Madam Fatal

Madam Fatal
Madam Fatal in Crack Comics #22.
Publication information
PublisherQuality Comics
DC Comics
First appearanceCrack Comics #1 (May 1940)
Created byArt Pinajian
In-story information
Alter egoRichard Stanton
AbilitiesSkilled hand to hand combatant
Expert cane fighter
Peak physical condition
High-level intellect and intuition
Superior investigative skills
Professional acting, disguise and theatric skills

Madam Fatal is a fictional character and a comic book superhero active during the Golden Age of Comic Books. Madam Fatal was created and originally illustrated by artist/writer Art Pinajian and the debut of the character was in the Crack Comics #1 (May 1940), a crime/detective anthology series published by Quality Comics. Madam Fatal continued as a feature in that title but when the character was not well received, Madam Fatal made a last appearance in #22 (March 1942).

The character later appeared in some publications by DC Comics when DC Comics bought the rights to the character in 1956, along with a bulk buy of all Quality Comic's characters, although Madam Fatal has not been seen much since except a few brief appearances and passing mentions by other comic book characters.

Madam Fatal is notable for being a male superhero who dressed up as an elderly woman and as such is the first cross-dressing hero. The original incarnation of the Red Tornado would become the first cross-dressing heroine later that year.