Underworld Crime (1952) comic books 1952

Cover by Edd Ashe. Stories and art by Bernard Baily, Mike Sekowsky and Bob Correa. Classic pre-Code crime comics from Fawcett. Gangster Joey Savage admires the Nazi general Modell, and utilizes Modell's strategy and tactics in an attempt to pull off the biggest robbery in history. Tired of being called a "punk," Joey sets out to make his name, but he goes too far when he kills a beloved cop. The "Shotgun Gang" goes a spree in Florida that's no fun for anyone. The Army of Crime; The Punk; Contraband; White Birds of Death! 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Carl Pfeufer. Stories and art by Mike Becker and John C. Adler. Classic pre-Code crime comics from Fawcett. Matches Brody is the best arsonist in the business, so he doesn't see trouble coming when simple-minded brute Clarence asks to be his understudy. Brainy Nelson works out every detail of his upcoming jewelry story robbery in advance, except for one thing. Charlie's convict pals agree to help him escape prison so he can retrieve his embezzled loot from its hiding place. The Torch; Blueprint for Death; Uncle George; Jailbreak. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Stories and art by Maurice Gutwirth and Rod Reed. Classic pre-Code crime comics from Fawcett. Chemist Henry wants to see if he can commit the perfect crime using acid, in a story that calls its main character "Henry Holmes," a possible reference to the infamous serial killer. When gangsters get involved in the gambling over college sports, it's not long before the athletes themselves are targeted by the Mob. Shot by mobster Tiger Jack, gunsel Marty survives, and sets out to get revenge on Jack by assembling a gang of "kill-happy morons who'll laugh at bullets." Microscopic Murder; The Fixer; Mink Murder Case; Hijacker. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Classic pre-Code crime comics from Fawcett. Stooge Bancroft sets out to take over the underworld, making up with his fists what he lacks in brains, but no one else pummels their victims to death. The Mob tries to take over the docks, in a story strongly reminiscent of the classic film drama On the Waterfront (released two years later). Big John Markey has a great loan-shark racket going, until he pushes one hapless victim too far. Death on the Docks!; Stooge Bancroft: The Saga of an Underworld Mauler!; Secret Signal; Pound of Flesh! 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.