Steel, the Indestructible Man #3

When Hammer Meets Steel

Steel, the Indestructible Man, overlooks a meeting between Edward Runyon, publisher of the New York Star, and Chicago mobsters. Steel, the Indestructible Man, fires a flare gun to get the mobsters attention, before attacking them. On the verge of defeat, the mobsters call out to their boss, Sledgehammer, for assistance. Sledgehammer fells Steel with two epic punches. At the sound of police sirens, Sledgehammer, and the mobsters, flee the scene. Runyon uses his power, and influence, to avoid answering questions from the police. Steel, the Indestructible Man, however, is not so easily rebuffed. Runyon reveals that, as a boy, he ran with a gang in Chicago.

Runyon's gang targeted Emil Sledgeski for torment, on account of Sledgeski's freakishly large hands. Sledgeski, however, beat the entire gang into submission. Runyon befriended Sledgeski, nicknaming him "Sledgehammer". After Sledgeski murdered another boy, Runyon helped him hide out, but an anonymous tip led the police right to Sledgeski. Over the next fifteen years, Sledgeski would rise to power in the Chicago Underworld, even as Runyon became a powerful newspaper magnate. Runyon provides no answers as to why Sledgeski wants to murder him now. Runyon gives Steel, the Indestructible Man, Sledgeski's New York address at the Elite, a hotel known to harbor the criminal element.

Steel, the Indestructible Man, storms the Elite. Steel, the Indestructible Man, confronts Sledgehammer. An epic brawl ensues. Steel, the Indestructible Man, ultimately triumphs. Sledgehammer is taken into police custody. Steel, the Indestructible Man, confronts Runyon with the knowledge that it was Runyon who tipped off the police, all those years ago, as to Sledgeski's whereabouts. Steel, the Indestructible Man, accuses Runyon of setting Sledgeski down the path that led to him becoming one of the most powerful crime bosses in Chicago. Steel, the Indestructible Man, walks away from Runyon in disgust.

A Night Without Heroes

Steel, the Indestructible Man, questions the morality of mankind. In anger, Steel, the Indestructible Man lashes out. After cleaning up, Steel, the Indestructible Man, resumes his civilian identity, that of Private Hank Heywood, of the United States Marine Corps. Edward Runyon, publisher of the New York Star, dines with his girlfriend, Kathy Kulhammer, at the Plaza. Runyon is still shaken up over his encounter with Sledgehammer. The Gadgeteer prepares to plunder the Plaza. Heywood is summoned to appear before his commanding officer, Major Hannibal Morton.

Heywood is informed that Professor Gilbert Giles, the father of Heywood's girlfriend, Gloria, has had a heart attack. Heywood is given leave to go to Giles. Kulhammer expresses a romantic interest in Steel, the Indestructible Man, much to Runyon's dismay. The Gadgeteer robs the Plaza, subduing the patrons with an ultra-sonic weapon. Heywood is driven off the side of the road, resulting in the total destruction of his vehicle. Heywood races to the hospital on foot. Kulhammer is incensed that Runyon took no action against the Gadgeteer. Heywood learns that Giles heart attack may have been prompted by his realization that Heywood was Steel, the Indestructible Man.

Note: This issue contains the Hostess Superhero Ad, Aquaman and the "Imperiled Sub."