Steve Ditko's MR. A. #1: The Lost Adventures!
In 1990, publisher Mort Todd commissioned Steve Ditko to create a new mini-series of his most personal and controversial hero, Mr. A. One difference from the initial stories, this would have been the first time MR. A appeared in color. Unfortunately the solicitation response was lackluster, and in the pre-digital world, production expenses made the event too expensive than warranted from the projected sales, so the series was shelved.
Over the years, Mort would color and send Steve pages from the series and much of Mort’s work on MR. A was approved by Steve before he passed away.
Now, 35 years later!
MR. A: THE LOST ADVENTURES will be published as originally intended, in COLOR! This is a 3 issue mini-series with Ditko at his prime, working on his objective hero in a world gone wrong.
Get the latest edition
Though written a while ago, Ditko shows his prescience in social issues that are even more relevant today. To appeal to the comic book market, Steve introduces a range of super-villains, like The Exploder and The Knifer, rarely seen in Mr. A’s world before. Steve also presents some new interesting powers for Mr. A.
In a letter to nephew Mark Ditko, Steve wrote about Mr. A, “This is one character from the past that I would like to see in the present and the future.”
The editions of MR. A: THE LOST ADVENTURES #1 includes 3 stories, with a variant metallic cover or an ebook available.
MR. A
Rex Graine is a newspaper reporter for the Daily Crusader. He is known for his uncompromising principles and incorruptibility. In order to fight crime, Graine wears metal gloves and a steel mask that resembles a placid face, thus becoming Mr. A.
In keeping with the hardboiled detective theme, there is no origin story for the character. Mr. A uses half white-half black calling cards to signify his arrival, as well as to represent his belief that there can only be good and evil, and no moral grey area.
