Public Domain Super Heroes
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Presto Martin
Martinpresto

Real Name

William Martin

First Appearance

Silver Streak #7 (1941)

Original Publisher

Lev Gleason

Created by

Bob Wood

Origin[]

As a boy, Billy Martin spent many hours studying Sherlock Holmes' scientific methods of disguise. His talent for disguise and impersonation amused his friends who gave him the nickname, "Presto". In his last year of college, he discovered "plastic putty", which adhered well to skin and could easily be molded into any shape, allowing him to quickly transform his face. Although he was voted "Least Likely to Succeed" in college, he became the chief detective of the homicide squad on Manhattan's police force. Presto used his disguises and his detective skills to bring criminals to justice.

Public Domain Appearances[]

  • Silver Streak Comics #7-17
  • Captain Battle Comics #3

Notes[]

  • While Presto Martin never had crossovers with other Lev Gleason characters, in Silver Streak #11, Presto looks at a newspaper where one of the headlines described the fight between Daredevil and the Claw (complete with a head shot of Daredevil).
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