Sandman Mystery Theatre #44 is an issue of the series Sandman Mystery Theatre (Volume 1) with a cover date of November, 1996.
Synopsis for "The Phantom of the Fair Final Act"
Someone is torturing, and then killing, men at the New York World's Fair. Lt. Burke assigns himself to the case and discovers that the victims were homosexuals. Wesley Dodds and Dian Belmont see the lieutenant snooping around the fairgrounds, and they begin their own investigation.
Sometime later, the Sandman steals some maps to the fairgrounds and believes the killer is sneaking onto the premises via a nearby sewer tunnel at the lake. As he explores the area around the lake, he accidentally stumbles upon another altercation all together -- The Crimson Avenger having a shootout with some local thugs.
Meanwhile, a male friend of Wesley Dodds meets another man at a gay bar. The two hit it off and head out together. The killer has found his next victim.
The police find the body on the fairgrounds, as does the Sandman, who is lurking in the shadows. The police hear him and give chase. However, the Sandman is able to escape with Dian Belmont who was waiting in a getaway car.
The Sandman makes another attempt to find the killer's hidden lair. This time he succeeds, and finds the torture chamber beneath the fairgrounds. While looking around he is confronted by the killer -- Phantom of the Fair. A brief skirmish occurs then a chase above ground ensues. The Phantom is able to carjack a vehicle, but loses control immediately, causing him to go over an embankment.
With the case closed, Wesley and Dian pay their respects to their friend, the last victim, at his funeral.
Appearing in "The Phantom of the Fair Final Act"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Phantom of the Fair (Dies)
Other Characters:
- Lt. Burke
- Robert Li (Dies)
- Grover Whalen
- The Corinthian (Mentioned only)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Trivia
- The story concludes on 10 June 1939, the day of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth's visit to the World's Fair (advertised by a newsboy in the final panel).
See Also