Race for the Moon #9
In "The Man Who Stole Air," Pete Marek flees a million-dollar theft into the Peruvian jungle, only to face a series of escalating dangers—festival rituals, sudden fires, and a crumbling rope bridge—each testing his will to survive. With Howard Purcell handling both art and inks, this 1963 thriller from Thorpe & Porter builds tension through stark visuals and a relentless pursuit, culminating in a shocking revelation tied to a simple pair of glasses and the sun’s deadly focus.
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Pete Marek has stolen a million dollars and escapes to Peru where he is pursued by detectives. He plunges into the jungle but his path is blocked by a festival to the Fire God. Told that the alternative route is 5 miles away he pushes through despite warnings the Fire God will seek him out. Further along a bolt of lightning sets fire to the track forcing him to change course. He then tries to cross a rope bridge which catches fire. He decides to go further up into the snow. The detectives see smoke coming from a hut and find Marek. His glasses have focused the sun's rays causing a fire.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).