British comics created their own 'super' heroes a few years after the phenomenon appeared in the USA. Among the early British 'super' heroes was Ace Hart, the Atom Man.  Ace first appeared in 1949 on the pages of the Super Thriller (sometimes printed as Superthriller) comic book. In common with virtually all British comic books of that period, Super Thriller sported a front cover in colour but the contents were in black and white.

As far as I am aware, Ace Hart appeared in 27 issues of the comic book and in all 3 editions of the hardback annual. He also appeared in the successor to Super Thriller .. .. ..  Western Super Thriller! Foldes Press originally published and printed 'Super Thriller'; although they continued to print the comic, WDL (World Distributors Ltd) later took over as publishers.

I remember reading Ace Hart - not in the annuals but in the comic books - when I was a boy. That was about the limit of my memory. Until I acquired, a few years ago, a copy of the 1959 annual I would have been hard pressed to describe accurately the details of his appearance, let alone recall any of his adventures. Sadly, I did not remember his assistant, Val at all - but being a young boy at the time I guess I might have shown little interest in voluptuous females.

Since getting that 1959 annual, I have managed to acquire a number of issues of the Super Thriller and Western Super Thriller comic books and I now possess copies of all 3 annuals. Searching the web, I have found just one or two references to this British 'super' hero, so here is my own contribution.

I'd be delighted to hear from anyone who recalls Ace and/or has additional relevant material - or can correct any errors contain within this website!

Brian Humphreys

Contact me at - bahwebs@yahoo.co.uk