A happy crowd, inspired by the spirit of Christmas, was milling joyously in Times Square, New York. Suddenly, cutting through the sounds of gayety, came a shrill whine. It became louder, and at the very second of midnight, a gigantic shell exploded, killing, maiming, destroying! At twelve hour intervals thereafter — no man knew in advance where — another shell burst devastatingly. Two great powers were openly accused in the newspapers. War — savage and bloody — was imminent, and Operator #5 realized that he had encountered his most cunning foe, the clever woman spy — Radi Havara!
Jimmy Christopher was the star of the most audacious pulp magazine ever conceived. With the rise of European fascism in the form of Benito Mussolini of Italy, Adolf Hitler of Nazi Germany and General Francisco Franco of Spain—not to mention myriad lesser despots and dictators—Americans began to fear for their future. The dread of being drawn into a second World War became a topic of grave concern in that Depression year of 1934.
At pulp magazine publisher Popular Publications, they took note of this isolationist trend and commissioned writer Frederick C. Davis to help develop a hero for their new monthly magazine, entitled Secret Service Operator #5.
“The basic concept of Operator #5 came from Harry Steeger, the publisher, or Rogers Terrill, the editor, or both,” Davis recalled. “It was that Operator #5 must save the United States from total destruction in every story, every month. When I was called in to start the series Terrill already had a cover illustration—the White House being blown up. I did the first Operator 5 around this picture.”
Into this unprecedented crisis plunged Jimmy Christopher. Only one man, but a man who embodied the American spirit — and stands prepared to perish to protect his country.
The Red Invader is read with stirring intensity by Milton Bagby. Originally published in the January, 1935 issue of Operator #5 magazine.
