'Mazing Man
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'Mazing Man is the title character of a comic book series created by Bob Rozakis and Stephen DeStefano and published by DC Comics. The series ran for twelve issues in 1986, with additional special issues in 1987, 1988, and 1990. In addition, 'Mazing Man had an origin story in Secret Origins #16.
Series overview
The 'Mazing Man series depicted the misadventures of Sigfried Horatio Hunch III, a benignly deranged little man in Queens, New York who dresses in a homemade costume and performs deeds like unclogging drains and watching out for local children. Viewed as a kook by his neighbors, he saved a child from being hit by a truck in the first issue, earning him some respect and notoriety, not to mention a steady stream of appreciation (and food) from the mother in subsequent issues.
"'Maze" tends to sing Simon and Garfunkel songs when struck on the head.
Hunch is a millionaire, having won first place in a magazine subscription company's sweepstakes. After winning the prize, he felt obligated to subscribe to all of the company's magazines. As a result, he receives a staggering load of publications daily, including the pornographic magazines that he genuinely reads only for the articles. He does not keep his wealth a secret per se, he simply does not mention it and does not live an opulent lifestyle; his friends are unaware of his financial success.
The original series, although highly acclaimed, was short lived. However, Frank Miller, who admired the series himself and eager to help the property survive, contributed a cover with the lead characters of the extremely popular mini-series, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns for the last issue. The resulting exposure created enough interest for the one-shot issues.
A back-up feature, "Zoot Sputnik", appeared for several issues, drawn by Fred Hembeck and (ostensibly) written by Denton Fixx; it was supposed to be the book Fixx wrote for BC comics. It was a parody of the Golden age narrative style where stories had no between-issue continuity — Zoot and his team were space adventurers in one issue and cowboys in the next. The team's dog received a shock of energy and gained the ability to remember their disparate adventures. This was Denton's attempt to introduce continuity to the book, but it was met with disapproval by his editor.
Other characters
Denton Fixx 'Maze's best friend. Writer for BC Comics. Looks like a beagle. Brenda Valentine a rising star at a local advertising agency. She is married to Eddie Valentine. Eddie Valentine Assistant to the Assistant Manager at the South Richmond Bank. (Promoted to Assistant Manager in issue #9 [September 1986, "The Bank Job, or 'By Hook Or By Crook'"]) Married to Brenda. Golden Gloves winner at John Quincy High School. K.P. Watson Denton's human-looking half sister. Guido Garibaldi The jock simpleton who lives in the same building as Denton, 'Maze, Eddie and Brenda. He works in three shoe stores and spends most of his time wondering which one he's called in sick at, drinking beer and hopelessly pursuing women. Sgt. Muldavey a local police officer who is plagued by 'Maze's "heroics". Mrs. Costinas Landlady of Maze, Denton and K.P. Most often seen sweeping the front steps of their building. Never smiles and usually grunts at all passersby. Helenita Trialdo a baby whose appearances revolve around her lack of hair. Senora Tiraldo Helenita's mother. Walter Vanderplatz Eddie's supervisor at the South Richmond Bank. More than a bit of a stuffed shirt.
