Number 2342: Face-to-face with Micro-Face

Micro-Face was an unusual hero with a gimmick: Among other tricks, he could turn his voice into a megaphone. Public Domain Super Heroes has this to say about Micro-Face: “Tom Wood was a factory worker and a failed inventor. Years ago, he invented a “Micro-Mask“ — a full-face mask that contained a built-in microphone (which allowed hm to amplify and throw his voice), a hearing amplifier, and “photoelectric lenses” that gave him x-ray vision. He could also attach telephone wires to his mask to make phone calls. Tom offered the invention to the U.S. government, only to be turned down.

When his brother, Jim Wood, was shot by gunfire of gangsters, Tom promised to avenge his death.To that end, he decided to use his invention and an old masquerade costume to costumed crime-fighter known as Micro-Face.”

Hmmm. “Photoelectric lenses that gave him x-ray vision”? “Attach telephone wires to his mask to make phone calls”? Those U.S. government guys were saps to turn those inventions down!

Micro-Face appeared in 10 of the 15 issues of Clue Comics from Hillman publishing. The character was created and drawn by Allen Ulmer. Ulmer worked in comic books for several years, but there are also photos of some of his fine art online. According to Rogallery.com Ulmer was born in 1922 and died in 1990.

The story is from Clue Comics #2 (1943):

Number 2061: Get outta my face, Micro-Face

Micro-Face, created by Al Ulmer for Hillman’s Clue Comics, was yet another short-lived costumed, gimmicky hero of the World War II era. Here's what Public Domain Superheroes has to say about Micro-Face:

“Tom Wood was a factory worker and a failed inventor. Years ago, he invented a "Micro-Mask" - a full-face mask that contained a built-in microphone (which allowed hm to amplify and throw his voice), a hearing amplifier, and ‘photoelectric lenses’ that gave him x-ray vision. He could also attach telephone wires to his mask to make phone calls.” The desire to carry a telephone on one’s person has come true.

I admit to being intrigued by the character’s name, originally picturing him as being along the lines of a Dick Tracy villain, with a tiny face planted on a normal-sized head. Not so.

Both Micro-Face’s name and his powers are at least unusual.

I couldn’t resist showing a panel of Micro-Face tweeting (above). “Tweet” is a word that in our era has taken a new meaning.

From Clue Comics #2 (1943). Signed by Ulmer in the last panel.