When it comes to crimefighters in the comic universe, operating outside the law is pretty much a given. Although in most cases, even if the police don’t support the vigilante, the underworld will. This was not the case for a certain hero introduced eight decades ago. How much do you know about him? 

Created by Gardner Fox and William Smith, King Standish made his DC Comics debut in Flash Comics #3 in 1940. Standish was a wealthy master of disguise, often referred to as the “Man of 1,000 Faces.” He typically wore a tuxedo, opera cape, top hat, and domino mask, but could pretend to be someone else so well that not even his close friends would recognize him. His actual face and name were never revealed. Despite his good intentions, Standish was considered a criminal by both the police and the underworld. Over time, however, his reputation began to improve. 

While he lacked any supernatural powers, Standish was adept in many skills. In addition to his abilities as a master illusionist, he was proficient in hand-to-hand combat, a skilled acrobat, and often utilized gadgets against his foes. Throughout his near 60-issue history, Standish’s most frequent adversary was the Witch. She was just as accomplished in the art of disguise as he was, but unlike him, she always up to no good. Although they never saw the true face of the other, the two eventually developed feelings for each other. Standish even attempted to persuade her to become a crime fighter but failed. 

As World War II raged on, Standish was contacted by Control to become a member of the Office of Strategic Services, where he remained until the war was over. Later on, he assisted the Justice Society of America when Jacob Tolzmann became a supernatural threat. Standish disguised himself as Tolzmann’s father in order to distract him, allowing sidekicks Sandy and Stripesy to defeat him. Standish made his last appearance in Starman #66 in 2000, leaving his current activities and whereabouts unknown. However, in the 2009 issue of Justice Society of America #29, King Chimera joins the team and claims to be the son of Standish.  

Many years have passed since King Standish was seen in the pages of DC Comics…although, what are the chances you’d recognize him anyway?