The book opens with Denton Fixx and his friend 'Mazing Man walking through their Queens neighborhood in New York City. Denton is an odd little man in that he looks like a dog. He's not a dog. He is a writer, and his friend is the self-appointed protector of the neighborhood. A three-foot harmless little man with a helmet and a cape. The helmet has an "M" on it.
While patrolling the streets, we meet some of the other characters in the series. A group of women who hang around the park with their children; they adore 'Maze, and appreciate the help he gives when he comes by.
He stops a shoplifter and gets knocked for a loop. He has an affinity for Simon & Garfunkle songs. We also get to meet Officer Muldavey, who tolerates 'Maze, but wants him to quit getting involved.
After his words with Muldavey, Denton decides to confront 'Maze about what he does and his belief that he is a superhero. To use as a point, 'Mazing Man points to two men about to get into a fight saying, just because they are adversaries, does not mean they have to be enemies. Denton looses his cool and begins to yell at him; that the neighborhood sees him as a mascot and they sometimes laugh. 'Mazing Man just shrugs and says, "I know they laugh, but I have to do it. It's my job" as 'Mazing Man tries to get his friends approval, they hear a loud scream. A baby has gotten out of his stroller, and wandered into the street. Without hesitation 'Mazing Man runs towards the boy while no one else is moving and at the last moment saves the toddler. Proving why he is the neighborhood protector.
The second story introduces us to the neighbors. They are greeted by Mrs Costinas, who gives them an uncustomary two grunts. They also meet Guido Garibaldi. The Italian self-proclaimed "ladies man" tough guy who lives in their building. We meet K.P., Denton's stepsister and roommate; and Denton's friends, a nice couple named Eddie and Brenda Valentine. Brenda is not happy to discover that Eddie invited 'Mazing Man and Denton to dinner! When Brenda asks, Eddie recalls how he met Maze.
Newsstand Release Date: 10/10/1985
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