The Astounding Doc Stalwart Issue 11 (November, 1937)
Among the Ants
Summary: In the lead story, Doc works in his Secret Lab, testing an experimental shrink ray when he is reduced to the size of an ant. After being accidentally dropped in the back yard, he meets a pair of Army Ants, Vince and Phil, who are on patrol. They end up battling a sparrow that tries to capture them, a frog that tries to eat them, and a group of wasps on ambush. Doc overcomes these foes (with the help of the ants) and makes his way back to the lab where he is returned to normal size.
First Appearances: Doc's Secret Lab
Historical Notes: The Army Ants (called originally 'the Army of Ants' for their first two appearances) had been a regular backup feature since issue 2. They were a popular featurette, appearing in 12 of the 17 issues of the original series. Some historians have called this issue the first 'official' crossover between comic book characters; the idea that the ants and Doc Stalwart shared the same universe was not considered until this issue was released. While the ants were largely retired after the Golden Age, they made an appearance later on in Mighty Doc Stalwart #172, when Doc was controlled by a 'Dream Machine' that sent him into imaginary worlds. He visits the ants during that issue, wearing his original Golden Age costume - an obvious nod to this issue. That was the only time his Golden Age costume appeared in any of the Silver Age stories. Doc's Secret Lab also appears for the first time in this issue, and this would be his headquarters (albeit modified heavily) for the early part of his Silver Age comic series as well.
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