July 1941

first appearance of Death

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WHY COLLECTORS WANT IT

Death (Marvel, abstract entity) — introduction

Dates

Cover date: July 1941
On sale: May 15, 1941
Pages: 68

Editions and covers

Original edition
Source ↗

Creators

pencils: Alex Schomburg, Carl Burgos, Jack Kirby, Joe Simon, Bill Everett, Bob Oksner, Art Gates, Ben Thompson, Paul Gustavsoninks: Alex Schomburg, Carl Burgos, Joe Simon, Syd Shores, Bill Everett, Bob Oksner, Art Gates, Ben Thompson, Paul Gustavsonscript: Carl Burgos, Joe Simon, Jack Kirby, Bill Everett, Ray Gill, Stan Lee, Paul Gustavsonletters: Howard Ferguson, Paul Gustavson

Stories

The Idol of Death · 15 pages
Prince Itor wishes to acquire the Idol of Death as legend holds it will grant him the power to rule men as the pharaohs did. A gangster named Crowley just wants to sell it for its value.
The Magnetic Lake Mystery · 12 pages
When an airline company suffers five crashes, the Sub-Mariner uses Betty to get the low down from a mysterious Nazi. The Nazi confesses to Betty that he and his boss are attempting to gain control of all of the major American airlines.
The Case of the Transport Crashes! · 7 pages
After five mysterious airplane crashes, Terry decides to use his radio-controlled model plane to investigate what is happening in the air.
The Story behind the Cover · 2 pages
The Flaming Duo investigate the Nazi destruction of ships carrying vital war goods to Greece.
Danger Ahead · 5 pages
The Patriot takes on a Nazi agent who has been placed in charge of organizing a campaign of sabotage.
Fight against the Fascists · 6 pages
While aiding the British as they drive the Italian fascists out of East Africa, Ka-Zar encounters a column of Italian tanks making their way through the jungle from Kenya.
The Sabotaged Schoolhouse · 7 pages
Senator Reeves and his committee head to a seacoast city to investigate the collapse of a school, but the Vision beats them to the punch, uncovering the men responsible for the shoddy construction.
The Weird Ghost of Amber Swamps · 9 pages
The Angel saves a girl reporter in his quest to uncover the identity of the ghost of Amber Swamp.

Characters

NamorSub-MarinerJim HammondHuman TorchAdolf HitlerThomas RaymondToroDeathThomas HallowayThe AngelJeff MaceAarkusThe VisionThe PatriotBetty DeanKa-ZarDavid RandTerry VanceDeadline DawsonDr. WatsonMary MorganJack Casey

Reprinted in

Marvel Masterworks: Golden Age Marvel Comics (2004), Golden Age Marvel Comics Omnibus (2009), Timely's Greatest: The Golden Age Human Torch by Carl Burgos Omnibus (2019), Timely's Greatest: The Golden Age Simon & Kirby Omnibus (2019), Timely's Greatest: The Golden Age Sub-Mariner by Bill Everett - The Pre-War Years Omnibus (2019)