“She’s my woman,” Mace said, and Emerson grabbed him by the shoulder... setting in motion a murder plot that spelled death for Mace, oblivion for himself, and disaster for — yes, YOU!
It was not unusual for Pulp heroes to have allies, a team even to back up them up in battles and to provide both exposition and even humor when necessary. This is especially true in series, where supporting cast often became even more fleshed out than the hero himself. In most cases, these characters were male and specifically qualified by some expertise to be working with the Hero. The Black Bat was one of a handful of characters that diverted from this stereotype, making a woman a primary part of his supporting cast.
Carol Baldwin served more than one purpose in The Black Bat stories. In her first appearance, she is undercover in a gang, which criminal involvement is sort of a theme for The Black Bat’s allies. This gives her a usefulness to Tony Quinn in his campaign against criminals, but she also provides something even greater. She is undercover and comes into contact with Quinn all for the same reason, as a tribute to her deceased father, a policeman. Not only is Carol carrying on her father’s own crime fighting, but she is also the one who insures that her father’s final wishes are carried out and his eyes are donated to science. This results in Tony Quinn receiving her father’s eyes in an experimental surgery and gaining the ability to see in the dark. Carol Baldwin is an ally to The Black Bat and a main reason the character has the ability to fight crime as he does.
Thrill to The Killer Who Wasn't, originally published in Black Book Detective #94 Winter 1952 and read with two fisted excitement by award winning voice actor Milton Bagby.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Prelude to Murder
Chapter 2: The Astounding Frame-up
Chapter 3: The Eyes of Tony Quinn
Chapter 4: Airtight Case
Chapter 5: Pawnshop
Chapter 6: Wanted for Murder
Chapter 7: The Money Angle
Chapter 8: Intruder in Black
Chapter 9: Close Call
Chapter 10: Black Bat’s Alibi
Chapter 11: Grim Warning
Chapter 12: Blind Hostage
Chapter 13: Dead Man’s Brother
Chapter 14: The Soft Touch
Chapter 15: Almost Murder
Chapter 16: Slick Trick
Chapter 17: Con Game
Chapter 18: Drink Your Own Poison
