THE AVENGER Volume 1 Hardcover

A rare 1955 superhero that predates the start of the Silver Age! The Avenger was created by Dick Ayers, Bob Powell, and renowned writer Gardner Fox. Wealthy scientist Roger Wright became a super-hero to avenge the death of his brother, tortured and killed by Soviet agents. The Avenger had no powers, but he had his own inventions to fall back on, most notably his VTOL aircraft known as the Starjet and Dissolver pistol. And a lovely assistant! The Avenger also possessed a utility belt containing items for almost any occasion (shades of Batman's utility belt!). He mainly focused on thwarting the schemes of Soviet forces, both in his native Empire City and around the world. Roger's assistant, Claire Farrow, made his costume; Roger asked her to make it after he saw Claire buy a Ghost Rider mask for her nephew! The series lasted four issues, but notably they were superior fare coming from these veteran creators. Publisher ME, Magazine Enterprises, created the Ghost Rider just a few years earlier, as well as The Black Phantom and other heroes that have been often revived over the years. #1 features the origin; #3 has a robot cover. Bob Powell drew all four covers, and did the art on issues #1-3. The Killers was another ME title that lasted just two issues. The reason #2 isn't here is probably because it's considered "scarce" by Overstreet, and it featured hashish smoking, a drug story, and a hanging cover. But with #1 you do get Mr. Zin, the Hatchet Killer, which is mentioned in Seduction of the Innocent and was used by the New York Legislative Committee! L.B. Cole cover.