Flash Gordon had debuted just weeks before on January 7 th. Written in then popular hard-boiled tradition of detective stories, Secret Agent X-9’s credentials as a secret agent weren’t altogether clear. It was written by Dashiell Hammett, the author of The Maltese Falcon, and drawn by Alex Raymond who would soon earn greater fame as the original artist of Flash Gordon. Secret Agent X-9 debuted in Hearst chain funny pages on January 22 nd, 1934. Primo Pedigree: Dashiell Hammett and Alex Raymond 1934-1935 Mix in an intriguing Indian G-Man named Joe Otterfoot and this strip also has interest for those interest in the history of pop culture. Aong the way a number of intriguing female characters are uncovered, including several kick-ass female spies from the 1940s, a feminist villain from the 1950s, a swindler and philanthropist from 1959, a communist guerrilla sexpot from 1965, and a trio of strong women from the 1970s, 80s and 90s. This article means to remedy this lapse, presenting the first comprehensive history of the comic strip and its characters ever attempted. The years between, 1935 to 1966 and post 1980 are barely mentioned and less often seen. The two eras are extensively and beautifully preserved in reprint collections. Thirty years later, in 1967, Secret Agent X-9 got a makeover by Archie Goodwin and artist extraordinaire Al Williamson.
But even fans of the comic strip only know the character by its two “golden” periods: the first penned by the author of The Maltese Falcon and drawn by the creator of Flash Gordon. Secret Agent X-9 is well known by comic strip fans, but is largely forgotten by the public.