Valiant Comic

First Issue: 6th October 1962
Last Issue: 16th October 1976
Copyright: IPC Magazines

The Steel Claw

The first issue of Valiant saw the appearance of ‘The Steel Claw’ (Tom Tully, Jesus Blasco). ‘The Steel Claw’ was the story of Louis Crandell who was the assistant to a scientist called Professor Barringer.

During a laboratory accident Crandell lost his right hand below the wrist. He created a metal hand to replace it, but the seemingly accident prone Louise then had another laboratory accident with a new type of ray which allowed him to become invisible for short periods of time if he received an electric shock. Invisible with the exception of his steel claw!

During its 14-year run, ‘Valiant’ merged with ‘Knockout’ in 1963, ‘Smash!’ in 1971, ‘TV21’ also in 1971, ‘Lion’ in 1974, ‘Vulcan’ in 1976 before finally becoming the junior partner when it was absorbed into ‘Battle Picture Weekly’, becoming ‘Battle and Valiant’ on the 23rd of October 1976.

‘Valiant’ Comic First Issue

6th October 1962