Posted in: Comics, Heritage Sponsored, Vintage Paper | Tagged: golden age, Hangman, MLJ
Mystery of the Hangman Series Launch in Special Comics #1, at Auction
Dive into the unusual circumstances behind Special Comics #1, the series launch of the Hangman, one of MLJ's best-remembered superheroes.
The series launch of the Hangman, a uniquely dark character from the Golden Age of comics, appropriately begins amid a veil of mystery. Surprisingly, MLJ debuted the series for this foreboding character under the blandly neutral title Special Comics #1, rather than with the eponymous "Hangman Comics" name right from the start — like MLJ editor Abner Sundell said they would. The series launch quickly recaps what was likely the best character origin of the Golden Age with the Hangman's debut prompted by the death of his brother the Comet, and then dives straight into the vengeance with the Hangman's special case files. With excellent Harry Lucey cover and art, along with contributions from the talented Paul Reinman, Special Comics #1 is sometimes overlooked as the series launch that it is, but there's a Special Comics #1 (MLJ, 1941) CGC FN 6.0 Cream to off-white pages up for auction in the 2023 May 4 The MLJ Heroes Showcase Auction #40222 at Heritage Auctions.
As briefly retold in Special Comics #1, the Hangman's origin story chronicles the metamorphosis of Robert Dickering, the brother of John Dickering (The Comet), as he witnesses his sibling's untimely demise. This tragic loss galvanizes Robert to seek retribution, as he takes up the mantle of the Hangman with a relentless pursuit of justice. His genesis in Pep Comics #17, is thus intrinsically linked to the legacy of the Comet, a character first introduced in Pep Comics #1.
A rather mysterious series launch for one of MLJ's most enigmatic and sometimes brutal characters, there's a Special Comics #1 (MLJ, 1941) CGC FN 6.0 Cream to off-white pages up for auction in the MLJ Heroes Showcase Auction #40222 at Heritage Auctions. For those new to bidding at Heritage Auctions, it's advisable to consult the auction house's FAQ section to familiarize yourself with the bidding process and auction event details.