Angel (Thomas Halloway)

Angel (Thomas Halloway) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by artist Paul Gustavson, Angel first appeared in Marvel Comics #1 (Oct. 1939), published by Marvel's predecessor, Timely Comics. Thomas Halloway is one of the earliest characters introduced in the Golden Age of Comics, making him a significant figure in the Marvel Universe's history.

Publication History

Thomas Halloway, known as the Angel, debuted in the Golden Age of comics, a period that saw the emergence of many superhero characters. His creation by Paul Gustavson marked the beginning of a long history within Timely Comics, which would eventually evolve into Marvel Comics. The character enjoyed popularity during the 1940s but, like many Golden Age heroes, experienced a decline in prominence as newer characters were introduced in the Silver Age and beyond.

Fictional Character Biography

Thomas Halloway was born in a prison, adopted by the prison's warden, and raised within the prison walls. This unique upbringing exposed him to a wide array of human conditions from an early age. He eventually became a crusading lawyer and adventurer, donning a costume to fight crime as the Angel. Unlike many of his contemporaries who possessed superpowers, Halloway had no superhuman abilities. Instead, he relied on his intellect, detective skills, and physical prowess to battle against crime and injustice.

Throughout his adventures, the Angel fought against a variety of enemies, including gangsters, Nazis, and supernatural threats. He was a member of several teams during the Golden Age, including the All-Winners Squad, showcasing his role as a significant player in the early Marvel (then Timely) universe.

Powers and Abilities

The Angel possesses no superhuman powers. His strengths lie in his peak human physical condition, expert detective skills, and proficiency in hand-to-hand combat. Halloway is also an accomplished lawyer, using his knowledge of the law to aid his fight against crime.

Legacy

The Angel's legacy is felt throughout the Marvel Universe, with the character being revisited in various comics and stories set in the Golden Age. He represents the archetype of the non-powered superhero, relying on wit, skill, and moral conviction rather than superhuman abilities. This archetype would influence the creation of many other characters within the Marvel Universe.

In Other Media

While Thomas Halloway's Angel has not been as prominently featured in other media as other Marvel characters, his importance in the Golden Age of comics and his influence on the superhero genre make him a notable figure in comic book history.

See Also

• Golden Age of Comic Books
• Timely Comics
• All-Winners Squad