More Fun Comics #73

1st appearance of Green Arrow and Aquaman. Writer Mort Weisinger and artist George Papp ushered in the era of Green Arrow by foregoing a traditional origin story and joining the brand new hero and his sidekick Speedy in the middle of what appeared to be a lively adventuring career, subtly implying to readers that this was an established, popular feature and not one still finding its feet. As his name suggested, Green Arrow was a Robin Hood like character who could solve any dilemma with the application of archery. This included stringing a line between two rooftops for a high wire balancing act and firing shafts into a wall to create an impromptu ladder. The last story of this issue introduced Aquaman, King of the 7 seas. Aquaman wasn't the first underwater hero - DC's rival Funnies Inc had introduced a character called Namor the Sub-Mariner in their publication Marvel Comics #1 (1939) - but he filled a niche among DC's costumed adventurers. Featuring artwork of Paul Norris, the story showed off Aquaman's array of powers including super-strength, the ability to breathe underwater, and an understanding of the language of ocean creatures.