DC Comics Presents #62

DC Comics Presents #62 (October 1983)
title: "Born On The Fourth of July!"
writers: Bob Rozakis & Dan Mishkin
penciller: Irv Novick
inker: Dave Hunt
letterer: John Costanza
colorist: Gene D'Angelo
editor: Julius Schwartz
letter column: Bob Rozakis
cover: Gil Kane 

Order of Appearance: Uncle Sam appears first, followed by a group scene on page 5 featuring: (L/R) Doll Man, The Ray, Black Condor, and The Human Bomb. 

Guest Stars:  Superman

Supporting Characters: the President of the United States

Opponents:
Neo-Nazis

Overall Summary: 
Neo-Nazis steal the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and it's up to the Freedom Fighters and Superman to get them back.  

Wonder Woman #293

Wonder Woman #293 (July 1982)

title: "Countdown to Chaos!" (Judgment in Infinity Part 3)

plot: Paul Levitz

script: Roy Thomas

penciller: Gene Colan
inkers: Frank McLaughlin, Bob Smith, & Adrian Gonzales
letterer: Ben Oda
colorist: Carl Gafford
editor: Len Wein
cover: Ross Andru & Dick Giordano

Order of Appearance: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story.

Guest Stars:  Wonder Woman (it's her book, so naturally), Raven, Wonder Girl, Starfire, Black Canary, Zatanna, the Huntress, Power Girl, Supergirl, Madame Xanadu

Supporting Characters: Queen Hipplyta 

Opponents:
The omnipotent being known as The Adjudicator and his minions "Death," "Famine," "Plague," and "War"

Overall Summary: 
An omnipotent being known as the Adjudicator has judged Earth (One) and all Earths linked to it, deciding to destroy them. Wonder Woman and ten other super-heroines try to stop him.   

Wonder Woman #s 292

Wonder Woman # 292 (June 1982)
title: "Seven Against Oblivion!" (Judgment in Infinity Part 2)

plot: Paul Levitz

script: Roy Thomas

penciller: Gene Colan
inker: Frank McLaughlin
letterer: Ben Oda
colorist: Carl Gafford
editor: Len Wein
cover: Ross Andru & Dick Giordano

Order of Appearance: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story.

Guest Stars:  Wonder Woman (it's her book, so naturally), Black Canary, the Huntress, Power Girl, Supergirl, Madame Xanadu

Supporting Characters:
Lois Lane, Zatanna 

Opponents:
The omnipotent being known as The Adjudicator and his minions "Plague" and "War"

Overall Summary: 
An omnipotent being known as the Adjudicator has judged Earths and sent his minions, representative of the Four Horsemen of the Apocolypse, to destroy Earth Two and Earth X. Several super-heroines, including Phantom Lady, try to stop him.  

Black Lighting #11

Black Lightning #11 (October 1978) 
title: "The Rise and Fall of The Ray!"
writer/co-plotter: Roger McKenzie

penciller/co-plotter: John Fuller
inker: Bob Wiacek
letterer: Shelly Leferman
colorist: Mario Sen
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Tony Isabella
cover: Rich Buckler & Vince Colletta

Order of Appearance: The Ray is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. 

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters: None

Opponents:
None (mention of Quake Master and Killer Moth)

Overall Summary: 
The Ray revives after almost being beaten to death, and then must help put out a chemical fire on Gotham Bay!  

Secret Society of Super-Villains #15

Secret Society of Super-Villains #15 (July 1978)
title: "The Wizard's War of the Worlds!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Mike Vosburg
inker: Bob Smith
letterer: Jean Simek
colorist: Carl Gafford
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Jack C. Harris
cover: Rich Buckler & Dick Giordano

Order of Appearance: The Freedom Fighters all appear in one group scene on the very last page of the issue. 

Guest Stars:  Dr. Mid-Nite, Golden Age Atom

Supporting Characters:
Captain Comet

Opponents:
Silver Ghost, Mirror Master, and Copperhead in the Freedom Fighters' related story; The Wizard, Plant Master, Blockbuster, Star Sapphire, and Professor Zoom in the Justice Society related story.

Overall Summary: 
The Silver Ghost commissions the Secret Society of Super-Villains to help him kill the Freedom Fighters!  

1978 DC Calendar "September"

1978 DC Calendar (September 1978)

The Freedom Fighters vs. Flamesplasher

writer: Bob Rozakis? 
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Jack Abel
colorist: uncredited

Plot Summary:
First Day of School.... and after a happy summer, doesn't everybody kinda hope maybe the school burned down and you won't have to go back? Well, it's happening here thanks to the fiery FLAMESPLASHER...but the young students would've been victims of this inferno if not for the FREEDOM FIGHTERS using their powers to rescue the children and stop this blazing baddie! 

Appearance: All six original members appear in the illustration, attempting to stop Flamesplasher from destroying a school in Chicago. No sign of Firebrand....! 

Freedom Fighters #15

Freedom Fighters #15 (August 1978)
title: "Carnival of Death!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Jack Abel
letterer: Milt Snapinn
colorist: Mario Sen
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Jack C. Harris
cover: Alex Saviuk & Frank Giacoia

Order of Appearance: Phantom Lady appears first and foremost, then The Ray, Uncle Sam, Firebrand, Black Condor, Doll Man, and finally The Human Bomb.

Guest Stars:  Batgirl and Batwoman

Supporting Characters: None

Opponents:
Alien Invaders

Overall Summary: 
The Freedom Fighters stop an alien invasion! Hooray!  

Freedom Fighters #14

Freedom Fighters #14 (June 1978)
title: "Sideshows of Doom!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Jack Abel
letterer: John Workman
colorist: Mario Sen
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Jack C. Harris
cover: Rich Buckler & Jack Abel

Order of Appearance: All appear in one group scene on page one: (L/R) Doll Man, The Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, Uncle Sam, Black Condor, and The Ray

Guest Stars:  Batgirl and Batwoman

Supporting Characters:
WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts, 

Opponents:
aliens, "clone" copies of our heroes

Overall Summary: 
The Freedom Fighters visit a travelling carnival and stumble into an alien invasion plot!  

Freedom Fighters #13

Freedom Fighters #13 (April 1978)
title: "The Amazing Origin, The Deadly Return, The Startling Secret of The Black Condor!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Jack Abel
letterer: Milt Snapinn
colorist: Jerry Serpe
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Jack C. Harris
cover: Rich Buckler & Jack Abel

Order of Appearance: Most appear in one group scene on page one: (L/R) Phantom Lady, The Ray, The Human Bomb, Uncle Sam, Doll Man, and newest member Firebrand; Black Condor appears on page two

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters:
WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts

Opponents:
possessed Black Condor, the demon Homilus

Overall Summary: 
A possessed and super-strong Black Condor is back, and he wants to convert his friends to Evil!  

Freedom Fighters #12

Freedom Fighters #12 (February 1978)
title: "Bust-Out in the Big House!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Christian Volt
letterer: Ben Oda
colorist: Bob LeRose
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Jack C. Harris
cover: Rich Buckler & Jack Abel

Order of Appearance: The Ray, Doll Man, the Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, and Uncle Sam all appear on page one; Black Condor appears on page nine

Guest Stars:  Firebrand, who makes his Bronze Age debut in this issue

Supporting Characters:
WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts, Acting District Attorney Michael Tulane

Opponents:
The murderer of DA David Pearson

Overall Summary: 
The Freedom Fighters decide to break Doll Man free from prison before his scheduled execution.  

Freedom Fighters #11

Freedom Fighters #11 (December 1977)
title: "Divided We...Die??"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Jack Abel
letterer: Milt Snapinn
colorist: Liz Berube
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Jack C. Harris
cover: Rich Buckler & Jack Abel

Order of Appearance: The Ray opens the issue; we then see Doll Man in New York City; then Phantom Lady, Uncle Sam, and The Human Bomb are shown in Texas. The Black Condor does not appear in this story. 

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters:
The Ray's mysterious benefactor, WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts

Opponents:
Chief Crazy Horse, Tall Tree, Rain-In-The-Face, and Thunder Cloud

Overall Summary: 
Three Freedom Fighters are in Dallas, the Ray is in upstate New York, and the Doll Man goes on trial in New York City!  

Freedom Fighters #10

Freedom Fighters #10 (August 1977)
title: "Murder in Miniature!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Jack Abel
letterer: uncredited
colorist: uncredited
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Jack C. Harris
cover: Rich Buckler & Jack Abel

Order of Appearance: Uncle Sam, Black Condor, The Human Bomb, and Phantom Lady are together in Buffalo, New York; The Ray appears a page later fighting the Silver Ghost; Doll Man appears last, in a New York City jail cell. 

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters:
WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts, NYC Assistant District Attorney Michael Tulane, Earth-X Martha Roberts and her father (in flashback); Public Defender Fred Snyder

Opponents:
Cat Man and his three underlings, the Silver Ghost as Americommando

Overall Summary: 
The Freedom Fighters split up, as three of them battle Cat Man in Minneapolis, the Ray battles the Silver Ghost, Black Condor chases after the Ray, and Doll Man is investigated for murder!  

Freedom Fighters #9

Freedom Fighters #9 (August 1977)
title: "Blitzkrieg At Buffalo!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Jack Abel
letterer: uncredited
colorist: uncredited
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Jack C. Harris
cover: Rich Buckler & Jack Abel

Order of Appearance: All appear in one group scene on page one: (L/R) Doll Man, The Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, Uncle Sam, Black Condor, and The Ray

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters:
WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts, NYC District Attorney David Pearson, Assistant District Attorney Michael Tulane

Opponents:
Silver Ghost as Americommando, Rusty, Barracuda, Fireball, and Sparky (The Crusaders)

Overall Summary: 
The Freedom Fighters go toe-to-toe against the Crusaders, and a new trouble faces Doll Man! 

Freedom Fighters #8

Freedom Fighters #8 (June 1977)

title: "D-Day At Niagara!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Jack Abel
letterer: uncredited

colorist: uncredited
editor: Jack C. Harris
letter column: Jack C. Harris
cover: Rich Buckler & Jack Abel

Order of Appearance: All appear on the splash page fighting the Crusaders (clockwise from left): Phantom Lady, The Human Bomb, The Ray, The Black Condor, Uncle Sam, and Doll Man,

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters:
WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts, NYC District Attorney David Pearson, Asst DA Michael Tulane (debut)

Opponents:
The Crusaders (Americommando & Rusty, Barracuda, and Fireball & Sparky)

Overall Summary: 
The Crusaders volunteer to go after the Freedom Fighters, and meet them in a free-for-all fight at Niagara Falls!  

JUSTICE LEAGUE 54: "Out of Luck!"

The Invaders #15

The Invaders #15 (April 1977)
title: "God Save the King!"
writer: Roy Thomas
penciller: Frank Robbins
inker: Frank Springer
letterer: John Costanza
colorist: Don Warfield
editor: Roy Thomas
letter column: Roy Thomas
cover: Jack Kirby & Joe Sinnott

Order of Appearance: Dyna-Mite, Tommy Lightning, Captain Wings, Spirit of '76, Thunder Fist, and Ghost Girl

Guest Stars:  The Invaders (Captain America, Bucky, the Human Torch, Toro, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Spitfire) 

Supporting Characters: 

Lord Falsworth, his butler Hotchkins, King George VI

Opponents:
Alfie the Nazi spy, Adolf Hitler (behind the scenes)

Overall Summary: 
The Crusaders have been made King George VI's Royal Guard, but they have been led to believe that the Invaders are Nazis. What's worse, they are dupes of true Nazis, and King George's life is in danger!  

JUSTICE LEAGUE 54: Bring On the Bad Guys QUIZ!

I bragged that this issue would feature 25 (count 'em 25!) bad guys. I managed to pull it off, but to tell you the truth, trying to choreograph all these characters was a bigger hassle than I anticipated! LOL! Who was next to who in that scene? Where did what's his name go? Did I include that guy yet? Unlike film, I had to remember to DRAW them all in the same place. It was a major problem! 

Anyway, I did manage to include 25 characters, plus five more just for good measure. But how many do YOU recognize? Let's see! 

The Invaders #14

The Invaders #14 (March 1977)
title: "Calling....The Crusaders!"
writer: Roy Thomas
penciller: Frank Robbins
inker: Frank Springer
letterer: Joe Rosen
colorist: Marie Severin
editor: Roy Thomas
letter column: Roy Thomas
cover: Jack Kirby & Joe Sinnott

Order of Appearance: Spirit of '76, Dyna-Mite, Ghost Girl, Tommy Lightning, Captain Wings, and Thunder Fist

Guest Stars:  The Invaders (Captain America, Bucky, the Human Torch, Toro, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Spitfire) 

Supporting Characters: 

Lord Falsworth, his butler Hotchkins, King George VI, Alfie the cab driver

Opponents:
unnamed Nazi spy, unnamed Nazi Luftwaffe crew, Adolf Hitler (behind the scenes)

Overall Summary: 
The All-New Almost All-British Crusaders arrive in London and help out during the Blitz. The next day, they want to take the Invaders' place as King George's personal body-guards.  

The Freedom Fighters vs. The Invaders

The Freedom Fighters vs. The Invaders! 

Hypothesis: 
The Freedom Fighters' appearance fighting Nazis in the pages of Justice League of America #s107-108 inspired Roy Thomas to create The Invaders, his World War II era Nazi-fighting super-group for Marvel. 

Please, let me present my case....

Freedom Fighters #7

Freedom Fighters #7 (April 1977)

title: "The Emperor of the North Pole!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Ayers
inker: Jack Abel
letterer: uncredited

colorist: uncredited
editor: Tony Isabella
letter column: Tony Isabella
cover: Rich Buckler & Jack Abel

Order of Appearance: All appear in one group scene on page one: (from left) Uncle Sam, Phantom Lady, The Human Bomb, Black Condor, Doll Man, and The Ray. 

Guest Stars:  The Crusaders (one-page cameo)

Supporting Characters:
Martha Roberts, NYC District Attorney David Pearson 

Opponents:
The Elf, Homilus (behind the scenes)

Overall Summary: 
The Freedom Fighters investigate Santaland and come across an attempt to tilt the world on its axis to create a new Ice Age! 

Freedom Fighters #6

Freedom Fighters #6 (Feb 1977)
title: "Witching Hour for the Warrior Wizards!"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Ramona Fradon
inker: Bob Smith
letterer: Ben Oda
colorist: Liz Berube
editor: Tony Isabella
letter column: Tony Isabella
cover: Rich Buckler & Vince Colletta (?)

Order of Appearance: Uncle Sam, The Ray, Black Condor, The Human Bomb, Doll Man, and Phantom Lady

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters:
Martha Roberts, Tom Fagan

Opponents:
Silver Ghost's former gang, Enstra and the Warrior Wizards, Homilus the demon

Overall Summary: 
The Freedom Fighters seek to hide in Rutland, Vermont but must try to stop an attempt to bring a demon to Earth. 

DC SUPER-STARS #10

DC Super-Stars #10 (Dec 1976)
title: "The Great Super-Star Game!" 

writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Dick Dillin
inker: Frank McLaughlin
letterer: uncredited

colorist: uncredited
editor: Julius Schwartz
cover: Ernie Chua (Chan)

Order of Appearance: Uncle Sam is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. 

Also Starring: 

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Robin, Kid Flash, Plastic Man, Green Arrow, Black Canary, and the reformed Huntress  

Opponents:
Sportsmaster, Lex Luthor, the Joker, Chronos, Weather Wizard, Dr. Polaris, Matter Master, Felix Faust, the Tattooed Man, and Amazo

Overall Summary: 
Uncle Sam accidentally gets involved in a convoluted plot to prove that Evil *can* defeat Good, in a super-powered game of baseball staged by the Sportsmaster and the Huntress!  

Freedom Fighters #5

Freedom Fighters #5 (April 1976)
title: "The Rise And Fall of King Samson"
writer: Bob Rozakis
penciller: Ramona Fradon
inker: Vince Colletta

colorist: Liz Berube

letterer: Milt Snapinn
editor: Tony Isabella
letter column: Tony Isabella
cover: Rich Buckler & Vince Colletta

Order of Appearance: In one group scene on page one: (from left) The Human Bomb, Uncle Sam, and Phantom Lady; later in the story Black Condor, Doll Man, and The Ray appear together in the same scene (L~R). 

Guest Stars: Wonder Woman

Supporting Characters:
NYC DA David Pearson, news reporter Martha Roberts  (debut)

Opponents:
King Samson and the Silver Ghost

Overall Summary: 
King Samson uses the malfunctioning glove of the Silver Ghost to turn Wonder Woman to silver! When the Freedom Fighters attempt to cure her, they accidentally revive the deceased Silver Ghost! 

Freedom Fighters #4

Freedom Fighters #4 (October 1976)
title: "The Left Hand of Oblivion"

writer: Martin Pasko
penciller: Ramona Fradon
inker: Vince Colletta
letterer: Ben Oda

colorist: Liz Berube
editor: Gerry Conway
letter column: unnamed (Paul Levitz?)
cover: Ernie Chua (Chan)

Order of Appearance: All appear in one group scene on page one: (from far-left) Black Condor, Doll Man, The Ray, Uncle Sam, The Human Bomb, and Phantom Lady

Guest Stars:  Wonder Woman

Supporting Characters:
NYC District Attorney David Pearson, Morgan Edge, Aquaman

Opponents:
King Samson

Overall Summary: 
New York City asks Wonder Woman to apprehend the Freedom Fighters, and when they show up at her door-step at the UN General Assembly, she decides that there is no time like the present. 

Freedom Fighters #3

Freedom Fighters #3 (August 1976)
title: Skragg the Super Sniper! (Untitled)
writer: Martin Pasko
penciller: Ramona Fradon
inker: Juan Canale
letterer: uncredited

colorist: Liz Berube
plot/editor: Gerry Conway
letter column: Gerry Conway
cover: Dick Giordano

Order of Appearance: All appear in one group scene on page one: (from far-left) Uncle Sam, Phantom Lady, The Ray, Black Condor, The Human Bomb, and Doll Man

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters:
NYC District Attorney David Pearson 

Opponents:
Skragg, Qwardian Boy Scouts, the New York City Police Department

Overall Summary: 
The Freedom Fighters try to stop a robbery and save lives while also coming to grips with the idea that they are fugitives.  

Freedom Fighters #2

Freedom Fighters #2 (June 1976)
title: "Rampage!"
writer & editor: Gerry Conway
penciller: Pablo Marcos
inker: Tex Blaisdell
letterer & colorist: uncredited
letter column: Gerry Conway
cover: Dick Giordano

Order of Appearance: The three main characters all appear in one group scene on page one (left to right): The Ray, Uncle Sam, and the Human Bomb; Black Condor, Doll Man, and Phantom Lady appear on page 7

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters:
NYC District Attorney David Pearson

Opponents:
Silver Ghost, King Samson, and their gang

Overall Summary: 
Three Freedom Fighters are forced to do the bidding of the Silver Ghost in order to save their fellow members, who he has turned to solid silver statues.  

Freedom Fighters #1

Freedom Fighters #1 (April 1976)

title: The Freedom Fighters (Untitled)
script: Martin Pasko
layouts: Ric Estrada
finished art & letterer: Mike Royer
colorist: uncredited
plot/editor: Gerry Conway
letter column: Gerry Conway
cover: Ernie Chua (Chan)

Order of Appearance: All appear in one group scene on page one: (clockwise from top) The Ray, The Human Bomb, Doll Man, Phantom Lady, Uncle Sam, and Black Condor

Guest Stars:  None

Supporting Characters:
NYC District Attorney David Pearson (debut)

Opponents:
Silver Ghost, King Samson, and their gang

Overall Summary: 
The Freedom Fighters come to Earth-1 from their native Earth-X, but the move doesn't start off well! 

Freedom Fighters in 1976 DC Calendar

Between the Freedom Fighters' debut in JLA 107-108 in August 1973 and the first issue of their own series in December 1975, the Freedom Fighters made their third published appearance: each member appeared individually in the Super DC 1976 Calendar on their own separate "birthdays." 

There are no credits on the calendar other than for the awesome art by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano. However, E. Nelson Bridwell was the editor of books that were on sale at about the same time, such as Superman From The 30's To The 70's, so the dates provided here may have come from him. 

Freedom Fighters in Justice League of America #108

Justice League of America #108 (Nov/Dec 1973)

title: Thirteen Against the Earth!
writer: Len Wein
penciller: Dick Dillin
inker: Dick Giordano
editor: Julius Schwartz

letter column: Martin Pasko
cover: Nick Cardy

Overall Summary: 
The second part of the debut of the Freedom Fighters, from August 1973! The JLA & the JSA help the Freedom Fighters finally free Earth X from Nazi control. 

Freedom Fighters in Justice League of America #107

Justice League of America #107 (Sept/Oct 1973)
title: Crisis on Earth-X!
writer: Len Wein
penciller: Dick Dillin
inker: Dick Giordano
editor: Julius Schwartz

letter column: Martin Pasko
cover: Nick Cardy

Overall Summary: 
This is the debut of the Freedom Fighters! It all starts HERE! 50 Years ago THIS WEEK we met The Freedom Fighters for the FIRST TIME!!

Happy Birthday, Freedom Fighters!

Happy Birthday, FREEDOM FIGHTERS!

Next week marks the 50th anniversary of the "return" of the Freedom Fighters to comics, and I'm here to celebrate! 

Norman H. Burbage (1935-2022)

My father died on December 6, 2022. He was 87 years old. His wife, my mother, died nearly nine years ago to the day, on December 11, 2013. 

Justice League #53 "The Sinister Sorcery of Felix Faust!"