CATALOG RECORD

Zip Comics #1

Archie · Series began 1940 · February 1940

first appearance of Steel Sterling

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WHY COLLECTORS WANT IT

Steel Sterling (John Sterling, Archie Comics) — introduction · origin
Zambini the Miracle Man (Zachary Zambini, Archie Comics) — introduction
Kalthar (King of the Jungle, Archie Comics) — introduction · origin
Mr. Satan (Dudley Bradshaw, Archie Comics) — introduction
Captain Valor (Archie) — introduction

Dates

Cover date: February 1940
On sale: January 2, 1940
Pages: 68

Editions and covers

Original edition
Source ↗

Creators

pencils: Charles Biro, Kin Platt, Irv Novick, Frank Volpe, Lin Streeter, Ed Smalle, Mort Meskin, Edd Ashe, Irwin Hasen, Elmer Wexlerinks: Charles Biro, Kin Platt, Irv Novick, Frank Volpe, Lin Streeter, Ed Smalle, Mort Meskin, Edd Ashe, Irwin Hasen, Elmer Wexlerscript: Abner J. Sundell, Kin Platt, Harry Shorten, Irwin Hasen, Joe Blair

Stories

Untitled · 12 pages
John Sterling completes the chemical formula which will completely protect him from the underworld's bullets, unlike his murdered father who was killed by a group of ruthless gangsters. John bathes himself in the formula, which has been poured into a cauldron of molten steel, dives in the cauldron, and emerges as a man with the resistance, magnetism and strength of steel.
Untitled · 1 pages
A man buys Mugsy to be a watch-dog.
Untitled · 6 pages
Jim Kendall has devoted himself to wiping out gangland since the death of his wife and child while flying in a hijacked plane, which crashed, and in which all were killed except Jim. In the accident, his face muscles were paralyzed and Jim became the man who never smiled. Kendall has a giant scientific brain, and uses that science to the aid of his crusade.
The Rustlers of South Valley · 6 pages
The Cattleman's Association has sent Nevada Jones to help Irene Cox prevent her herd being stolen by rustlers.
Untitled · 6 pages
Kalthar fights a bands of Arab slavers.
The Devil's Flying Twins · 8 pages
The Shane twins are rich Americans who join the British Air Force to continue a feud with the German sportsman, Herr Schultz.
You Can't Win! · 2 pages
Executions are likely to be drably gruesome affairs even to the most hardened newspapermen.
The Pirates of Ho Tsin · 8 pages
Captain Valor resigns his commission in the U.S. Marine Corps to seek adventure, and, aided by Ronnie and Angie, heads to China to battle the evil Ho Tsin.
The Eye of Oglu · 6 pages
A young girl's father is missing after a series of weird happenings. She suspects foul play and contacts Dudley for help, who dons a purple costume with yellow cape and ventures out to help as Mr. Satan, international detective and soldier of fortune.
Lou Ambers · 1 pages
The Ritania-Hundania War · 8 pages
The king of Ritania begs Zambini to help him win the war against Hundania. Hundanian spies place a huge and deadly cobra, whose bite means death, in Zambini's bedroom.

Characters

Steel SterlingJohn SterlingJim KendallThe Scarlet AvengerZambini the Miracle ManDudley BradshawKaltharMr. SatanCaptain Valor

Reprinted in

Gwandanaland Comics (2016), Amazing Stories of Suspense (1963), The MLJ Companion (2016)