The Mighty Crusaders Network

ALL ABOUT MIGHTY CRUSADERS

Archie Comics put out a whole slew of superhero characters beginning in our very first comic publication, BLUE RIBBON COMICS #1-- way back in November, 1939. Other superhero titles we published during the 1940's included ZIP COMICS, JACKPOT COMICS, HANGMAN COMICS, SHIELD-WIZARD COMICS and even PEP COMICS-- which before Archie came along in issue #22, was home to the first ever patriotic superhero, The Shield!

The Shield led off Archie's Silver Age (late 1950s through the 1960s) superhero publications in the famous Joe Simon/Jack Kirby collaboration, THE DOUBLE LIFE OF PRIVATE STRONG. This title was soon joined by another Simon/Kirby opus, THE ADVENTURES OF THE FLY, as well as THE JAGUAR. By the mid-'60s, the superheroes were back in full force in both MIGHTY COMICS PRESENTS and THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS, which featured all of Archie's superhero characters teaming up for epic adventures!

After taking a break in the 1970s, the heroes returned in the 1980s, when Archie spun the heroes off into a new line of comics called "Red Circle Comics." Leading the charge once again was THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS, with THE SHIELD and THE FLY getting their own series and BLUE RIBBON COMICS being revived to highlight the others.

The next incarnation of the heroes was IMPACT! COMICS, a line of comics published by DC Comics, publishers of Superman and Batman. Archie licensed the rights to DC and while many of their titles received critical acclaim, there were already too many superhero comics flooding the market so interest was curtailed.

Now, back home at Archie, the heroes are due for a comeback. With interest in a new comic series at an all-time high and possible movie versions of the heroes under discussion, look for the Archie heroes to triumph mightily as we approach the Millennium!

Here's some background information on THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS:

When evil threatens, the Mighty Crusaders are earth's last line of defense! The roster is composed of earth's mightiest heroes, although the line-up fluctuates from crises to crises. The key team members are:

THE COMET: An experimental substance gives young scientist John Dickering powers beyond belief-- including the power of flight! He soon decides to use his newfound powers in the fight for justice!

THE SHIELD: Chemist Joe Higgins devoted his life to fighting evil after the murder of his father by the diabolical Eraser. Donning a patriotic costume, this G-Man has become an extraordinary hero!

THE WEB: Professor John Raymond, criminologist and famed mystery writer, dons his web costume as he wages psychological warfare against lawbreakers everywhere!

THE FLY: Attorney Tommy Troy, using the powers of the magic ring given to him by Turan, emissary of the extraterrestrial Fly People, transforms into the Fly. He possesses the strength of 100 men, has the ability to see in all directions and is endowed with super quick insect reflexes-- making him a super guardian of justice!

FLY GIRL: Turan, the emissary of the extraterrestrial Fly People, reacting to the fact that evil forces abound throughout the world, decides to bestow a magic ring to another-- this time, actress Kim Brand.

THE JAGUAR: Zoologist Ralph Hardy, friend to all animals, picks up a mysterious jaguar belt left by the ancients and transforms into The Jaguar-- complete with super-heightened animal powers!

THE BLACK HOOD: Following a family tradition of crime fighting, Detective Matt Burland dons a black hood and special utility vest to fight crime and corruption.

In addition to these core members, the following have also served at one time or another:

THE HANGMAN, STEEL STERLING, PRIVATE STRONG, THE FOX, THE DARKLING, BLACK JACK, CAPT. FLAG, MR. JUSTICE, FIREFLY, THE WIZARD, INFERNO, BOB PHANTOM, FIREBALL, and more...

THE ORIGIN OF THE WEB -- THE COSTUMED CRIMINOLOGIST!

Throughout his childhood, John Raymond strived his best to do what was right. His brother Tom, however, chose to follow a different path-- a path that landed him in and out of reform school-- and later jail! John was determined to get inside just what made the criminal mind tick. He grew up to be both a professor of criminology as well as a respected author and lecturer on the subject. One fateful day, the larcenous Tom broke out of prison and into Professor John's residence. Intending to rob his law-abiding brother, Tom cut John's telephone line. As luck would have it, the police were warning everyone in town of an ensuing flood. Since they couldn't reach the Professor by phone, they decided to pay him a personal visit, where they then nabbed jail-breaking Tom! Inspired by the fact that Tom was snared in "a web of crime of his own making"-- namely cutting the telephone wire-- Professor John henceforth adapted the name "The Web." This master of mystery has since donned a colorful costume to keep his own identity a mystery, thereby aiding his fight against the lawless!

This comic retelling of THE WEB's origin appeared in THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS, No. 1, published in March, 1983.

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
November 1997

This month, our featured story is... THE WEB VS. THE VIPEROUS VILLAINS! Originally presented in MIGHTY COMICS #43 (February, 1967), this titanic tale finds The Web up up against not one, but two vile villains! They are Mr. Scare and The Stunner! Mr. Scare, the master of disguise, is the conman's conman, while The Stunner provides the muscle, using his electrified gloves to stop those who oppose them dead in their tracks! Will two times the villains be too much to handle for our hero? Apparently so, according to his wife Rose. To even the odds, she decides to become a hero herself-- donning a mask and costume to become POW-GIRL!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
December 1997

This month, our featured story is... THE MAD CAPER OF THE MADMAN! Originally presented in FLY MAN #38 (July, 1968), this story starts in slam-bang fashion with the Web making short work of the Madman's "minions"-- namely, The "Acro- Bats!" Once he dispenses with the hopeless henchman, he changes back into his secret identity of criminologist John Raymond and goes home only to face a greater threat-- a wife who feels neglected and her overbearing mother! They're concerned that John's life is much too risky, and lecture him on the dangers of violence. Meanwhile, the Madman, who has trailed the Web, breaks into his home, planning to zap the Web with his Madness ray! In an ironic twist, before John can change back into his costume, the Madman is pummeled by his violence-hating wife and mother-in- law! It's just another day in the life of the world's most harried, henpecked hero!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
January 1998

This month, our featured story is... THE WEB VS. INFERNO, THE FIRE-BREATHER! Originally presented in MIGHTY COMICS PRESENTS #50 (Oct., 1967), the story starts with The Web, flanked by fellow heroes The Inferno and The Fox, all about to receive awards for their valor. As the police commissioner hands The Web a globe-shaped trophy, he holds it up to his ear and then... he throws a left hook right into the Commissioner's chin! What gives?

It turns out the Commissioner is actually an imposter, and the trophy is a bomb. The Web quickly defuses the bomb and calms the audience, but his troubles don't end there. The Web's beleaguered wife Rose, once again feeling neglected, takes a job at the local museum. When the Web goes to check up on her, he is startled to walk in on none other then The Inferno-- robbing the museum and burning its priceless paintings! This Inferno is soon revealed as an imposter as well, when the Web notices he lights the paintings with an ordinary match-- the real Inferno, being a fire-breather, wouldn't need a match!

The Web still doesn't have this case wrapped up, however, as Mr. Alexander-- Rose's boss-- puts the drop on he and Rose, forcing them at gunpoint into the museum's cellar storage area. The paintings that were burned upstairs were as fake as the Commissioner and Inferno!

Mr. Alexander has the real paintings stored away, prepared to sell them to underground collectors. Meanwhile, the public will believe they were destroyed by the real Inferno! Mr. Alexander didn't count on one thing, however: the real Inferno, tracking The Web because he appeared nervous at the ceremony, saves the day-- and his reputation!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
March 1998

This month, our featured story is... UGLYMAN'S UGLIEST PLOT! Originally presented in MIGHTY COMICS PRESENTS #40 (Nov., 1966), this story starts smack dab in the middle of the action, as The Web engages in furious fisticuffs with the foul fiend, Uglyman! Uglyman has been wreaking havoc at the Fab Film Corporation-- attacking leading men simply because they're better looking than he is! Chasing Uglyman into the sewer, The Web loses the slippery snake. On his way out of the manhole, The Web gets drenched by a sanitation truck! Is there no dignity for our valiant hero? Reverting back to his secret identity of John Raymond, he returns home in his sopping wet clothes (he wears his civilian clothes under his superhero costume) and tries to sneak in, but his wife is entertaining friends on the patio. If his wife Rosie found out he was out fighting crime again, John would be in real trouble! Thinking fast, he pretends to trip on the lawn sprinkler! His wife is too smart for him, however, and realizes the scheme.

Later, John hears a report on the radio that Uglyman plans to strike at Fab Film, so he decides to take his wife on a guided tour of the studio. Of course, the rest of the tourists don't realize that the saber-wielding musketeer is in actuality Uglyman, and he's not play-acting! Ducking back behind some props, John resumes his guise as The Web and another thrilling battle ensues! With the help of Rosie, who wields a mean handbag, it's "fadeout" time for Uglyman! Unmasked, Uglyman is revealed to be handsome newcomer Ernie Misty-- his motive was to scare off all the other actors so he'd have all the big roles to himself! It's just another day in the life comic's favorite married titan!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
April 1998

This month, we go way back to the "Golden Age" of comics for our featured story... THE WEB AND THE BOOK! Originally presented in ZIP COMICS #35 (March, 1943), this story finds Professor John Raymond reunited with his former teacher, Professor Andive -- but not for long! It seems the good teacher has come across a rare book of anthropological findings -- a book that finds him murdered that very evening, a bookmark clutched in his death-grip! The bookmark reads has the name, "William Foster" inscribed on it. The Web consults with prison warden Flick, to see if there are any prisoners with the name William Foster. It just so happens he's a recent parolee, and The Web sets out to confront him at his home. He has the book -- but he swears he didn't murder the old professor -- he just stole the book! Just as he's about to reveal the secret of the book to The Web, a shot rings out, claiming his life as well! Now The Web has a real mystery on his hands -- and the cops on his tail, who think he killed the suspect! The Web goes undercover at the State Penitentiary and ends up right in the middle of a prison riot. When the smoke clears, The Web gas taken chase with a renegade prisoner. The prisoner will stop at nothing, and even kills a guard! He almost gets away, when the remaining prison guards mow him down in a hail of bullets and avenge their fellow guard's death. To everyone's surprise, the prisoner turns out to be warden Flick instead! Everyone's surprise except The Web, of course! After all, the warden was the only one who knew of The Web's plans to visit the suspect. As it turns out, Foster had been arrested for robbery but the loot was never recovered. The warden figured Foster may have hid the money in the book-- and he was right! He killed Foster in an attempt to get the money for himself! As always, however, The Web puts it best:

"He's dead!-- Killed! He was killed by a web of crime he could never escape!"

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
May 1998

This month, we go take a peak at one of the Web's more modern-day adventures. In fact, in THE KILLING HOUR (from BLUE RIBBON COMICS #14, December, 1984) the scientific meets the supernatural as The Web teams up with The Jaguar to clear up some mysterious killings that have been taking place. Each victim sports a pair of fang marks on their neck -- the Jaguar suspects a creature who isn't human, while the Web... well, the Web isn't quite sure what the story is but he suspects a cult! But that's the least of their worries as a new threat appears to distract them: The Freelancer! Decked out in a battle suit designed by T.R.I.U.M.P.H. labs, he aims to hold New York City hostage... and ransom it for 10 million dollars! Hijacking a ship at the Staten Island Ferry, it looks like he and his goons might just succeed -- but they don't realize devoted husband and commuter John Raymond... also known as The Web... is onboard! Hearing the news bulletin on the radio, Ralph Hardy, otherwise known as The Jaguar, leaps into action to help his friend! The Freelancer, complete with an arsenal including grenades, is proving to be quite a match for our daring duo, but before it's all done, they've managed to not only cancel the Freelancer, but keep the ferry from colliding with a nuclear submarine! All in a day's work for two of the mightiest crusaders of all

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
June 1998

This month, we go back in time to the 1940s of comics to take a peak at one of the Web's Golden Age adventures. And what a strange adventure it is! In "The Web and the Dream," from ZIP COMICS #36 (April, 1943), elderly John Pierrepont has a big problem: he keeps dreaming about killing people, and then when he wakes up in the morning, to his shock and surprise, he reads in the morning newspaper of the very same people's untimely deaths! The man's son-in-law, Dr. Eric Graham, insists it all must be a coincidence. Ridden with guilt, however, John Pierrepont turns himself in to the police. Professor John Raymond, criminologist and alter ego of The Web, is called in to investigate. The pieces of the puzzle don't fit together for Raymond, and so he decides to don the familiar green and yellow garb of that mighty crusader, The Web. The trail leads to the Bluebird Casino, where The Web acknowledges, "Threads of murder in this town have led there too often!" Finding a file filled with the names of those who owed the casino money -- including those who were murdered. This, plus the fact that traces of medication prescribed to Pierrepont by his son-in-law lead The Web to a sensational conclusion: that Dr. Eric Graham used the medicine to help hypnotize his own father-in-law into believing that he had committed those crimes, instead of the real culprit, the Dr. himself! The Web confronts Dr. Graham, and while he tries to escape, there is no escape from justice! Once again, another criminal goes down, caught in a "web of crime" of their own design -- one which they could not break free from!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
July 1998

This month, we take a look at the web as a team player -- as a member of that mightiest group of heroes ever, THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS!!! In "Elimination Game Part One" from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #4 (November, 1983), The Web finds himself in the thick of battle alongside The Shield, as they try to fend off a gang of invaders out to pilfer weapons from the Landsdown Military Complex! This should be a one-two-three operation for our courageous crusaders, right? Wrong! Because without rhyme or reason, the invaders perish before our heroes can find out who sent them! It's just one of a series of thefts of experimental prototype weapons. When The Web and The Shield return to Crusaders headquarters, the Black Hood fills them in about The Death Monger -- a vile villain who got that name because "he has micro-circuitry implanted in the brains of his people -- so that if they should ever be captured -- they die!" The Crusaders deduce that the Death Monger is their man -- but what they haven't counted on is that he and the supernatural entity, The Druid, have formed an evil alliance! With the aid of Lodestone, Rogue Star, Dream-Demon and Brontosaurus -- collectively known as The Eliminators -- they plan to wipe out the Crusaders once and for all! The Druid seems to have a particular interest in Ralph Hardy -- otherwise known as The Jaguar -- and the magical belt he wears! Disguising himself as "Red Bunyon," The Druid "tips off" The Web that the Death Monger plans a raid on Greyfax Base. Of course, it's a trap, and when the Crusaders arrive, a major battle ensues. By Chapter's end, it appears our valiant heroes are down for the count -- but will they stay there? Join us again next month, as we look at the continuing saga as it unfolded in THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #5 (January, 1984)!...

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
August 1998

This month, we take a look at The Web as a team player -- as a member of that mightiest group of heroes ever, THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS!!! You'll recall that last month, we revisited THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #4 (November 1983). Since that was on ongoing story, we pick up with its continuation in THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #5 (January 1984).

When last we left our heroes, the Crusaders had been trapped and rendered unconscious by The Eliminators (Lodestone, Rogue Star, Dream-Demon and Brontosaurus) under orders from The Deathmonger and The Druid! More than anything else, The Druid wants the power of The Jaguar's magic belt for his own, and he will stop at nothing to get it! But the will of The Jaguar is strong. While he and his comrades lay enslaved, The Jaguar's subconscious mind is visited by The Guardian - Lord of the Animal Kingdom. With ferocious spirit, The Jaguar is revived -- but only on another plane! A battle ensues in some strange "limbo" -- where he is joined by The Shield, The Fly and Fly Girl. Even though the battle is taking place in another dimension, it affects The Druid -- disturbs him to the point that his evil spell over our heroes in the "real world" is broken! Woken from their slumber, our heroes, including The Web, proceed to make short work of the Eliminators, about whom The Web comments:

"Y'know, I don't like to jump to hasty conclusions...but I'm beginning to think these guys don't have our best interests at heart!"

The battle ensues, but something strange happens -- the villains mysteriously vanish into thin air! And with them, a few of our heroes! Will justice prevail?! To be continued next month...

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
September 1998

This month, we continue to take a look at The Web as a team player -- as a member of that mightiest group of heroes ever, THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS!!! You'll recall that last month, we revisited THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #5 (January, 1984). Since that was an ongoing story, we pick up with its continuation in THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #7 (May, 1984). Note: the story skipped an issue as "The Shield" was featured in a solo story in THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #6 (March, 1984).

When we last left our heroes, the Crusaders had been trapped and rendered unconscious by The Eliminators (Lodestone, Rogue Star, Dream Demon and Brontosaurus) under orders from The Death Monger and The Druid! They even do the unthinkable -- they steal The Jaguar's magic belt! While the villains gloat, however, The Jaguar's subconscious mind is visited by The Guardian -- Lord of the Animal Kingdom. With ferocious spirit, The Jaguar is revived -- but only on another plane! A battle ensues in some strange "limbo" -- where he is joined by The Shield and Fly Girl. Can our heroes ever return to the realm of reality?...

As the latest installment opens, The Darkling, a recent addition to the Crusaders who has mystical powers, is conjuring up an image of The Druid. As luck would have it, her keen concentration enables her to find "the dimensional trail left by The Druid when he teleported away!&quot The trail leads them to...Peru!

As the quest continues, The Jaguar's subconscious is once again visited by Lord Varigon, The Guardian, who explains the significance of his belt and why the villains have stolen it! It seems that at the dawn of time, Varigon was appointed to set up "an order of balance and harmony between the differing aspects of nature." Lord S'ithh, the ruler of the reptile kingdom, "grew greedy and began to expand beyond the parameters of the boundaries set for him." Lord S'ithh ushered in the age of the great dinosaurs, and the other powers warred with Lord S'ithh. These great battles upset the balance of nature, however, and triggered the ice age. This effectively ended the reign of the giant reptiles, and Lord S'ithh vowed revenge on Lord Varigon. He attempted to exact that revenge during the great age of the Incas, by acquiring the services of The Druid and The Dream Demon. In exchange, he gave them immortality. The trio was able to reawaken one of the fierce dinosaurs, but this deed did not go unnoticed by Lord Varigon. He found a worthy Incan woman and bestowed upon her the special Jaguar belt-- which contained his essence -- and restored "the ancient link between man and animal." This female version of The Jaguar managed to drive the dinosaur the villains revived back into its pit.

All remained relatively calm until many, many years later, when the monster was woken yet again and Ralph Hardy was entrusted with the Jaguar's belt. Now, The Druid and The Dream Demon are attempting to offer up The Shield, Fly Girl and The Jaguar as sacrifices to Lord S'ithh, in order to increase his power. But they don't know that The Jaguar has been tipped off by Lord Varigon! In the subconscious plane, however, his friends are indeed sacrificed -- and Lord S'ithh is able to drain the power of Varigon from the mighty Jaguar belt! The power is so tremendous that it enables Lord S'ithh to resurrect the dinosaur once again -- in the conscious realm! This time, however, it is met by the Jaguar's fellow Crusaders, whom he has summoned. The Crusaders, however, don't just have the dinosaurs to contend with -- they also must face an army of zombies, including zombie versions of the Shield, Fly Girl and Jaguar! Will good triumph over evil? Don't miss next month's installment!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
October 1998

This month, we continue to a look at the Web as a team player -- as a member of that mightiest group of heroes ever, THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS!!! You'll recall that last month, we revisited THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #7 (May, 1984). Since that was an ongoing story, we pick up with its continuation in THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #8 (July, 1984) When last we left our heroes, The Druid and The Dream Demon were attempting to offer up The Shield, Fly Girl and The Jaguar as sacrifices to Lord S'ithh, in order to increase his power. But they didn't know that The Jaguar was tipped off by Lord Varigon! In the subconscious plane, however, his friends were indeed sacrificed -- and Lord S'ithh was able to drain the power of Varigon from the mighty Jaguar belt -- a power so tremendous it enabled Lord S'ithh to resurrect a mighty dinosaur! The Crusaders did their best against the dinosaur and an army of zombies -- including zombie versions of the Shield, Fly Girl and Jaguar!

As the battle rages on, The Druid gets the shock of his life, as Lord S'ithh himself possesses his body! With Crusaders turned into slaves and the evil S'ithh possessing immeasurable power, it really looks like the end. As long as S'ithh has the Jaguar's belt, there is nothing anyone can do, including Lord Varigon. But Varigon still has the power of his thoughts, and realizing The Darkling has extra-sensory perception, he wills her to his realm, where he reveals to her that her powers are great enough to defeat the evil that has befallen the heroes. He instructs her to save her fallen comrade's spirits from limbo, and once she does, they are able to return to both their earthly body and the earth itself! A battle of epic proportions ensues, and in the midst of it, The Jaguar, his energy sapped, summons whatever strength he has left to reclaim his belt from Lord S'ithh! S'ithh, his power gone, fades into oblivion, and the dinosaurs destroy the temple and the villains, just as our heroes escape! Such are the cosmically cool lives of earth's mightiest heroes!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
November 1988

This month, we continue to a look at the Web as a team player -- as a member of that mightiest group of heroes ever, THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS!!!

This month's story is "Grid Lock" from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #8 (December, 1984). Our story begins with attorney Thomas Troy hailing a taxi as he leaves district court. Imagine his surprise when he hears an announcement over the cab's radio that The Mighty Crusadersare slated to appear at Madison Square Garden! Furthermore, Troy spots a billboard making the same claim! That's news to him. Instructing the cabbie to take him to the radio station, Troy dons his Fly costume to investigate. Armed thugs have sabotaged the station and are forcing the disk jockeys to announce the Crusaders' bogus appearance. The Fly gets a confession out of one of the cowardly curs -- it seems they want the entire city to congregate at Times Square, causing a traffic jam of epic proportions. While everyone's stuck in gridlock, the gang plans to knock over five different banks! Once their plan is revealed, however, it's child's play for the Crusaders, who split up and use their unique powers to thwart each of the bank heists!

Unfortunately, a more nefarious plan was afoot -- while the Crusaders were busy with the bank robbers, the crooked coalition of Delta III had their lackeys procure the military's satellite codes! Will these foul fiends use this against the world? Not if the Crusaders have anything to say about it. Stay tuned for further thrilling adventures of the Mighty Crusaders!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
December 1998

This month, we continue to a look at The Web as a team player -- as a member of that mightiest group of heroes ever, THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS!!! This month's story is "Old Legends Never Die" from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #9 (September, 1984).

In this poignant story, the most patriotic, noble hero of all, The Shield, relaxes in his apartment and reflects upon his life, and how he's been given a second chance after being in limbo for over 30 years. His moment of introspection is shattered when policemen appear at his door-- with a warrant for his arrest! While maintaining his innocence, The Shield honors law enforcement and willfully allows himself to be incarcerated.

It seems The Shield busted up a crime scene, and one of the crooks wound up dead! Thus begins the trial of the century, as The Shield's fellow Crusaders must prove his innocence. The trail leads to nowhere, until The Fly comes upon a spider at the crime scene. In a last-ditch, desperate effort, The Fly tries to telepathically communicate with the spider. To his amazement, his psychic power, which previously only worked on flies, also worked on the spider! Perhaps his will to help his friend was strong enough to enhance his powers. Whatever the reason, the Fly soon learns the truth: the robbery was orchestrated by the Brain Emperor!

The Brain Emperor knew that The Shield had been tipped off to the robbery, and planned an extra-special scheme: he'd have one of his henchmen kill the Shield using an "Antlean Atomizer" disguised as a common handgun! He wouldn't tell them which one of them had the special gun, though. He expected them all to follow orders and shoot The Shield. And he used one of his favorite tricks -- "brain disrupters" surgically inserted in his henchman's skulls, so that he can destroy their minds at will! And he does eliminate one of his men -- the one who refused to shoot, who also happened to hold the Antlean Atomizer!

The Brain Emperor wasn't beat though -- he knew The Shield would be blamed for the death, and if he couldn't have The Shield killed, having him behind bars was just as good! But how will The Fly convince a jury that he talked to a spider? The Crusaders still needed proof to clear their friend. Tracking down the Brain Emperor himself, the heroes battled his minions in an attempt to get the Antlean Atomizer. Alas, this attempt at justice failed, as The Brain Emperor managed to escape.

All was not lost, as The Fly -- or more precisely, his alter ego, attorney Thomas Troy, had one last ace up his sleeve: MR. JUSTICE! The supernatural hero resurrected the deceased hood and was able to get him to confess! The verdict: NOT GUILTY!

For The Shield, it was a bittersweet memory, as he pondered his ability to be a hero in the modern world -- a world where the rules change every second and so does public opinion!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
January 1999

This month, we continue to a look at the Web as a team player -- as a member of that mightiest group of heroes ever, THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS!!! This month's story is "A Hero's Rage" from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #11 (March, 1985). This epic tale goes down as one of the most hero-filled, action-packed ever -- and a tale where personal values and vendettas clash!

It all starts when Kip "The Black Hood" Burland is summoned to the city morgue. He's faced with the unfortunate task of identifying his slain Uncle Matt -- the previous Black Hood, and the man who taught him everything he knew, training Kip so that he too could carry on the crusade and one day don the black hood himself! Something strange troubled Kip -- his uncle was wearing his original Black Hood costume, even though he had passed that mantle onto Kip several years earlier! Along with his uniform, an pink eraser was left on Uncle Matt's chest -- the trademark of The Eraser!

Determined to bring his uncle's murderer to justice, Kip dons the original costume and brings his case to the other Crusaders. Kip lets the others know in no uncertain terms that he craves vengeance, but it is The Web who is the voice of reason, pleading that due process of the law be followed. What the heroes don't know, however, is that a tracking device was placed on Uncle Matt's costume by The Riot Squad -- a terrible trio consisting of The Eraser, The Sting and The Buzzard. They figured Kip would bring the original Black Hood costume back to the Crusaders' hidden base -- allowing them to infiltrate it!!!

A battle ensues as the villains get the drop on the Crusaders, but the battle abruptly stops -- literally, as the Crusaders stand frozen in place! The Brain Emperor appears, gloating about how he was finally able to cloud the Crusaders minds while they were busy concentrating on the Riot Squad!

While the Riot Squad simply wants to kill the Crusaders, The Brain Emperor proposes something much more fiendish -- brain-washing the heroes to do his bidding! The Brain Emperor convinces the other villains that this is a good idea, and an evil alliance is formed.

All is not lost, however. The Darkling was not present when the rogues' attacked, and she recruits additional heroes -- such as The Fox and (in this story, anyway) ex-Crusader The Comet to help rescue her friends. The villains, however, anticipate them, and when the heroic trio show up at Crusaders' headquarters, they are greeted by the mind- controlled Crusaders, who are programmed to annihilate them!

While the fight rages on, The Brain Emperor engages in a mental duel with Darkling, sending her hurtling through countless astral planes! But this fight has its price, as The Comet takes advantage of the Brain Emperor being distracted and zaps him into submission! Knowing when the time is right to beat feet, the Brain Emperor flees, leaving the Riot Squad behind to tackle the heroes -- no longer brainwashed -- on their own!

When all is said and done, the villains are defeated, but the cost is high: the Brain Emperor is still at large, two Crusaders are lost and Crusaders HQ is totalled! Can normalcy be restored? Don't miss the next exciting installment!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
February 1999

This month, we continue to a look at the Web as a team player -- as a member of that mightiest group of heroes ever, THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS!!!

This month's story is "Atlantis Rising!" from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #1 (March, 1983). In this thrilling issue -- the issue that resurrected the Crusaders team, which only previously saw print in the 1960s -- the stakes are raised from the outset!

It seems The Brain Emperor is up to his usual antics, with a plan (once again) to wipe out all the Earth's heroes! Seems he's enlisted the aid of organized crime -- little do they know he'll turn on them and force them to be his slaves! And it all ties in to a later issue -- MIGHTY CRUSADERS #11, the issue we examined last month!

Using his mighty satellite, the Brain Emperor sends energy beams down to disrupt the Earth. Meanwhile, Eterno the Tyrant has his own designs on the planet! He teams with The Brain Emperor, but both secretly plan to eliminate the other once they've achieved world domination! The ensuing mayhem causes all sorts of problems for the individual heroes, who are soon called upon by The Comet to help him "investigate the atmospheric phenomena -- the negative ion transmissions -- that are creating havoc in New York!"

The Comet theorizes that "there is an orbiting satellite somewhere, causing such a disturbance!" The problem is, it's protected by a cloaking device. But these are the Earth's mightiest crusaders we're talking about, right?

Mighty enough, but before the issue's end they'll have some mighty big obstacles to overcome -- the least of which are giant androids rising from the ocean's depths! While the Crusaders mount a defensive against them, however, Eterno plays the ultimate hand -- finally having captured the power he needed, he re-establishes his mind link and he and his living city become one once! Atlantis has risen again! Will mankind survive! Tune in next month!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
March 1999

This month's story is "The Genesis Conspiracy" from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #2 (May, 1983), continuing the "Atlantis Rising!" saga from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #1 (March, 1983), which we examined last month. When we last left our heroes, they had their hands full battling giant androids from the ocean's depths! But that's not the worst of it: while the Crusaders were locked in combat, Eterno re-established his mind link and he and his living city become one once more -- causing Atlantis to rise again!

Since birds of a feather flock together, Eterno enlisted the aid of another tyrant, The Brain Emperor, in order to realize his evil scheme. But The Brain Emperor could care less about Eterno's plans -- he has plans of his own:

While he [Eterno] foolishly basks in the atomic power surge caused by the premature rising of Atlantis, it is I, The Brain Emperor, who shall assume final control!

As The Brain Emperor considers Eterno his only real threat, his plan is to have The Crusaders defeat him so he'll be out of the way!

The Brain Emperor starts by luring the Crusaders to his previously cloaked satellite high in the cosmos -- the same one that was causing all sorts of havoc in New York last issue! Once there, he tells them of Eterno's plans to create Crusader replicants to do his bidding!

Meanwhile, Eterno does just that, but with one catch: he creates them in the form of Crusaders' past, rather than current members. Dubbing them "The Malevolent Legion Of Juggernauts," the replicants have taken on the appearance of such stalwarts as Steel Sterling, The Fox, Capt. Flag, The Hangman, Firefly, etc. Needless to say, a chaos looms ahead as these mighty titans become locked in battle! What will be the final outcome? Will the real heroes beat the fake ones? Will The Brain Emperor get the upper hand of Eterno, or vice versa? Can Earth survive? Be with us next month, as we present the next exciting chapter in this epic saga!!!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
April - June 1999

This month's story is "The Darkling Ingredient" from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #3 (July, 1983), concluding the "Atlantis Rising!" saga from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #1 (March, 1983) and THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #2 (May, 1983). For three issues, the Crusaders have been in a struggle to save the world. Eterno, with the help of The Brain Emperor, plans to rid earth of the Crusaders and take over the word! But secretly, The Brain Emperor has plans of his own. Now, the Crusaders are stuck in the middle of this den of thieves!

The war between these two creeps gets underway when Eterno creates replicants of former Crusaders to do his bidding and dubs them "The Malevolent Legion Of Juggernauts." Now, as the third issue in this epic saga opens, we learn how The Brain Emperor plans to counter this move: by brainwashing The Comet to follow his evil ways! The stage is set for the showdown of the century as mind-controlled titans clash in a fight to the finish -- their evil manipulators laughing maniacally at ringside!

It all comes to a boil when Eterno "separates" his consciousness so he can inhabit the bodies of his replicants. They are holed up in the domed city of Atlantis, where several abducted Crusaders lie unconscious. On the outside world, the army and the "free" crusaders wonder how they'll win this battle -- the army relentlessly bombs the dome, hoping to crack it and gain entry. Meanwhile, The Brain Emperor hops from one dimensional plane to another hoping to gather the psychic energy needed to enter the dome himself. In his travels, he is spotted by The Darkling, a beautiful hero who has psychic abilities of her own! She puts them to use immediately, by restoring The Comet to his right mind, as well as his original powers! Soon, the Comet and Darkling join the free Crusaders, and The Comet has switched back to his original costume! They hatch a plan to get into that dome...

They better hurry! The battle lines have been drawn, and the dome is starting to rock! The evil fiends have sent their mind-controlled captives into battle so intense, it's nearly apocalyptic! With The Darkling's powers of teleportation, however, the party's about to get mighty crowded, as she, The Shield and The Comet join the fray! Just as it looks like the entire dome will explode, The Comet's ship flies by to eclipse the sun-- which changes the trajectory of the domed city and causes it to rise! It also loosens the mind-control of the heroes! Evacuating, the titans land to a heroes' welcome. The victory is bittersweet, however, as the leader of The Crusaders-- The Crusaders-- The Comet, makes a startling announcement: he's resigning from the Crusaders! He explains how The Brain Emperor's psychic jolt triggered a chain reaction of changes in his body:

You see, I thought my powers were on the blink, but really, it was my original disintegrator power resurfacing! It's gone full circle -- and I've become the person I used to be! That's caused a problem. My dark, fateful past has also returned to haunt me. I need time-- to conquer some old "demons" -- and come to terms with a few new ones.

Will The Comet return? Join us next month for another thrilling tale from our "web of intrigue!"

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
July 1999

This month's story is "Liquid Fire" from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #12 (June, 1985). The story dives right into the action, with theCrusaders trying to avert a major disaster -- a liquified natural gas tranker has run aground on Liberty Island, and they must defuse the situation before the tanker blows itself -- and the whole island -- to smithereens! But can they survive their own explosive personalities?

Yes, it seems the Crusaders have been fighting side-by-side for quite a while now, and they may just be begging on each others' nerves! Nevertheless, they manager to save the day...again! For their efforts, they are awarded a government contract, instituted by one Col. Mike Kold.

Since their headquarters were recently destroyed, the Crusaders needed support for both a base of operations and general funding to support the necessary costs of crimefighting. The Web, however, is immediately converned due to rumors of improper conduct on the part of Col. Kold.

The Web is also concerned that the government may have the right to send the Crusaders off to war in land, like the Middle East! His fears are validated when they arrive at their new headquarters... a certifiable DUMP! But the colonel promises unlimited labor and materials to refurbish it, so the Crusaders soldier on. But will they be safe for long? Does Col. Kold have something else up his sleeve? Only time will tell...

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
August 1999

This month's story is perhaps the most offbeat Crusaders adventure yet: "A Is For Alien, B Is For Boston, C Is For Crusaders" from BLUE RIBBON COMICS #13 (October, 1984). And how could it not be offbeat? After all, it features a surprise guest-star who is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill superhero-- namely, Thunder Bunny! (Thunder Bunny began life at another publisher, Charlton Comics, before landing alongside Archie Comics' famous Crusaders. His visit was brief but notable). Yes, that muscle-bound rabbit created by Martin L. Greim was soon to find himself up to his rather long ears in action and intrigue.

It all starts when the government calls in The Mighty Crusaders to investigate U.F.O.' sightings throughout the city of Boston. Caught up in the excitement is young Bobby, who secretly is Thunder Bunny! Concerned of reports that officials think HE is one of the aliens, he plans to meet with the Mighty Crusaders and set the record straight. Picturing his super-heroic alias in his mind, he claps his hands and is miraculously transformed into the world's mightiest rodent... er, rabbit! Meanwhile, the Crusaders are briefed on the alien situation at the State House. It seems the crew of the missing Trawler spacecraft returned-- with a holographic message from another world! A hideous intergalactic "merchant" names Lu-Ta from the M-7 galaxy is demanding human craftsmen give up their freedom to act as slaves on his planet-- or earth will face total annihilation!

The Crusaders are incensed by the message and vow to defeat the aliens-- which is exactly the moment Thunder Bunny flies into the room! Believing Thunder Bunny is in league with Lu-Ta, the Crusaders take chase after him, leaving him no time to explain! A massive battle ensues, wherein Thunder Bunny proves you can look goofy and still kick butt! But he's smart enough to know they can't fight forever, so when he's out of sight, he changes back to Bobby just long enough for the Crusaders to compose themselves. Then, changing back into Thunder Bunny, he approaches the more subdued Crusaders in friendship, explaining himself. They are amazed he can talk, and believe him when he says he's not in league with Lu-Ta.

Realizing they've been wasting valuable time, the heroes decide to unite against their common enemy-- and just in time, too, as Lu-Ta has unleashed a deadly fleet of alien-manned space ships to savage the city! The Crusaders and their new friend put up a valiant fight against the aliens, but just as it seems they will win the battle, the aliens prepare to launch their disruption cannon, whose force would obliterate the Earth within seconds! The Crusaders soon learn they have a valuable ally in Thunder Bunny-- since the creatures of M-7 were the one's to destroy his original home planet!

With sheer guts and determination, Thunder Bunny hurtles his way toward the ship and destroys it before IT can destroy the Earth. His energy spent, he falls back to Earth, but where we do not know-- leaving the Crusaders to ponder if they'll ever see his like again!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
September 1999

In "Heads I Win, Tails You Lose" from BLUE RIBBON COMICS # 7 (April, 1984), The Fox finds himself caught between his livid girlfriend, Delilah, who feels The Fox's superheroics have driven a wedge into their relationship; and The Eraser, who has just escaped from the asylum and is looking for revenge! Well, when it comes to the sour love lives of superheroes, there's only one place to turn-- and so, Paul Patton, aka The Fox, pays a visit to criminologist John Raymond, who in reality is The Web-- henpecked hero!

While The Web dispenses his valuable advice to The Fox, the word comes in of The Eraser's doctor's untimely end, and so the duo find themselves on duty! The Eraser's trail leads to the local hospital, where his numer one henchman, Martial Law, is recovering from a run-in with The Fox. The heroes spring into action, easily dispensing of the dastardly duo. But The Fox's problems are just starting.

Vowing to reveal his identiy to Delilah and patch up their relationship once and for all, The Fox shows up at her apartment-- only to have Delilah lunge at him with a knife! He has no choice to defend himself and then... mysteriously, Delilah morphs into The Brain Emperor!

It was all an evil trick! But most awful of all, The Brain Emperor hands The Fox a "Dear John" note from Delilah-- she just can't endure the rock-em sock-em lifestyle of a superhero any longer! Has she left The Fox for good? In the end, love is the toughest challenge of all for The Fox!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
October 1999

This month's featured story is an untitled tale from THE BLACK HOOD #2 (August, 1983) and features the "return" of The Fox, part of the 1980s re-launch of Archie's superhero universe. This amusing tale features the unique art of Alex Toth in a story that invokes the classic movies of Humphrey Bogart.

The Fox character is reintroduced with his the mythology of his original 1940s incarnation left intact: he is secretly Paul Patton, ace newspaper reporter/photographer.

The intrigue starts in a colorful hotel in tangier, when a burly stranger sneaks up on Paul Patton and knocks him flat! The thug explains it's a message from Petey Bosco, a Chicago mobster. "He's still pretty hot about yer news pitchers nailin' him into da' pen, from three to ten!," says the thug, making reference to Patton's article that helped land Bosco in jail. The thug reveals himself as Cosmo Gilly, an ex-pro boxer who "came dat close t'bein' heavyweight champeen-- twice!"

In an ironic twist, the two become friendly, and although Cosmo doesn't spill the beans, Patton has reason to believe someone may be after Cosmo. Right he is! Donning his Fox costume, he interrogates several of the underworld riff raff that litter the streets of Tangier. The trail is cold, so the two sit back for dinner at the Hotel Dada, where Cosmo reveals his wife and brother are the ones who suggested he take a cruise to Tangiers.

Suddenly, shots ring out in the hotel restaurant! Patton swings into action as The Fox and who does he find? Cosmo's wife and brother, of course! Holed up in suite 27, the two are booking a flight for their getaway, thinking that Cosmo is done for. It is they who are done for, however, and The Fox makes short work of the dastardly duo, who were out to collect the insurance money on Cosmo!

Getting plenty of photos to use in his article upon his return to the USA, Patton goes to visit Cosmo in the hospital. Being the big strong guy he is, Cosmo has survived! The two friends soon return to the USA for further crime-fighting adventures!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
November 1999

Ha ha! Snared you! That's what you get when you come too close to The Web! Well, now that you're here, we might as well share one of The Web's "glory stories!" That's right, every month you can get "caught" up in a classic tale featuring that crime-fighting crusader, The Web!

Last month, we took a look at one of the Web's best buddies, The Fox! This month, our focus is on the vivacious SHE-FOX!!

Jumping into action in THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #13 (September, 1985), this sassy heroine loved to upstage The Fox! She starts right off the bat, as The Fox tries to stop street vandals from stealing his hubcaps. While The Fox is outmaneuvered by the teens, The She-Fox appears out of nowhere to stop them in their tracks! The foxy duo soon learn from the teens that an illegal "chop shop" has been sending youth around to steal parts of cars.

Reluctantly teaming up, the competitive heroes crash the chop shop-- literally, as The Fox's "Flying Fox" roadster is equipped with a battering ram! The battle rages, but even though they're winning, both The Fox and the She-Fox are wary of one another-- the Fox is especially embarrassed when one of the thugs refers to The She-Fox as his partner! It seems that, outside of working with The Crusaders, The Fox prefers to work alone, and doesn't want his thunder stolen by anyone! He should be grateful for the help, though, because before too long, the unlikely team has pulled the plug on the operation.

Having cleaned up the crooks, the two quickly go their separate ways, careful not to be seen changing into their secret identities. Little do they know that in civilian life, they already know each other-- as boyfriend and girlfriend!

Later, our heroes-- in their alter ego guises of Paul Patton and Delilah Monaco-- embrace and kiss, as a news report on the television declares, "Now that the voluptuous vixen prowls our city streets, who needs The Fox? Will the black-garbed crusader be forced into early retirement by his female counterpart?" More importantly, can Paul and Delilah stay together if they ever find out they're really The Fox and The She-Fox?!

In the life of a super-hero, the intrigue never ends!

WEB OF INTRIGUE!
December 1999

This month, we take a look at an epic tale that was nearly the Crusaders' last: "The Mighty Crusaders' Blackest Day," from THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #6 (August, 1966).

The action is there from the start, with The Fly and Fly Girl trying to save some civilians from giant metallic dogs being commandeered by mysterious, helmeted figures. Making short work of the metal monsters, The Fly and Fly Girl aren't expecting the reaction they get from the civilians -- they're MAD! It turns out that they're all CIA agents on "special maneuvers," testing out special weapons. Naturally, the "interference" by the superheroes ruined the tests.

Meanwhile, The Shield is having similar problems. Collaring a pair of crooks, he's ready to cart them off to jail when a pair of FBI agents reads him the riot act:

"We recognized these hoods as members of a mob that also runs a big counterfeiting operation! If not for your interference, we could've trailed them to their secret headquarters!"

As if that weren't enough, it gets worse -- spotting threatening orbs in the sky, The Comet investigates. In self-defense, he obliterates it with a de-atomizing ray. But The Comet winds up in trouble too -- the Secret Service was taking film footage of the unworldly orbs for research, and The Comet's attack scared them all off!

Last but not least, The Black Hood commits an embarrassing boo boo -- bringing down the chief of police, who was masquerading as a criminal as part of a prank for a special event in his honor!

You would think the day couldn't possibly get worse -- but it does! To find out how, look for next month's (January's)"Way Uncool Dude Of The Month" column featuring the evil Maestro!

THE "S" FILES!
November 1997

This time, our focus is on costumes. Did you ever wonder what material a hero's costume is made of?

We asked The Web, and here's what he had to say:

"Our costumes are made of neoprene-- the same material that wetsuits are made from. That way, our trunks don't ride up on us when they get wet!"

Be with us next time, when we present another little known heroic fun fact!

THE "S" FILES!
December 1997

This time, we present the top ten gift ideas on every titan's holiday wish list:

TOP TEN THINGS TO GET A HERO FOR CHRISTMAS OR HANUKKAH!:

#10: Boot polish
#9: Munchies for their utility belt
#8: A detailed Atlas, for those long flights from home
#7: A box-set of classic Superguy episodes on videocassette!
#6: The keys to the city... any city!
#5: New knuckles (it's painful punching out punks!)
#4: A gift-certificate good for a year's worth of dry-cleaning!
#3: A girlfriend to keep teen sidekicks out of their hair!
#2: A new pair of X-Ray Specs!

...and the #1 item on every hero's wish list:

A clone of their alter-ego-- who can spend more time with their significant other!

THE "S" FILES!
January 1998

This time, we present the top ten New Year's Resolutions on every heroes' list:

TOP TEN NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS OF THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS:

#10: Ask questions first-- then pummel!
#9: Use more doors-- it's expensive fixing windows!
#8: Be more patient with their pesty teen sidekicks!
#7: Save the world first, flirt with damsel in distress second!
#6: No more corny speeches when it looks like the bad guys are about to destroy them!
#5: Give the right of way to their fellow, flying crusaders!
#4: Work out more-- then they won't need an armor suit!
#3: No more recreational use of X-Ray Vision!
#2: Stop revealing secret identities to everyone!

...and the #1 item on every hero's list of New Year's Resolutions:

Make sure their agent gets them script approval rights on any movies about their lives (nobody likes a BAD superhero movie-- and there have been plenty)!

THE "S" FILES!
February 1989

Since this month is February, and February means Valentine's Day, we thought we'd offer some romantic suggestions for those heroic Romeo's venturing forth this Valentine's Eve:

TOP TEN MOST ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO ON A "SUPER-DATE":

#10: Protect your mate by beating up the phony monsters in the Tunnel Of Love!
#9: Instead of giving her a rose, give her a whole rosewood tree -- after all, you're strong enough!
#8: Instead of a varsity sweater, let your best gal wear your cape!
#7: Wow your date by making her think you're psychic-- use your X-Ray Vision to "predict" what her fortune cookie says!
#6: Use your heat vision to cook the perfect steak, but be careful not to burn it! #5: Take your significant other to the gym and impress her by benchpressing 1000 times more than the strongest guy in the place!
#4: Instead of flying, take a cab to a movie or restaurant for a change!
#3: Go to the laundromat and engage in sweet talk while your super-costumes swirl around in the spin cycle!
#2: Fly over abandoned warehouses and see if you can spot any super-villains smooching!

...and the #1 suggestion for a romantic Valentine's "Super-Date":

Using your super-strength, crush a rock into a perfect, heart- shaped diamond and give it to your sweetheart!

THE "S" FILES!
March 1998

Since this month is March, and Spring is just around the corner. That means that would-be athletes everywhere are forming softball teams! It seems that every supermarket, factory and radio station in a given city have their own softball leagues, so why should superheroes be any different? Well, The Mighty Crusaders are getting ready to step up to the plate too - and here is their starting line-up (and why):

PITCHER: The Shield. Naturally, the leader of the Crusaders should lead our heroes on the mound as well!

CATCHER: The Web. Spiders are known to catch flies in their webs, and likewise, The Web catches balls in his glove !

CENTERFIELD: The Fly (speaking of flies!) He is just the type of level-headed guy you want in centerfield. Of course, he is not allowed to bat - he might hit too many pop-out "fly" balls! So he has a designated hitter.

DESIGNATED HITTER: Steel Sterling. Stepping up to the plate in place of The Fly is this powerhouse hitter - sure to send 'em out of the park! But he needs a designated runner because his muscular legs get in his way.

DESIGNATED RUNNER: The Fly. Okay, once Steel belts 'em out into the field, The Fly is allowed to run around the bases (hey, we don't want to give the guy a complex!)

RIGHT FIELD AND LEFT FIELD: The Jaguar and The Fox. Because you need speedy guys in the outfield to chase after all of those balls!

SHORT STOP: Bob Phantom. Because... well, because he is short!

FIRST BASE: Black Jack. He is sharp and sprightly - and he is sure to tag any runner out who leads too far off first!

SECOND BASE: The Comet . His keen reflexes make him the perfect guy to pull off double plays!

THIRD BASE: The Black Hood. This guy is tough and he has quite an imposing presence. Good at keeping guys from stealing home!

MANAGER: The Hangman. Hey, would you want to upset your manager if his name was The Hangman? Neither would the other Crusaders, into whom The Hangman has struck fear and terror! Expect them to play their best and have a winning season under The Hangman's watchful eyes.!

THE "S" FILES!
April 1998

Since this month is April, and April 1st is "April Fool's Day," we thought we'd concentrate on one of the most auspicious members of the Mighty Crusaders -- NOT! We're speaking, of course, about CAPT. SPROCKET, who enjoyed a healthy run for a few years in the pages of ARCHIE'S MADHOUSE. The following strip originally ran in ARCHIE'S MADHOUSE #53 (April, 1967). It's a great example of what made this hero so super-- NOT!!!

THE "S" FILES!
May – July 1998

"S" stands for "super," and every month we'll give you tasty tidbits regarding what helps make a hero a hero.

This time, we're offering you something special -- a contest! YOU be the one to show US what makes a hero a hero! Here's the plot: there's a new bad guy in town, called THE MIXER. This diabolical fiend has a special weapon that, when aimed at one or more superheroes, actually combines them into ONE hero! You're job is this: look at the "All About The Mighty Crusaders" page. Pick two or more of the superheroes, then draw one new character made up of all the characteristics of the heroes you've chosen. For example, if you chose THE WEB and THE SHIELD, you might have the top half of his costume red, white and blue, and the bottom half yellow and green. He could have webbing under his arms, but carry a shield. You get the idea. If you want, you can even name this new hero you've concocted. If you're really ambitious, you can even draw your rendition of THE MIXER. What does he look like? Is he a giant cement mixer with legs? A walking blender? You decide! Send your drawings to the address below and we'll put the best ones up on our site in a future edition of the S-FILES!:

Send your entries to:

Paul Castiglia
THE MIXER/WEB SITE CONTEST
c/o Archie Comic Publications, Inc.
325 Fayette Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543

THE "S" FILES!
September 1998

This month, we're proud to present the first winner of our "Mixer" Contest. (To find out how you can enter this contest, check out our previous month's edition of The "S" Files.)

Now, without further ado, our winner is:

Christian L. of New York

Here's his winning entry:

MIGHTY CRUSADERS MELDED IN MIXER MELEE! CITY IN PANIC

Not even in his most diabolical fantasy could THE MIXER hope to ensnare the entire Crusaders team in his fiendish trap, but what if he did? I present THE MIGHTY CRUSADER, a composite of the entire assemblage of Mighty Crusaders.

Here's a breakdown of the costume elements which the Crusader inherits from each team member:

· Legbands from The Shield

· Collar from The Jaguar

· Belt from Steel Sterling

· Wings from The Fly and Fly Girl

· Cape from Captain Flag

· Sleeves from The Comet

· Chest symbol from a composite of Firefly and The Fox

· Tunic from Bob Phantom

· Leggings from The Black Hood

· Visor from The Wizard

· Rope from The Hangman

· Arm webbing from The Web

· Bracelets from Fireball

· Holster from Black Jack

· Head crest from Mr. Justice

· Mask from Inferno

Congratulations, Christian!

Keep sending those entries in -- maybe next month, yours will show up here! Send them to:

· Paul Castiglia
THE MIXER/WEB SITE CONTEST
c/o Archie Comic Publications, Inc.
325 Fayette Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543

THE "S" FILES!
October 1998

This month, we're proud to present our October winner of our "Mixer" Contest.

Now, without further ado, our winner is:

Miktung K. from Hong Kong

Here's Miktung's winning entry:

FIRE GIRL
A combination of Fly Girl, Fireball and Firefly.

Congratulations, Miktung!

Keep sending those entries in, and maybe next month, yours will show up here! Send them to:

Paul Castiglia
THE MIXER/WEB SITE CONTEST
c/o Archie Comic Publications, Inc.
325 Fayette Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543

THE "S" FILES!
November 1998

"S" stands for "SUPER," and every month we'll give you tasty tidbits regarding what helps make a hero a hero.

This month, we're proud to present our November winner of our "Mixer" Contest.

Now, without further ado, our winner is:

Fallon C. of Nash Creek, New Brunswick, Canada

Here's Fallon's winning entry

JAGUARFLY
A combination of The Fly and The Jaguar
...and THE MIXER himself!

Congratulations, Fallon!

Keep sending those entries in, and maybe next month, yours will show up here! Send them to:

Paul Castiglia
THE MIXER/WEB SITE CONTEST
c/o Archie Comic Publications, Inc.
325 Fayette Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543

THE "S" FILES!
December 1998

This time, we're offering a new feature: origins of some of our favorite superheroes! Let's get the ball rolling with one the coolest, the bombastic Black Jack!

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THE "S" FILES!
January 1999

This time, we're offering a new feature: origins of some of our favorite superheroes! Let's get the ball rolling with the story of The Comet!

THE "S" FILES!
February 1999

S" stands for "SUPER," and every month we'll give you tasty tidbits regarding what helps make a hero a hero.

Here's the third installment of our series re-telling the origins of some of our favorite superheroes. This month, we'll take a look at The Black Hood!

THE "S" FILES!
The Origin of Steel Sterling

March 1999

THE "S" FILES!
April – May 1999

Here's the fifth installment of our series re-telling the origins of some of our favorite superheroes. This month, we'll take a look at The Jaguar!

THE "S" FILES!
June 1999

Here's the sixth installment of our series re-telling the origins of some of our favorite superheroes. This month, we'll take a look at The Shield!

THE "S" FILES!
July - November 1999

S" stands for "SUPER," and every month we'll give you tasty tidbits regarding what helps make a hero a hero.

Here's the seventh installment of our series re-telling the origins of some of our favorite superheroes. This month, we'll take a look at Mr. Justice!

THE "S" FILES!
June 2000

"S" stands for "SUPER," and in each new installment we'll give you tasty tidbits regarding what helps make a hero a hero.

This time, we continue our special series of public service announcements featuring some of our favorite superheroes! This time, our featured hero is Capt. Flag, teaching us all about Bicycle Safety!

THE "S" FILES!
July 2000

"S" stands for "SUPER," and in each new installment we'll give you tasty tidbits regarding what helps make a hero a hero.

This time, we continue our special series of public service announcements featuring some of our favorite superheroes! This time, our featured hero is Bob Phantom, teaching us all about Roller-Blading Safety!

WAY UN-COOL DUDE OF THE MONTH!
November 1997

This time, we're proud (NOT!) to present... THE FLIPPER! The Flipper was a rouge circus acrobat who used gymnastics to gyp the law-abiding. In the story, "The Web Versus The Flipper" from MIGHTY COMICS #46 (May, 1967), this nimble no-goodnik terrorized a Mayoral conference and robbed Roxley's Department Store! The Big Top proved to be "The Big Stop" for The Flipper, however, when The Web tracked him back to his circus lair and did some flipping of his own!

WAY UN-COOL DUDE OF THE MONTH!
December 1997

This time, we're proud (NOT!) to present... THE PHANTOM OF THE PENITENTIARY! The most striking feature of this rascally rogue was the fact that he bore an uncanny resemblance to the title monster in one of the many 1950s monster flicks that's "so bad it's good": ROBOT MONSTER! That no-budget, no-brainer drive-in classic featured a monster from outer space who was less than scary: all the producer could afford was a gorilla suit and a helmet for the poor chap! Of course, an artist's imagination isn't limited by budgets-- so we can only guess that THE PHANTOM OF THE PENITENTIARY wore basically the same exact outfit because the artist was up late trying to meet a deadline, and this turkey of turkeys flickered in the background on his TV screen! But while his outfit may have been uncool, the character turned out to be rather tragic. In a story bearing his name which originally appeared in MIGHTY COMICS #47 (July, 1967), this hairy hooligan hassled The Hangman! Everyone knows that's a bad move! By story's end, it was revealed that this towering figure was none other than former- warden Meggs! How did an average, middle-aged man pull off such a rampage? The thought of enforced retirement pushed him over the edge and started to suffer from a split personality! When his dark side took over, he donned this strange outfit and had the super-human strength of a madman! With a spotless record of law enforcement before his affliction, the Hangman had compassion for him, and looked forward to his rehabilitation.

WAY UN-COOL DUDE OF THE MONTH!
January 1998

This time, we're proud (NOT!) to present... THE KNAVE! The Shield tangled with this no-goodnik in the pages of MIGHTY COMICS PRESENTS #41, (Dec., 1966).

Poor Shield-- all he wants to do is land a steady job for his alter ego, Joe Higgins. Soon, he's singing "I've been working on the railroad," as a railroad construction worker... but no sooner does he get this job than his livelihood is derailed! Spotting a notorious gang of train-robbers, he feigns cowardice and is fired from his job-- but he had no choice, because he had to leave the site to nab those crooks! Nab them he does, but as he prepares to leave, a young man hands The Shield what he's told is a fan letter-- but he's instructed not to read it for an hour. Well, read it he does... and it turns out to be a challenge from a new super-baddie on the scene: The Knave! This character, claiming to be an all-star athlete using his prowess for crime, wants to play the Shield for sport-- will the Shield be able to stop his crime wave? The battle lines are drawn as The Shield, as instructed, meets the Medieval-garbed crook at the local sports store at Midnight. At first, the Knave appears to be no match for our hero, but when he grabs a bag full of golf clubs and flings them at the Shield, it's lights out for the star-spangled crusader! The next evening, The Shield receives another note-- this time the Knave's target is a wealthy business man's yacht! The game of cat and mouse takes The Shield from the crystal waters to the dock of the pier to a marine museum-- where the Shield finally nabs this slippery suspect-- in a fish net, of course!

WAY UN-COOL DUDE OF THE MONTH!
February 1998

This time, we're proud (NOT!) to present... THE MIND MONSTER! This creepy crook with the crate- sized cranium created chaos for The Jaguar in a story appropriately titled, THE JAGUAR VS. THE MIND MONSTER, from THE JAGUAR #12 (May, 1963).

It all began when master scientist, Ralph Hardy, invented a "Memory Ray"-- a revolutionary device which increases the power of an animal's brain so that they can memorize facts and learn anything instantly! As fate would have it, late one night a dim-witted thief breaks into Ralph Hardy's lab, hoping to score some "priceless stuff" from his safe! Within moments, he's tripped over the Memory Ray, setting it off! This once typical-looking thug now has a head the size of a medicine ball-- and a lumpy one at that! Horrified at his reflection in a mirror, he wants to destroy the machine-- but then realizes he may need it to change himself back. He reasons that only Hardy would know how to counteract his condition. Miraculously, his mind instantly tells him Ralph Hardy's phone number. Realizing he can instantly solve any puzzle or problem, the crook's mind figures out the combination to the safe's lock! Not only that, he realizes that Ralph Hardy and The Jaguar are one and the same! He comes up with a master plan: steal as much money as possible, and then blackmail Hardy, threatening to reveal his secret identity if he won't change him back! Just when it looks like he'll get away with it, the unexpected happens: the ray's reaction wears off naturally, changing the "Mind Monster" back to his regular, hoodlum self-- with no memory of ever having had intelligence! The security of the world... and Ralph Hardy's vault... and The Jaguar's secret identity... are all safe once more, thanks to the crazy-mixed-up world of science!

WAY UN-COOL DUDE OF THE MONTH!
March 1998

This time, we are proud (NOT!) to present... THE HAMMERHEAD! Appearing in THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #7 (October, 1966) in a story titled, THE SAVAGE HAMMERHEAD, this was a baddie who literally lived up to his name! Looking like professional wrestler George "The Animal" Steele, this brute sported a black and red jumpsuit with a hammerhead helmet! It all begins when The Shield and The Black Hood are high overhead, patrolling the world in their "C-Craft." Suddenly, their flying machine goes off course. It is being pulled to the ground by a mysterious magnetic force! It soon becomes apparent that a magnetic ray machine is behind the abduction. As the duo exit their ship, they are set upon by a humangous mechanical spider - with giant hammers for arms! Dodging the crushing blows of these gigantic tentacles, our heroes are greeted by Hammerhead himself! Hammerhead announces his plans to annihilate them and the rest of The Crusaders and launch a campaign of "larceny unlimited!" While he tangles with The Shield and The Black Hood, his giant-spider contraption resumes its attack, much to Hamm