Black Cat Comics – Volume 1 Now in Stock!
- PS Artbooks
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 6
At last, the wait is over — Black Cat Comics – Volume 1 has officially arrived at PS Artbooks. This long-anticipated release has been a labor of love, and we want to sincerely thank you for your patience while it was being prepared. Now, with copies in stock, we’re excited to share this important chapter in the history of Harvey Comics and Golden Age superheroes.
The Birth of the Black Cat
The Black Cat made her first appearance in Pocket Comics #1 in 1941, published by Harvey. Created by Al Gabriele and Harry Sahle, she was introduced at a time when superhero comics were booming, and publishers were scrambling to find new angles and new faces to stand out from the crowd. What made the Black Cat different was both her profession and her personality. Her alter ego, Linda Turner, was no heiress or reporter, but a Hollywood stuntwoman and actress. This gave her stories a unique Hollywood backdrop and a natural excuse for daring feats of athleticism.
Linda donned her mask and costume not through accident, science, or magic, but by choice. She was a woman who already lived dangerously and decided to take her skills into crime-fighting. This made her a rare breed among early costumed heroines: proactive, independent, and resourceful at a time when female characters in comics often played secondary roles.
The Rise to Stardom
Initially appearing as a backup feature, the Black Cat’s popularity grew quickly. In 1946 she graduated to her own series, Black Cat Comics, which ran for over a decade until 1959. Few female-led titles of the Golden Age lasted so long, and that longevity speaks volumes about her appeal.
In her earliest adventures, the Black Cat faced off against gangsters, spies, and colorful villains. But over the years the series shifted in tone and content, following broader trends in the industry. In the late 1940s, superheroes began to wane, and publishers experimented with other genres. Black Cat Comics began leaning toward teen humor and romance, eventually blending into the horror boom of the early 1950s before finally transforming into Black Cat Mystery.
This adaptability makes Black Cat Comics not just the story of one heroine, but also a living timeline of postwar American comics. Each issue reflected the evolving tastes of readers — from wartime crime-busting to lighthearted teenage antics to spine-tingling horror.
The Artists Behind the Mask
While Al Gabriele and Harry Sahle introduced the character, it was artist Lee Elias who cemented her visual identity. Elias brought a cinematic sensibility to the series, with dynamic layouts and expressive characters that captured both the glamour of Hollywood and the grit of crime-ridden streets. His work gave the Black Cat a sense of movement and personality that few of her contemporaries enjoyed.
Other important contributors included Bob Powell, whose pulpy style brought grit and atmosphere to several stories, and a young Joe Kubert, who, before becoming one of comics’ most celebrated artists, contributed art and covers to Harvey titles. Their collective work elevated Black Cat Comics beyond its pulp roots, giving it a polish and flair that helped the series endure.
A Place in Comics History
The Black Cat is often remembered as one of the earliest costumed heroines to headline her own title, predating many better-known figures of the Silver and Bronze Ages. Her stories leaned heavily into her Hollywood background, allowing her to swing from chandeliers, leap from moving cars, and wrestle with crooks against exotic backdrops. In later years, as Harvey shifted its focus, the Black Cat even acquired a youthful sidekick known as Black Cat Jr., a reflection of the period’s move toward teen-friendly adventure.
Her enduring popularity is also a testament to the fact that Harvey Comics — best known today for lighter fare such as Casper the Friendly Ghost and Richie Rich — had a dynamic Golden Age period filled with superheroes, horror, romance, and crime titles. The Black Cat stood proudly among them, combining glamour and grit in equal measure.
For historians and collectors, the Black Cat holds a special place as a bridge between the exuberance of the Golden Age and the transitional period that led into the Silver Age. She represents both the aspirations of Harvey Comics to compete in the superhero marketplace and their willingness to adapt as tastes changed. Her series is also a reminder that female-led titles were not just possible in the 1940s, but could flourish when given the chance.
Now Available from PS Artbooks
With Black Cat Comics – Volume 1, PS Artbooks is proud to restore and collect the early adventures of this remarkable character. The volume presents Linda Turner’s origins, her first headline stories, and the artistry that defined her presence in the Golden Age. It is both a celebration of Harvey’s creative energy and a tribute to a heroine who deserves to be remembered alongside her more famous peers.
This release also continues PS Artbooks’ wider commitment to preserving Harvey Comics’ legacy. Fans of our Chamber of Chills and Black Cat Mystery volumes will find this a perfect companion, offering another vital piece of the Harvey puzzle. Together, these collections highlight just how versatile and adventurous the publisher once was, spanning superheroes, horror, and beyond.
Black Cat Comics – Volume 1 is now in stock and available to order directly from PS Artbooks. Once again, thank you for waiting while this edition was carefully prepared. We hope you’ll enjoy revisiting the daring adventures of Linda Turner — Hollywood stuntwoman, fearless crime-fighter, and one of the Golden Age’s most dazzling heroines.
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