I'm sure this story was inspired by "Gloomy Sunday," also known as "The Suicide Song." In the song the singer laments a lover's death and contemplates suicide. Though written in Hungary in the early 30s the song had several English versions recorded beginning in 1936. The year before this Spirit story (1941), a version recorded by Billy Holiday was a worldwide hit. An urban legend rose that people listening to the song (especially Hungarians) became so depressed they killed themselves. Holiday's version was banned by the BBC during WWII as being bad for morale.
Additional Information
Publication
June 28, 1942 | Price: 0.00 FREE | Pages: 8
Notes
Colors and letters credits from cat yronwode's Spirit index.
Comic Story
Sasha's Sax (8 pages)
Synopsis
Sasha the Saxophonist is depressed about life and his sad song has the power to drive people to suicide. In an effort to stop Sasha's manic melodies, The Spirit meets with members of the Gestapo and tricks them into thinking Sasha's unique ability could be used to further their cause. The Gestapo men keep paying Sasha to play his sad song over loudspeakers to the entire city, to the point of exhaustion. Sasha is so tired of playing the sad song, he changes to an upbeat jive tune, which in turn drives the Gestapo boys to take their own lives. Sasha goes on to be a successful street musician.
Content
Genre: Superhero | Characters: Denny Colt (The Spirit); Ebony; Sasha the Saxophonist; Dolan
Notes
Colors and letters credits from cat yronwode's Spirit index.
Comic Story
Tony Nitro (4 pages)
Synopsis
Crime boss Tony Nitro plots to do in Brenda Banks (aka Lady Luck) and frame Lady Luck for the murder, turning her friends and the police against her.
Content
Genre: Adventure; Detective-mystery | Characters: Brenda Banks (Lady Luck); Peecolo; Tony Nitro
Comic Story
Portrait of Death (4 pages)
Synopsis
When artist Paul Krueff is visited by Death, he strikes a bargain to live by painting Death's portrait; however, Death puts a curse on the portrait and anyone who laughs at it will die. After a horrible tragedy at an art gallery, crime boss Karnik buys the painting in a plot to use it to kill the mayor and frame Mr. Mystic.
Featuring
Mr. Mystic
Content
Genre: Superhero | Characters: Mr. Mystic; Penny Douglas; Chowderhead; Paul Kreuff; Boss Karnik; Rat Face
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