Description

Tales of the Green Hornet (1st Series)                                                          Comics Lot
Story by: Van Williams
Writer: Robert M. Ingersoll
Artist: Dell Barras
Letterer: Joseph Allen
Editors: Tony Caputo & Katherine Llewellyn
All Covers by: Dell Barras

The Green Hornet is a fictional masked crime-fighting superhero created in 1936 by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker, with input from radio director James Jewell. Since his 1930s radio debut, the character has appeared in numerous serialized dramas in a wide variety of media. The Green Hornet appeared in film serials in the 1940s, The Green Hornet television series in the 1960s (which costarred Bruce Lee in his first major adult role), multiple comic book series from the 1940s on, and a feature film in 2011. The franchise is owned by Green Hornet, Inc., which licenses the property across a wide variety of media that includes comics, films, TV shows, radio and books. As of the 2010s, the comic-book rights are licensed to Dynamite Entertainment.

This two-issue limited series from writer Robert Ingersoll and artist Del Barras spotlights Brit Reid II and Hayashi Kato, the Green Hornet and Kato of the 1960s. Since most folks believe that the Green Hornet is the mysterious crime boss of the city, he is able to operate more freely, outside the law; and this time he is investigating the trafficking of drugs into his city. Meanwhile, Kato, using the name Ikano Kurosawa, begins what appears to be a promising career in martial arts films.

Story/Spoilers
In issue #1, “The Burma Horse, Part One: Down and Dirty”, June 14, 1977 (per a Daily Sentinel front page, p. 13): As the second Green Hornet & Kato team break up a drug ring in The City, the senior partner receives a bullet wound to the upper left arm. The injury is superficial, but enough to put him out of action for a while (and to make him think about “retirement”). Hayashi consequently opts to accept a long-standing invitation to visit his family back in Japan and catches a flight “the next day.” The two Britts find nothing more interesting in the drug ring’s captured records, made available to them by District Attorney Diana Reid (no appearance), than the “reference to something called ‘The Burma Horse.'” After a mere three days of inactivity, Kato is restless. Little sister Mishi recommends he enter a martial arts competition, under a pseudonym so as to not reveal the fact that Britt Reid’s butler is a practioner of kung fu. “Ikano Kurosawa” catches the eye of chop-socky film producer Kazuya Fujikawa, who offers Kato the lead role in his next picture. He and the man’s daughter, martial artist/actress Aiasha, have caught each other’s eyes, as well. A trans-oceanic telephone call confirms that the younger Britt’s arm needs more time to heal (it is now described as “broken”), so he agrees.

There is one proviso, however, which is for Kato to keep his eyes open, as the script, about jade smuggling in the Far East, includes one such object called “The Burma Horse”! Furthermore, the production schedule calls for “three weeks principle filming in Thailand” to be followed by shooting a few final scenes in The City, making the shared term quite suspicious. During the Thai shoot, the new star is bothered by the use of mini-trampolines for “spectacular” but obviously faked stunts, as well as the many crates of equipment that are never opened. This, Aiasha explains, is the result of a desire to not run short of supplies while on location. As for Kato’s other concern, his leading lady adds, “Not EVERYTHING in the movie is faked.” Meanwhile, the real head of the drug ring, Mr. Lewis, learns that his front man was arrested due to the Hornet’s intervention, and instructs his second-in-command, Pinter Marcus, that if the masked man should interfere in Lewis’ operations again, he is to be killed! Concluded next issue…

Finally in issue #2, “The Burma Horse, Part 2: Supply & Demand”, Concluded from last issue: In 1977, The Green Hornet (II), out alone for perhaps the first time (but not the last; see Green Hornet Annual, #1, December 1992), pays a disturbing visit to Pinter Marcus about his incoming drug shipment, demanding his “cut” of the proceeds from the planned auction. Kato, pseudonymously starring in a martial arts movie shooting on location in Thailand, becomes more suspicious of the seeming wastefulness on the low-budget production. He also becomes romantically involved with his leading lady, the producer’s daughter Aiasha. Marcus’ boss, Mr. Lewis, tells him that the masked man’s demands are unacceptable: “Kill the Hornet…or kill yourself!” The filming group arrive in The City to shoot their last few scenes, and predictably, Reid Communications considers it news. Britt takes the opportunity to inform Hayashi that he has identified one of the picture’s backers as international crime cartel head Edwin Lewis. With Kato then reporting the unopened crates of equipment, more canisters of film than they shot, etc., the two feel strongly that the production is a front for smuggling. That night, the Hornet and “his man” sneak in and find Marcus’ heroin shipment in the film cans, but are surprised to be expected. Marcus, Lewis, and the movie’s producer, Mr. Fujikawa, along with a few armed hoods, have turned the lights on. A fight ensues as the crime boss and the producer walk out, but it is quick and the vigilantes have soon caught up with them outside, where a car waits, along with Aiasha. Fujikawa points a gun at his own daughter’s head, threatening to kill her if our heroes do not surrender. The Hornet bluffs that he doesn’t care about her, but Fujikawa has recognized the other man’s fighting style as that of his new star! “I believe HE cares.” After Marcus ties up the two, Lewis kills him, then has Aiasha tied up alongside the masked men!

A fire is started, with a cover story to be that the Green Hornet was accidentally killed in a fire he set for Fujikawa’s refusal to pay protection, and the producer’s daughter died trying to save the film canisters. In one panel, the Hornet is coughing and cursing the ropes that hold him, and in the next he is inexplicably free. A thug left behind to make certain the three die instead is overcome and “convinced” to reveal the site of the heroin auction. The sellers, bidders and merchandise are soon in the hands of the police. Aiasha promises to return to Japan, sell all that is her father’s, donate the proceeds to charities, and disappear, never to see “Ikano Kurosawa” again.

Comics lot contains: Tales of the Green Hornet (1990) Issues #1-2.  Now Comics

Comics are bagged and boarded and will be carefully / securely packaged then shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that it arrives to you perfectly and quickly.

First Printings
Publishers: NOW Comics
Publication Date: 1990
Format per comic: FC, 32 pages, Comic, 10.25″ x 6.5″
UPC: None Stated

Collectible Entertainment note: Comics 1,2 are in Fine condition.  Nice Set!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious Green Hornet collector and/or enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Recommended.

Please read return policy.