I know Quality Comics' premiere magician-superhero stopped the War in his first appearance, but his creator and his audience had to face facts. The War was on again in Europe and Asia. So let's nip it in the bud again, shall we?
It happens in National Comics #8 (1941) when Merlin visits an art museum's Greek exhibit and makes a wish.
And just like that, the Oracle at Delphi contacts him from the far past! She brings him to her temple and together they observe the men responsible for the war, obvious stand-ins for Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito - Ribbo, Gasolini and Molo - because, y'know, you wouldn't want to hurt these guys' feelings. Time to stop these bozos.
First, a demonstration of Merlin's ability to humiliate them.
Next, he turns them into household objects.
The, the transports them to the battlefield so they can tell their soldiers to cease all hostilities, before taking them back in time to Delphi for punishment. The Oracle sends Hirohito (I'm not using the pseudonyms, sorry) to the Minotaur's labyrinth, Mussollini to what looks like Cthulhu's arms...
...and Hitler, who first loses all dignity by begging for his life, to the Cyclops' island.
History's most hated man? A surprisingly tasty snack. The Oracle warns Merlin we foolish mortals may yet start warring again, so he gets back to his era and gives a righteous speech:
And World War II ends (again) thanks to Merlin's magic. And if it brews again, we shouldn't worry, Merlin will be there to turn swords into plowshares. So we may not be done with him yet...
It happens in National Comics #8 (1941) when Merlin visits an art museum's Greek exhibit and makes a wish.
Comments
Hitler becoming some big, Cyclop's bitch? That's the ending we should've got.