ACE BARTON
“Ace Barton” whose name is reminiscent of Sid Baron’s “Ace Deacon” in Canadian Heroes Comics although the former is fiction and the later records actual stories of Canadian pilots, was created by Ross Saakle. This Canadian pilot in the R.A.F. appeared in Triumph Comics shortly after it was moved from Hillborough Studio to Bell Features.
“Ace Deacon” and his side-kick a cockney called “Burt Cunningham” first appear in issue 9. Burt however, rather quickly fades from the scene and eventually disappears from the serial. Although, these are adventure stories, Ross’ sense of humour is never far away as can be seen on Triumph 9 page 64 below. In spite of his name “Ace Barton’s” conflicts with Germans occur principally on the ground.
After a short episode in issue 9, where “Ace” and “Burt” bomb an oil field, a single story composed of five page episodes occupies issues 10 though 16. The two are sent on a mission to pick up and transport a package of diamonds back to the allies. They are captured by the Germans and the rest of the story involves them outwitting their captors. They are finally able to contact their home base which sends a squadron to rescue them and the diamonds. Later stories involve “Ace” fighting the Japanese and going to South America to again fight the Germans there.
MEDIUM:
PERIODICAL ANTHOLOGY: Published by Bell Features & Publishing. Colour cover, Black and white content.
Content serial:
| Triumph Comics, …, no date: Car., “Ace Barton.” Ross Saakel: …. | |||||||
| 09: 61-64.
10: 60-63. |
11: 58-63.
12: 59-63. |
13: 52-56.
14: 52-56. |
15: 52-56.
16: 51-55 |
19:14, 15, 32-35* | 20: 32-37. | 23: 43-48. | |
*The pages for this story are out of order.
GALLERY:
Triumph Comics, 9: 61.
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Triumph Comics, 9: 64.
This illustration shows what Ross was capable of. Triumph Comics, 13: 52.