Major Liberty

Real Name: John Liberty

Identity/Class: Unknown - could be a human mutant, a normal human who just happens to be plagued by ghosts, or somehow mystically empowered.

Occupation: Professor of American History

Affiliations: Paul Revere (the ghost of, apparently), Rockman, Whizzer, Vagabond, Jack Frost, The Defender, Rusty, Captain Terror, the Invaders

Enemies: Nazis

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: Mr.Liberty, Professor Liberty

Base of Operations: U.S.A.

First Appearance: U.S.A. Comics #1 (Timely Comics, August 1941)

Powers/Abilities: Somehow Major Liberty could summon the ghosts of American patriots. These ghosts would aid him in his missions.

History: (U.S.A. Comics #1-4, ga) John Liberty was so angered at hearing of the sabotage missions of Axis agents that his anger drew the ghost of Paul Revere. The patriotic spirit judged that John made him a worthy agent himself, and transformed him into the costumed Major Liberty, charging him with combatting Nazi threats to America.

Comments: While it seems that Major Liberty could summon ghosts, it wasn't clear whether these really were the spirits of the dead, or if he had some sort of power that manifested itself in this form, shaped by his interest in American history and rage against the attacks on the U.S. And if they were real ghosts, was it some ability of John Liberty's that summoned them, or some outside force?

While he hasn't appeared in the modern era, Major Liberty's existence has been confirmed in the current Marvel universe when his name turned up on a list of patriotic heroes in USAgent #3.

Thanks to Jess Nevins for allowing me to use information from his excellent Golden Age Heroes Directory and his Guide to Golden Age Marvel Characters. Thanks also to Richard Boucher & Darrin Wiltshire @ PR-Publications for permission to use information from their equally brilliant collection of Golden Age Sites, PR Publications. Their knowledge of Golden Age characters far outstrips my own.

Thanks also to Ron Flick, who informed me "Major Liberty was known as Mister Liberty in his first appearance in USA Comics #1. He did not become known as Major Liberty until issue #2." Thanks also to Xavier Fournier for corrections.

CLARIFICATIONS: Not to be confused with

Any Additions/Corrections? Please let me know.

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