We begin with the Phantom Stranger in "A Child of Death" by Robert Kanigher and Jim Aparo. Albert Anson, the head of the science project Thunderhead dies mysteriously while working on the project. His grandson Freddy, who carries a toy gun, is present at the time of his death, which is ruled to be of natural causes. When another scientist on the project dies in similar circumstances with Freddy also present, the Phantom Stranger intervenes.
Freddy's adoptive father Dr. Forsyte takes over the project. The Phantom Stranger then acts to prevent his death at Freddy's hand. Freddy is actually a hyper-mutant from a race that lives underground. Recent nuclear tests have forced the hyper-mutants, who look like children, to the surface. They intend to disrupt nuclear test projects. The Phantom Stranger also learns that Tala is observing the project disguised as one of the scientists. The Stranger tries to convince Freddy that the tests are force defensive purposes only. Freddy is then killed in a blast resulting from the latest test.
Our back-up features Doctor 13 in "The Devil's Timepiece" by Robert Kanigher and Tony DeZuniga. Dr. Thirteen attends a midnight auction of supposed occult items with his friend Bentley Ames. Bentley purchases a grandfather clock with a miniature devil hanging from the pendulum. The clock is delivered to Ames. The first time he winds it, the devil springs forth from the clock and kills him.
Dr. Thirteen arrives a short time later and discovers his dead friend. He winds the clock also. The devil springs forth again. Dr. Thirteen is able to fight off the devil who falls upon his own pitchfork and dies. The devil is actually the auctioneer, who wanted revenge on Ames for testifying in court against his father. Dr. Thirteen successfully debunks the devil's clock, but two men are now dead.
The entire issue is reprinted in Showcase Presents Phantom Stranger Vol. 1 TPB (2006).
Edited by Joe Orlando
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