PAT THE AIR CADET
It first appeared in Grand Slam, 1-1, October. 1941 published by Anglo-American Publishing. Co. and continued approximately three years to Grand Slam, 3-12, November 1944.
Patricia Scott and her twin brother Jerry are air cadets. Patricia, a pilot and air mechanic is also accomplished in A.R.P. work and first aid. The first stories are firmly embedded in the military, but as the stories progress, they fall into the espionage format and finally a detective style. It would appear that the character was being prepared for a post war existence, but for whatever reason it disappeared. One story that is of particular interest is “The Spirit Spy Returns.” In it the Indian character although dressed in a stereotypical garb, is portrayed as an intelligent individual who saves Pat and her group and outwits the Spirit Spy. This treatment of an aboriginal is almost unique in the 1940’s comic books.
‘Pat the Air Cadet’ was credited to a “Macduff”, but it is probable that Ted McCall and Doris Slater teamed up under this pseudonym to produce the character. First, McCall and Slater had a close family connection. They were in-laws. Second, they were professionally a perfect fit. McCall was an accomplished writer and Slater was an honours graduate from the Ontario College of Art, with experience drawing individuals accurately and quickly which she acquired from working fairs and carnivals. Finally, we know that with the inception of Three Aces Comics, about a month after Grand Slam began, Doris Slater was working for Anglo-American drawing another feature “Martin Blake, Animal King” under her own name.
It is possible though highly unlikely, given the paucity of accomplished artists for this type of work at this time, that “Pat The Air Cadet” was the product of a single cartoonist’s sole entry into the comic book world. Macduff appears nowhere else in the industry.
MEDIUM:
PERIODICAL GRAPHIC ANTHOLOGY:
Content:
Serial:
Grand Slam Comics….: “Pat The Air Cadet: …” Car. Macduff. Anglo-American Publishing. Co. Ltd. Black & white |
1-1, Oct. 1941.
1-4, March 1942: “Pat Catches A Raider”: 28-37. 1-5, April, 1942: “The Haunted House”: 48-61. 1-6, May, 1942: “Adventures on Active Service”: 26-38. 1-8, July 1942: “Sabotage at Sea”: 38-51. 2-2, Jan. 1943: “Escape for Freedom”: 41-54. 2-3, February 1943: “Mystery at Black Manor”: 42-55. 2-4, March 1943: “The Hermit of Windy Ridges”: 41-54. 2-5, April 1943: “Torpedo Squadron”: 41-54. 2-7, June 1943: “The Dagger of Dergla”: 42-55. 2-8, July 1943: “ The Spirit Spy Returns”: 41-53. 3-1, Dec. 1943: “The Mad Monster of Hollywood”: 42-55. 3-2, Jan. 1944: No story: 3-10, Sept. 1944: “The Idol of Moobi”: 45-47. 3-11, Oct. 1944: “Dr. Sinistra Tries Again”: 45-47. |
Grand Slam Comics, 3-12, Nov. 1944: “Pat the Air Cadet: Gets the Shock of Her Life.” Unidentified: 45-47. Anglo-American Publishing. Co. Ltd. Black & white.
Paper Doll:
Grand Slam Comics, 1-5, April 1943: “Jerry Scott: Air Cadet.” Illus., Unidentified: 63. Anglo-American Publishing. Co. Ltd. Black & white.
Cover front:
Grand Slam Comics, 1-1, Sept./Oct. 1941.: Front: Illus., unknown.
GALLERY:
Grand Slam Comics, 1-1, Sept./Oct. 1941.
Grand Slam Comics, 1-1, Oct. 1941.
Grand Slam, 1-5, April 1942:48-61.
Grand Slam Comics, 3-11, Oct. 1944:45-47.
Grand Slam Comics, 3-12, Nov. 1944: 45-47.
Grand Slam Comics, 1-5, April 1943: 63.