National Comics #72 is an issue of the series National Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of June, 1949.
Synopsis for The Barker: "The Oldest Man in the World"
The Barker and his friends are fishing in a stream, pointing out how "the forty-niners" once panned for gold in that very spot. One of them's still around, and shoots loads of buckshot at the group, thinking they're from "the Dukes" and there to steal his money. Realizing the man's 150 years old, he'd make a great attraction at the circus, and he agrees since he's bored from living up in the hills protecting his hoard all alone. Barker's not pleased with his employer sending a story to the newspapers about the old man's treasure trove, though, since it's likely to attract the attention of unscrupulous parties.
He isn't wrong, as a blonde bombshell shows up and proposes marriage to the world's oldest man after knowing him for half an hour. She's quite disappointed to find out his stash of gold dust is worth a whole $700. The old man's been up in the hills guarding his treasure for so long, he doesn't realize that's not as much money as it was in 1849.
Appearing in The Barker: "The Oldest Man in the World"
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Other Characters:
- The World's Oldest Man
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Synopsis for Sally O'Neil Policewoman: "Mr. Malevolence"
A genius crime boss who pulls off unexpected robberies turns out to be a carnival midget-turned-criminal.
Appearing in Sally O'Neil Policewoman: "Mr. Malevolence"
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Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Mr. Malevolence
Other Characters:
Locations:
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Synopsis for Lassie: "Caveman Capers"
Appearing in Lassie: "Caveman Capers"
Featured Characters:
- Lassie
Supporting Characters:
- Laddie
Synopsis for Honeybun: "The Dumber Plumber"
Appearing in Honeybun: "The Dumber Plumber"
Featured Characters:
- Honeybun
Supporting Characters:
- Miggs
Synopsis for Steve Wood: "The Squid"
Steve hauls the carcass of Cokie Stern out of the wharf, the third dope fiend in a month to die by drowning. That's too many to be ruled suicides anymore in Steve's mind, and he decides to look into the narcotics ring the police think is operating in that area. Steve goes to talk to Dopey Dan, one of Cokie Stern's old compatriots, who Steve helped get off a rap once. A clearly scared Dan tells him that all he knows is the head of the narcotics trade in the area goes by "the Squid". Meanwhile the bartender, Beetle, resolves to kill Dan to shut him up.
Later, tentacles pull Dan into the water. Steve's nearby and dives in to save him, seeing how the Squid gets his name: from a diving suit covered in rubbery tentacles. They struggle and Steve cuts his air hose. Back on land the Squid is unmasked to find Beetle underneath. When Steve takes Sally out to dinner to celebrate, he's disgusted to find squid on the menu.
Appearing in Steve Wood: "The Squid"
Featured Characters:
- Steve Wood, Waterfront Detective
Supporting Characters:
- Sally, secretary
- Inspector Flanagan
Antagonists
- Beetle, as "the Squid"
- Dopey Dan
- Cokie Stern (Dies)
Notes
- Next issue lacks a Steve Wood story, but he returns in National Comics #74.
See Also