Comic Title: House of Secrets #52
Publisher: DC (National Periodical Publications, Inc.)
Address: 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: Jan/Feb 1962
On Sale Date: November 24, 1961 Copyright Date November 24, 1961
Source: Library of Congress, Periodicals 1961


Newsstand Date November 24, 1961
Source: Newsdealer Magazine, V16 #9

Frequency: Bi-monthly
Cover Price: $0.12
Page Count: 32
Editor: Jack Schiff

Title: "The Guardian Lion-Man"
Pages: 9

Feature(s):
Mark Merlin (of Earth-1)

Penciller: Mort Meskin
Inker: George Roussos

Feature Character(s)

• Mark Merlin (last appearance in House of Secrets #51; next appearance in House of Secrets #53)

Supporting Character(s)

• Elsa Magusson (last appearance in House of Secrets #51; next appearance in House of Secrets #53)

Villain(s)

• Count Tassini and his men (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• El Leone (a supernatural spirit; no further appearances)

Synopsis:
Mark Merlin visits the country of San Morro where legend says the spirit being El Leone protects the country and prevents all crime. Mark researches the legend and discovers a bag containing three items which can defeat El Leone.

Count Tassini forces Mark to use the items and help him pull off the first crime in the history of San Morro. To do so, Tassini kidnaps Elsa, then steals the crown jewels. Mark is forced to help Tassini reach the border, battling the supernatural devices of El Leone. The items Mark found help hold off El Leone, but Tassini is apprehended before he can cross the border. The authorities are also able to rescue Elsa. San Morro's record of no successful crimes therefore remains intact.