Issue Contents:
Beware the Creeper
"Showcase Presents the First Smash Hit of '68!"
Storyline
The Creeper runs the rooftops, dodging bullets and tearing wanted posters to sherds.
Characters
Credits
- Pencils: Steve Ditko
- Inks: Steve Ditko
- Letters: Gaspar Saladino
The Coming of the Creeper!!
"The world has more than its share of troublemakers, tormentors, and terrorists! And perhaps not quite enough forces of courage, strength, and justice to combat them."
Storyline
Professor Yatz is kidnapped by "Reds". Jack Ryder, mouthy TV host, is fired, then hired as a security investigator. He buys odds and ends for a bizarre costume for mob boss Angel Devilin’s society ball. He's stabbed and enters Yatz’s cell, locking the door behind him. Yatz hides his inventions: a molecular transmitter goes in the wound, and a healing serum in his veins. But Yatz is shot dead. The new "Creeper" goes wild on the villains - and accidentally, cops - laughing like a maniac to scare them. He exposes Devilin, then learns the moleculizer has healed inside. The Creeper will be back.
Characters
- The Creeper [Origin]
- Professor Yatz (death)
- gangsters
- Communist agents
- Dr. Clayton Wetley
- TV Station Manager
- Bill Brane (Chief of Network Security)
- Major Smej
- costume shop owner
- Angel Devilin
- policemen
- Mr. Pell (sponsor)
Credits
- Script: Steve Ditko
- Script: Don Segall
- Pencils: Steve Ditko
- Inks: Steve Ditko
- Letters: Charlotte Jetter
Story Notes
Story across 23 pages, but pages 12 and 23 are 1/2-pages. Story continues in Beware the Creeper #1. Writing and art credits taken from text article. Subtle Touch: Much of this story takes place at a costume party at the home of underworld gang boss "Angel Devlin". His costume at the party is a mask and suit that "split him down the middle" as an "angel" and a "devil" (evoking Batman's Two Face) nicely playing on the name "Angel Devlin".
A Strange Tale Told by the Creeper
"It was late October when John Greenley returned from abroad to his old home in Sussex, England, several decades ago."
Storyline
In Old England, a man sees his ancestor's portrait sometimes varies from holding a wine glass to a dagger, foretelling death in the household.
Characters
- John Greenley
Credits
- Pencils: Morris Waldinger
- Inks: Morris Waldinger
Story Notes
This version has been heavily edited. Panels 3 and 5 of the original version have been omitted. This story appears between pages 4 and 5 of the main story.
Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation
Credits
- Script: Irwin Donenfeld
Story Notes
Statement of Ownership for October 1st, 1967. Paid circulation: 188,000 (average); 195,000 (nearest). Lower third of page.
You Too Can Play the "Game"
"Starting Jan 9th at your newsdealer"
Storyline
Op Art ad for Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #360 (March-April 1968), an 80-Page Giant featuring Supergirl.
Characters
- Clark Kent / Kal-El (mainstream Universe)
- Supergirl (mainstream Universe)
- Superman (mainstream Universe)
- Kara Zor-El (mainstream Universe)
Credits
- Pencils: Curt Swan
- Inks: George Klein
- Letters: Gaspar Saladino (uncertain)
Order by Mail Specials
Story Notes
Ad for various novelty items from Dollar Bargains. Between pages 12 and 13 of previous story. Lower half of page.
Meet the Men Behind the Creeper
"Two men of vast and varied experience combine their best efforts to bring you The Creeper."
Storyline
Bios of Steve Ditko and Don Segall, although Ditko refrained from providing personal information, explaining: "I never talk about myself. My work is me. I do my best, and if I like it, I hope somebody else likes it too." The editor also requests letters for future publication. The piece is uncredited but from the editor’s note is most certainly written by Boltinoff.
Credits
- Script: Murray Boltinoff (uncertain)
- Letters: Gaspar Saladino
Story Notes
Between pages 12 and 13 of previous story.
Returning to the Savage Battle Skies of 1918 -- The Hammer of Hell -- Enemy Ace
Storyline
House ad for the Enemy Ace.
Characters
Credits
- Pencils: Joe Kubert
- Inks: Joe Kubert
- Letters: Gaspar Saladino
Story Notes
Between pages 12 and 13 of previous story.
"Meet the new Barry (Flash) Allen, as he trumpets to the world news of his sheer genius and unequaled brilliance!"
Credits
- Script: E. Nelson Bridwell
- Pencils: Irv Novick
- Pencils: Mike Sekowsky
- Inks: Irv Novick (uncertain)
- Inks: Jack Abel
Story Notes
In-house promotional feature highlighting the DC comic books on sale January 16 thru January 30, 1968. January 16: The Spectre #3. January 18: The Flash #177. January 25: Justice League of America #61, World's Finest #174. January 30: Detective Comics #373, Strange Adventures #210, Adventure Comics #366. The covers of Justice League of America #61 and Detective Comics #373 are reproduced. Between pages 15 and 16 of previous story.
Steve Ditko... Like Lightning -- Strikes Again! The Hawk and the Dove
Storyline
Ad for Ditko's upcoming The Hawk and the Dove (DC, 1968 series).
Credits
- Letters: Gaspar Saladino (uncertain)
100 pc. Toy Soldiers Set $1.25
"Made of durable plastic, each with its own base."
Story Notes
Lucky Products ad for 100 plastic toy soldiers, packed in a footlocker-styled storage box. On final interior page of the comic.