secret origins #19 1987

secret origins #19 1987

“THE COMING OF UNCLE SAM” in the winter in 1777, Revolutionary Patriot Samuel was killed by Hessian mercenaries, whom he'd decoyed away from a crucial supply wagon train bound for Valley Forge. As he lay dying, Uncle Sam appeared to him, and had his own face and build, and asked him "Are you willing to give up Eternal Rest, to help me defend our country always?" "THE SECRET ORIGIN OF THE NEWSBOY LEGION" in Suicide Slum, Metropolis, rookie cop Jim Harper gets beaten up by some thugs, and decides to take a new approach to crime fighting. He breaks into a costume shop, assembles an "action outfit" that includes a sturdy shield and a crash helmet, leaves some money on the counter, and leave to settle the score!

"The Coming of... Uncle Sam" written by Len Wein, penciled and inked by Murphy Anderson, colored by Shelley Eiber and lettered by Milt Snapinn.
"The Secret Origin of The Guardian and the Newsboy Legion" written by Roy Thomas, penciled by Arvell Jones, inked by Greg Theakston, colored by Julianna Ferriter and lettered by Jean Simek and Helen Vesik.
"Golden Age Dept.:" 1/2 page text piece on the history of the Golden Age Uncle Sam and The Guardian by Roy Thomas.
Notes:
The Uncle Sam story is based off of National Comics #1 and #5 and Uncle Sam #1.
The Golden Age Guardian and the Newsboy Legion story is based off of Star-Spangled Comics #7 and All-Star Squadron Annual #1.
Except for the main characters, the others have cameo appearances.
The cover is a homage of the World War One recruitment poster featuring Uncle Sam.