DOUG GRANT

Full Name:	Doug Grant
Nationality:	American
Organization:	U.S. Counter-Espionage
Occupation	Agent

Creator:	Robert Bernstein
Time Span:	1950 - 1953

ABOUT THE SERIES

       Doug Grant is an agent with U.S. Counter-Espionage.
       The term Secret Service is mentioned but the group for which Grant works is not affiliated with the Treasury Department; rather it is largely an unnamed member of the intelligence community dedicated to fighting spies. Considering the places that Grant goes on his missions, its reach is global and its mandate anything related to combating Communist agents.
       As the opening line in the first recorded adventure has Grant telling the readers, "A secret agent is not some mythical being born on the comic page and raised to glory on the silver screen! He's real ... real as the dangers our country faces today! You life and mine! Your country and mine! The democratic institutions we all love so dearly ... these are the stakes involved! And they're the highest ... they're worth dying for! And some men are dying for them this very minute ... in that little known firing line of our peace offensive ... the counter espionage service!"
       Grant has definitely been in the spy business for quite some time for on a mission he comes across, unhappily so, a femme fatale named Myra against whom he competed in "Spain, 1942! And before that, Vichy, France. Italy. Germany. Japan. Shanghai. Portugal." Even if we go on the assumption that the Spain of 1942 was one of Grant's first missions, and there is no evidence for that, he has been in the counter-espionage business for nearly a decade. And successfully so, given that when handed a difficult assignment, Grant's boss, nicknamed "B.B.", explains, "You brought it on yourself with that last job of yours! Spiriting Major Thomas right out from under the noses of the Czech secret police! And, of course, you speak every Slav language."
       Grant is a fairly tall, athletic dark haired man who, as appropriate for that era, routinely dresses in a suit and tie (even when parachuting). He is decidedly good looking and not adverse to the company of the fairer sex nor are they lacking in interest in him. He does have a fun pick-up line when he offers a lady at a bar a drink and adds, "Say 'Yes' or 'No'. It doesn't matter. I just want to hear what an angel sounds like."

COMIC BOOKS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS

Number of Stories:	39
First Appearance:	1950
Last Appearance:	1953

       Before Marvel Comics became known as that, it was Atlas Comics. (It was Timely Comics before that, of course.) For the most part the Golden Age of Superheroes was gone and comicbooks looked for other type of stories to entertain the readers. Comedy was king. Romance was big. War stories were big. Science Fiction was growing. And spies were fighting Communists all over the planet.
       Spy Cases was one of the anthology imprints that told the daring tales of the constant fight to keep the Reds from conquering the world. Doug Grant was a repeating character in the magazine and, oddly, he seemed the only repeater. Every other agent was a one-shot deal.
       The first six issues had one Doug Grant adventure. #7 - #12 had two stores each. From #13 to the last issue, #19, there were 3 tales each. This means that though the magazine lasted only 19 issues, there were a whole lot of Doug Grant tales.
       The numbering scheme is an interesting one because it runs 26-19.
       As was quite common back then, for mailing purposes, companies would stop one title and start up another in its place, keeping the numbering intact.
       In this case, the magazine started back in 1943 as Kid Komics detailing adventures of the sidekicks of the Human Torch and Captain America. It lasted 10 issues. Then it became for a single issue Kid Movie Komics. #12-#20 saw it as Rusty, America's Funniest Family. Then it turned into the comedic The Kellys for #23-#25.
       At that point it became Spy Cases and went #26-#28. From then on, though, the numbering switched to be consecutive from the first Spy Case, in other words, #4 through the last #19. Hence the oddly 26-19.


1			Smashing the Iron Curtain! Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Al Hartley (artist) Copyright: 09/1950 Found in Spy Cases #26 (#1) - aka The Robart Report - 8 pages - Doug Grant takes the role of a Russian correspondent as he parachutes into Bulgaria to help free an American diplomat arrested for spying. Click here to read the story.

2			Red Shadow Over South America Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Al Hartley (artist) Copyright: 12/1950 Found in Spy Cases #27 (#2) - 7 pages - In an unnamed South American nation, arms shipments meant for the government are being hijacked by rebels backed by the Soviet Union. Doug Grant is sent there to stop the thefts. Click here to read the story.

3			Sabotage! Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Al Hartley (artist) Copyright: 02/1951 Found in Spy Cases #28 (#3) - 7 pages - Three agents have died trying to learn about the Red sabotage ring working at the premiere US tank factory. Doug Grant is the next one to try. Click here to read the story.

4			The Secret Invasion Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Al Hartley (artist), Robert Bernstein (writer) Copyright: 04/1951 Found in Spy Cases #4 - 6 pages - A seal hunting ship in the North Atlantic is really a Red spy vessel studying the defense layout in preparation for an invasion. Doug Grant is put onboard as a crew member to learn the truth. Click here to read the story.

5			The Vengeance of Comrade De Casto! Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Al Hartley (artist) Copyright: 06/1951 Found in Spy Cases #5 - 7 pages - A series of assassinations in Puerto Rico have people in authority stumped. Why these people and why now? That is what Doug Grant is sent to learn. Click here to read the story.

6			The Traitor Without a Face Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Al Hartley (artist) Copyright: 08/1951 Found in Spy Cases #6 - 7 pages - One of the most anti-Red senators in Washington has suddenly switched gears and began promoting following their demands. It is the job of Doug Grant to learn why he made such a radical switch. Click here to read the story.

7			Nightmare at Noon Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Al Hartley (artist) Copyright: 10/1951 Found in Spy Cases #7 - 7 pages - In England, a German scientist working on improved airplane engines is murdered. One of three men testing the man's work in Berlin is suspected of being a Red agent who ordered the killing and Doug Grant heads there with the slain man's daughter to learn who the culprit is. Click here to read the story.

8			Fjords of Fear Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), George Tuska (artist) Copyright: 10/1951 Found in Spy Cases #7 - 6 pages - Sent to Norway, Doug Grant's task is to discover if the fishing boats recently sunk by running mines were victims of old WWII remnants or fresh floating bombs recently placed for some unknown reason. Click here to read the story.

9			Menace in Malaya Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 12/1951 Found in Spy Cases #8 - 7 pages - In the summer of 1951, Doug Grant is surprised to be sent to Singapore to assist the British who have a rebel problem in Malaya. He is told to work with the lovely Miss Trenholme. He soon learns two things - a man getting rich off helping the communist rebels is an American and a lovely lady can also be a deadly viper. Click here to read the story.

10			Horror On Ice Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 12/1951 Found in Spy Cases #8 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

11			Undeclared War Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 02/1952 Found in Spy Cases #9 - 7 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

12			Moon of Death Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 02/1952 Found in Spy Cases #9 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

13			Fangs of the Tiger Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 04/1952 Found in Spy Cases #10 - 7 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

14			Trail of Doom Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 04/1952 Found in Spy Cases #10 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

15			Scorched Earth! Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Bill Savage (artist), Robert Bernstein (writer) Copyright: 06/1952 Found in Spy Cases #11 - 6 pages - A Korean War tale - [Note - Doug Grant is not specifically identified but all evidence points to him being the captain in the story.] American forces have to pull back and his platoon has been ordered to destroy all the supplies the retreating army cannot take, even as the enemy heads into town. Click here to read the story.

16			The Hidden Army Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Bill Savage (artist), Robert Bernstein (writer) Copyright: 06/1952 Found in Spy Cases #11 - 7 pages - Another Korean War tale - [Note: The badge emblem normally on the title panel is missing but the character is identified as Doug Grant.] Grant takes the guise of a corporal fleeing into the hands of the enemy to escape death. His plan was to provide disinformation about a planned attack. Being thrown into a prison camp, he decides to stop the executions being done there. Click here to read the story.

17			The Super Bomb Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 08/1952 Found in Spy Cases #12 - 6 pages - Another Korean War tale. The Americans and the South Koreans were not working well together on the front lines and Doug Grant is sent to learn why. [Note: no idea where the title comes into things.] Click here to read the story.

18			Pincer Movement Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 08/1952 Found in Spy Cases #12 - 7 pages - Another Korean War tale. Put in temporary charge of the Army company with the death of his C.O., Doug Grant must consider carefully whether to follow illogical but lawful orders from HQ or attack in a way that makes more sense. Click here to read the story.

19			The Kidnapping of General Syin! Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 10/1952 Found in Spy Cases #13 - 7 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

20			Revenge Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 10/1952 Found in Spy Cases #13 - 5 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

21			Forest of Terror Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 10/1952 Found in Spy Cases #13 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

22			City of Corpses Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 12/1952 Found in Spy Cases #14 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

23			Death Duel Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 12/1952 Found in Spy Cases #14 - 5 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

24			Timetable of Death Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 12/1952 Found in Spy Cases #14 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

25			The Red Terror Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 02/1953 Found in Spy Cases #15 - 7 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

26			The Assassins Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 02/1953 Found in Spy Cases #15 - 5 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

27			The Phantom Reds Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 02/1953 Found in Spy Cases #15 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

28			The Red Rocket Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 04/1953 Found in Spy Cases #16 - 7 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

29			Death of Smuggler Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 04/1953 Found in Spy Cases #16 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

30			Hatred! Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 04/1953 Found in Spy Cases #16 - 5 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

31			The Countess Is A Commie Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 06/1953 Found in Spy Cases #17 - 7 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

32			Trial For Treason Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 06/1953 Found in Spy Cases #17 - 5 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

33			Crash Landing Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 06/1953 Found in Spy Cases #17 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

34			The Communist Zone Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 08/1953 Found in Spy Cases #18 - 7 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

35			Contact In Ankara Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 08/1953 Found in Spy Cases #18 - 5 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

36			5 Seconds To Disaster! Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 08/1953 Found in Spy Cases #18 - 5 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

37			The Fugitive Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 10/1953 Found in Spy Cases #19 - 7 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

38			The Man-Eaters! Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 10/1953 Found in Spy Cases #19 - 5 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

39			Iron Curtain Callers Published by Atlas Comics Contributors: Robert Bernstein (writer), Bill Savage (artist) Copyright: 10/1953 Found in Spy Cases #19 - 6 pages - [plot unknown] Click here to read the story.

MY COMMENTS

       Like a couple of other spy series from the early 50s, this series starts out really well. Doug Grant is an agent extraordinaire out in the big world fighting the really bad commies and showing them how much better democracy is. [That sounds a whole lot snider than I would like but I cannot figure out how to tone it down.] The stories are darn good ones and if they had stayed like that, I would have graded the series higher. The artwork is top-notch and the plotting very good. As was normal for then, we learn virtually nothing about Grant the individual but we certainly get a ton of action.
       But then the Korean War happened and spy stories took a backseat and war stories became the publishing rage. So Grant doffed the cloak and dagger and picked up a helmet and a rifle. As war tales go, these were pretty good but when I was wanting more spy adventures, I get military adventures.
       Luckily the series does go back and the good stuff return.

GRADE

My Grade: B

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