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That’s not Starfinger! What the? Learn the truth inside….

That’s not Starfinger! What the? Learn the truth inside….

The True Identity of STARFINGER!

ADVENTURE COMICS Vol.1,  No.336,  September 1965;  Cover Art:  Curt Swan,  George Klein;  Writer:  Edmond Hamilton;  Penciler:  John Forte;  Inker:  Sheldon Moldoff
In the concluding chapter of a tale that began last issue,  the Legion of Super-Heroes are still trying to stop Starfinger in his quest to destroy the Seven Wonders of the 30th century,  as well as attempting to learn which member of the Legion is actually under Starfinger’s strange helmet.   When they at last catch up with the marauding villain,  they discover that it’s really Lightning Lad,  hypnotized and forced to obey the commands of the dastardly Dr. Lars Hanscom.

Hanscom is using Lightning Lad to pressure the United Planets into turning over a powerful healing element known as Rejuvium for reasons that remain a bit obscure,  but Superboy proves instrumental in stopping Hanscom and turning him over to the authorities.  In a solo Superboy story originally presented in Superboy #54 (January 1957),  “Clark Kent” is named the heir of a rich man’s fortune…but which Clark Kent did he mean?

Kudos to Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg for his expert commentary above and to the talented artists and writers of DC Comics who captivated and inspired millions of readers during this magical Golden Age.

Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg is an educator,  publisher,  author,  comic book and pop culture historian, and former museum curator.  He is the author or co-author of Zombiemania,  The Big BIG LITTLE BOOK Book,  and Howe’s Transcendental Toybox.   He was the editor of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide and also wrote for Cinescape,  The International Journal of Comic Art,  Fandom,  and IGN.com.  He holds a doctorate in Communications Design from the University of Baltimore and teaches courses in everything from comics and superhero mythology to zombies to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  You can find him on Twitter at @DoctoroftheDead