CAPTAIN AMERICA #1

According to Forrest Gump, "evil is as evil does"... and no one is more evil than the nefarious Red Skull. Okay, I admit I may have misquoted Forrest a bit, but it still hammers the main point home. In this collage I have selected some of the best Red Skull images from Cap 1 to showcase his villainy. Each of these panels display the truly evil side of Cap's arch nemesis. The final image in the collage (bottom right) shows the Red Skull at the precise moment that he thinks he has Cap on the ropes but what he doesn't know is that Bucky is about to swoop in, literally kick the Skull's butt, and rescue his partner. With the emergence of the Red Skull - a direct representation of symbolic evil - Cap will have a nefarious adversary to deal with over the next 80 years. HISTORY George Maxon betrayed his country by joining the Nazi Party. Adolf Hitler offered Maxon a position as minister of all American industry upon a successful takeover of the country by Nazis. Posing as the Red Skull, Maxon sabotaged the very planes he sold to the U.S. Military while also attempting to assassinate key members of the U.S. Military. He became known for having a "look of death,” a false hypnotizing killer gaze, which was in reality a poison injected through a hypodermic needle. He used the disbelief in his existence as the Red Skull to his benefit. Maxon's murders attracted the attention of Captain America and Bucky after, as the Skull, Maxon murdered Major Croy. After Maxon succeeded in murdering General Manor, Captain America and Bucky caught up with him. In the ensuing clash, Maxon rolled over onto his own needle of poison and seemingly killed himself. Captain America and Bucky left Maxon to be found by the FBI, with proof of his traitorous activities. After the events of issue #1 it is revealed that Maxon survived and escaped capture. Maxon continued to operate as the Red Skull. Developing a "touch of death" (utilizing a lethal jolt of electricity), he began targeting military officials again. First, he slayed Major Douglas, stealing his plans for a power drill. Using the plans to construct the power drill, Maxon launched an attack on New York City. Seeking out Captain America and Bucky, Maxon instead captured impostors attempting to cash in on the heroes' popularity at a carnival. Maxon hanged the impostors. Believing his enemies to be dead, Maxon was caught off guard when the real Captain America and Bucky arrived. Attempting to escape in his power drill, the Red Skull tossed a bomb at the two heroes. Cap redirected the bomb back at the power drill, destroying it in a powerful explosion and seemingly killing Maxon in the process. When the real Red Skull began to menace Captain America and Bucky, it was revealed that Maxon was merely a pawn posing as the Skull. (Source credit: Marvel Database)

The first back-up feature in Captain America #1 contains the 2nd appearance of Hurricane, son of Thor (God of Thunder) and the last descendent of the ancient Greek immortals, who has returned to earth to fight his ancestral enemy, Pluto, the devil…whose horrible crimes have almost ruined civilization! HISTORY On Earth in this timeline, Hurricane goes by the mortal alias of ‘Harry Kane’ but in this issue refers to himself as Mike Cury (which is a reference to his 1st appearance which will be noted below). It is important to note that this story - entirely drawn and written by Jack Kirby - contains Timely/Marvel Comics’ first mention of Thor, God of Thunder. While Hurricane is called the son of Thor in this issue this doesn't carry over into the Earth-616 timeline of Marvel comics’ version of the God of Thunder (which is explained below) this is yet another reason that Cap #1 is such an iconic issue. His actual 1st appearance is contained in Red Raven Comics #1 where he is known as ‘Mercury’ but appears in this issue for the first time as Hurricane. In later years, Hurricane is revealed to be the eternal Makkari. It is also later revealed that Hurricane is indeed not the son of the God of Thunder but instead is the son of Veron and Mara, born in Olympia in Greece. He is considered one of the Eternals of Earth, a descendant of the original Eternals who were genetically engineered from early man by the Celestials, and later empowered by Kronos and his cosmic life experiments. While he has possessed many different aliases across the years, with superhuman strength, speed, stamina, levitation, cosmic energy manipulation, teleportation, and psionics, ‘Hurricane’ is definitely a devastating force to be reckoned with. (Source credit: Marvel Database)

Captain America #1 also contains the origin and first appearance of Tuk the Caveboy. In the wartime era, many of the Timely superhero books had numerous stories of a wide variety, all of which were thrilling or mysterious but most definitely entertaining. The final story of Cap #1 introduced a prehistoric caveboy to the Timely universe. HISTORY Tuk, along with other members of his tribe, are Cro-Magnons. Tuk was also one of Timely’s earliest ‘savage’ characters (along with the original Ka-Zar). Tuk was a good fighter and was trained in the use of primitive weapons that were common place in his era such as the spear and later bow and arrows. Tuk’s name is translated in his native language to ‘Avenger’ which is ironic considering that Captain America later becomes a core member of the Avengers. Lastly, Tuk is classified as an Inhuman and would be one of the first based on the fact that his emergence occurred in March of 1941 (and in Earth-616 timeframe of approximately 50,000 BC). (Source credit: Comic Vine Wiki & Marvel Database)

CASE #1: MEET CAPTAIN AMERICA…AND BUCKY A short prologue outlines the young men of America joining the army and the threat of the fifth columnists, the nazi spies hidden deep within the American forces. Two fifth columnists in American uniform blow up a local munitions factory that is supplying the local army camp. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., two army generals visit President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and inform him of the threat. They note how every command he makes is sent back to Germany and nothing can be kept secret, even amongst his closest aides. The president asks them what they intend to do. He recommends sending a comic hero like The Human Torch into the army, and brings in a man named Mister Grover, the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who has a plan. The men all change into their civilian clothes and into a car, where they are taken to an old curio shop. An old woman greets them armed with a gun. She informs them that the formula has been found and it won't disappoint them this time. A man, dressed in lab clothes greets them and ushers them into the viewing gallery of a secret lab, where a frail young man is attached to a machine, and the old woman tears off her mask revealing X-13, one of the best agents. The young man is injected with a liquid and starts to grow until he is above the normal human physique. The doctor also notes that his intelligence and strength are being increased. The doctor christens him Captain America and tells him that his duty is to protect the American shores from Nazi spies and saboteurs. Suddenly, one of the army officials, secretly working for the Gestapo, pulls out a gun and shoots the doctor, Professor Reinstein. A second shot then obliterates the serum that gave Captain America his powers, meaning no more super soldiers can be created. He lets out a third shot, hitting Grover, before Cap bursts through the glass and beats him into submission. The barely conscious spy stumbles into a large electrical device, shocking him to death. Cap, now in uniform, is told to have been taking out all of the Nazi threats, while the newspapers wonder "Who is Captain America?". Meanwhile at an army camp the mascot James Buchanan 'Bucky' Barnes shows a private named Steve Rogers a news report of Cap's latest victory, saying how he'd love to meet him. That night, he walks in on Steve changing into the Captain America suit, preparing for more exploits. Having made this discovery, Steve says Bucky must keep his identity secret and he asks if he would like to be his sidekick. They suit up and together run off to stop Nazi threats. (Source credit: Marvel Database) CASE #2: NO MAN BUT CAPTAIN AMERICA COULD SOLVE THE RIDDLE Tickets are being sold for the performance of the psychics, Sando (Von Krantz) & Omar, for only ten cents each. On stage, Sando looks into the eyes of a dwarfed Omar. Sando asks Omar what he thinks is to come and his prediction of a terrible accident at Fort Bix is projected onto a crystal ball. At that very instant Fort Bix is shaken by a terrific blast. Meanwhile, Steve and Bucky are reading about the psychics in the newspaper. Bucky thinks they are phony and the two decide to visit the theater. Yet again, the weird performance is repeated while Steve and Bucky are in the audience. This time, Omar sees Hilltown bridge collapsing. Steve and Bucky rush to prevent the disaster but they are too late. The duo returns to the theater to found out how Sando & Omar knew about the disaster. Suddenly, a woman's shrill cry for help causes Captain America to whirl about. He follows the scream to Sando’s dressing room. A couple of gun men are holding Betsy Ross captured. Sando reveals that he is Von Krantz and has plan a chain of disasters that will destroy the morale of the United States. Betsy Ross reveals that Omar is just a poor idiotic tool. As the battle begins, Von Krantz tries to bomb the place. However, Bucky throws out the bomb through a window. The duo wins and Betsy Ross wants to thank them, but Captain America only says goodnight and leaves. (Source credit: Marvel Database) TEXT STORY: CAPTAIN AMERICA AND THE SOLDIER'S SOUP Captain America is awoken when he doesn't hear the sentry go past his tent at night. He gets up, to hear two thugs have killed him and are planning to poison the soup. Cap rushes into action and bears them into submission with the help of Bucky. As the camp is awoken to find the bodies, some soldiers swear they saw Cap jump out of the window. It is revealed that the sentry was only unconscious and was getting better. (Source credit: Marvel Database) CASE #3: CAPTAIN AMERICA AND THE CHESSBOARD OF DEATH In a secluded section of town, Rathcone approaches a chessboard with chess pieces that resemble real people. He announces to his agents that Admiral Perkins is giving a lecture tonight and tonight is the night that Admiral must die. Meanwhile, Steve convinces a reluctant Bucky to attend the lecture. As the curtains part at the lecture, the audience is witness to the Admiral’s dead body. A stunned Steve and Bucky change into their costumes to chase down the killer. When Bucky prowls through the darkened alleys, he is watched by a lurking killer, Number 5. As Number 5 and Bucky begin to fight, Captain America jumps in and saves Bucky. The agent refuses to talk but Captain America convinces him too. At that moment, a bullet hits the Nazi agent. Number 5 slumps in death as Captain America wards off a deadly hail of bullets. Cap notices three men, but they can’t catch up to them. The duo decides to go back to Camp Lehigh. Rathcone continues his chess game and plans for General Ellsworth death. That same evening, Mike Duffy tells Steve and Bucky that they are on special duty at the General’s hut. However, the duo finds him dead inside the hut. The next day newspapers announce to the America public another brutal killing in the ranks of the nation’s military command. Rathcone moves onto to his next victims, Captain America and Bucky, by sending out Strangler and Herr Kameleon after them. Later back at the camp, Strangler visits Bucky and fools him into thinking he could solve the killing. That night, Bucky quietly approaches a shabby building. He walks into a trap and sees Ratchone and the chessboard. Bucky tries to run but Rathcone trips him. He waits to kill Bucky because he wants to kill Cap and Bucky at the same time. Finding a note from Bucky, Captain America finds Rathcone’s hideout. A battle begins and Rathcone pulls a gun on him. The duo beats Rathcone and his gang. Captain America calls the F.B.I to report where the criminals are at. Major Fields tells Steve later that he wishes he knew who Captain America was. (Source credit: Marvel Database) CASE #4: THE RIDDLE OF THE RED SKULL A worried Steve and Bucky drop off Major Croy at his home, who has just received a card from the Red Skull. Major Croy believes there is no such person and quickly goes into his home. While reading, the Major gets a surprise visit from the Red Skull. With his wide hypnotic eyes, the Red Skull gazes deep into the Major’s eyes and tells him to “look until you see death.” Captain America hears the news and decides he wants to handle this case without Bucky. However, it’s Bucky who accidentally discovers the Red Skull’s headquarters. While standing out on the rooftops, one of the Red Skull’s henchmen, Slug, finds Bucky. Slug brings him to the Red Skull not knowing that it’s Captain America’s partner. Cap finds the headquarters himself and a fight breaks out. In the midst of the fray the Red Skull departs through a secret exit. The duo decides to return to Camp Lehigh. The next day, George Maxon of the Maxon Aircraft Corporation comes in person to watch his new plane take an army test. The plane catches on fire while in the air and crashes, killing the men inside. Maxon is sadden by the plane’s crash, but Steve is only concerned about the men in the plane. Later, General Charles Manor goes home and gets a package from the Red Skull. As the General opens the package, the Red Skull appears in the room and kills him. Mildred Manor hears the struggle and with a gun in her hand rushes into the room. As the Red Skull smacks her down, he hears footsteps and like an angry tornado Captain America bursts into the room. Cap knocks the Red Skull’s mask off and it shatters. It’s revealed that it’s George Maxon and he has been using hypodermic needles to kill his victims. Another fight breaks out and Maxon rolls over this own hypodermic needle. Bucky asks why Captain America didn’t stop Maxon from rolling over. Cap says he is not talking about it and he calls the F.B.I to tell them that Maxon committed suicide. The F.B.I finds a note that Maxon was working for Hitler. (Source credit: Marvel Database) MURDER, LTD. In mortal guise as Mike Cury, Hurricane (Mike Cury) visits Coast City, the scene of a series of brutal killings. Hurricane seeks transportation and hops into a taxi. While the unsuspecting taxi driver keeps his eyes on the road ahead, Hurricane removes two silver wings from their concealment and attaches them to both sides of the taxi. Suddenly the cab surges wildly ahead and is transformed into a veritable comet. The bewildered taxi cab driver quickly drops him off. A shadowy figure bearing a gun appears behind Hurricane. Hurricane tells the henchman that he wants to see Piggy Perroni. At that moment, Piggy shows up and puts a gun on the hero. Hurricane tells him that his name is Mike Cury and is looking for work. Piggy decides to let Hurricane work with Dum-Dum and together they are to knock off Tim O’Leary. As Mike Cury, he becomes enraged at Piggy’s callous order and transforms into Hurricane. After the battle, Hurricane tells Piggy that his hands are drip with mortal blood and his punishment awaiting him will never end. Meanwhile, in his office, Police Commissioner Regan braves the bombardment of criticism pouring from the lips of impatient Prosecutor Nelson. Nelson demands to have Piggy in custody. In with a flash, Piggy storms into the room with wings. The two want Piggy to talk, but he has already talked to Hurricane. The hero with the new information goes to Vanderpont Estate. He decides to crash masquerade ball to see Paul Sayden. Paul Sayden appears as the devil at the ball with his henchman Trigger. Trigger doesn’t realize his boss is really Hurricane’s cousin, Pluto. Pluto slips a lethal mickey in the punch as Hurricane watches. Hurricane transforms into disguise as angel. Yet, Pluto recognizes Hurricane thru his disguise. The entire universe seems to explode with the impact of the two colossal figures. At the D.A’s office, Piggy has named Paul Sayden as the chief of the murder ring. Prosecutor Nelson loses no time in tracking down Paul’s estate. They find Hurricane, but Pluto has vanished. However, Trigger Bates is dead. Hurricane says he must go for he is weak. An instant later, Hurricane’s blurry shape speeds past the officers and disappears from view, leaving the cops baffle. (Source credit: Marvel Database) STORIES FROM THE DARK AGE In the prehistoric wilds of 50,000 B.C, the last of the shaggy ones, Ak, has motion Tuk to his side. The shaggy one begins to tell a tale about the day two hairless ones were cast onto the shores by their tribesmen. The hairless ones were a couple named Phadion and Rhaya who also had their infant child with them. As soon as they arrived onto the unknown land, Gholla, the woolly horned, began a battle with Phadion. Sadly, the two died in the violent battle, leaving Rhaya alone with her child. Within moments the scent of the blood brought the four footed killer from the forest, Kag the lion wolf. Ak had witness the event and save Rhayda and her child. He took them to a cave where he began to worship the two. Later, while Ak hunted for food, Gru the lion found the worship cave and kills Rhayda. Before dying, Ak reveals to Tuk that he was baby that was brought to the shores. After hearing the tale, Tuk decides to leave his beloved rock country. On his journey he runs into Goreks and they attack Tuk. However, Tanir saves Tuk from the Goreks and the two decide to travel together. (Source credit: Marvel Database)

On June 29th, 2019, I made a purchase that would lead me down the road of collecting a golden age iconic comic. It started on a whim when, by chance, I came across an eBay auction for a single slabbed page of Captain America Comics #1. I thought, "how cool is this!?! I could own a page from one of THE most iconic comics of all time...Captain America Comics #1" You see, primarily, I collect Walking Dead comic books and have done so for years (and before that I focused on superhero keys and first issues and collected those as much as I could). So when I stumbled upon that auction for a piece of this iconic issue, I decided to place a bid. Little did I know that by initiating that bidding war, and coming out on top, that I would end up here today. So now, nearly one year later, this custom set showcases the new dream that I have...of completing a Captain America Comics #1 page-by-page and cover-by-cover. I am very close to completing that goal and from what I understand I may never completely attain it...and that's okay...because the unique aspect of my copy is that I can and always will be able to read it as each page is archived in an amazingly pristine CGC slab.

• Goal #1 - Win a CGC "Best Custom Set" Award
• Goal #2 - Complete my Captain America Comics #1
• Goal #3 - Learn more on the history of this issue

*Important miscellaneous note #1: It was on August 16th, 2020 that this set became the most overall viewed Custom set in the CGC registry at the 8,041 view mark!