CAPTAIN TRIUMPH Volume 1 Hardcover

One of Quality's most interesting superheroes by several of their top artists. Lance is visited by his brother Michael's ghost -- when he touches his birthmark, the brothers merge and gain superpowers, including superhuman strength, flight, invulnerability, and invisibility. Lance called himself Captain Triumph and became a crime-fighter, the cover feature for a long run of Crack Comics. This was superbly drawn by the great Reed Crandall for many issues, though not the ones in this first collection. Identical twin brothers Michael and Lance Gallant were born in New York City. Both possessed T-shaped birthmarks on their left wrists. The boys were very close growing up. During the Second World War, Michael enlisted in the Air Force as a pilot. Unfortunately, on their 23rd birthday, Michael died when his hanger exploded and his brother, Lance, who saw the tragedy, grabbed Michael from the flames, only to have him die in his arms. Lance wanted vengeance! The Fates of Greek mythology witnessed Michael's death and decided to turn Lance into their champion. The concept worked very well; it was in the same tradition as Captain Marvel, who would appear when Bill said Shazam -- in this case, the living brother would disappear and be replaced by the hero Capt. Triumph, who was both brothers together in one body! Capt. Triumph took over the cover and lead feature of Crack with #27 and his origin, drawn by Alfred Andriola (later the acclaimed artist of Kerry Drake). Crandall drew the strip in issues #47-57, 59 and 60. This feature began in 1943 during the upheaval of World War II. Artists were also coming and going, many going into the service. It shows on who worked here. But these are some of Quality’s best artists,…and once he was back from the war, Reed Crandall, already drawing Blackhawk, was assigned to this. Obviously Quality considered it one of their best series, even though the character disappeared after the Golden Age, like many of their characters did. As I have often mentioned, Quality Group was one of my favorite Golden Age companies and still is. Although few of their heroes became household names, the level of art and story was, a great deal of the time, superior to most other Golden Age material. Captain Triumph was no exception, a ghost and man who combine to make a hero that was down to earth and just plain fun. Obviously Quality thought a lot of him, putting their #1 artist Reed Crandall onto the strip, at the same time he was drawing Blackhawk and other top selling titles. - Bud