Comic Title: Phantom Stranger #19
Publisher: DC (National Periodical Publications, Inc.)
Address: 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: May/Jun 1972
On Sale Date: March 9, 1972 Newsstand Date March 9, 1972
Source: Direct Currents, Action Comics #411, Page 37

Newsstand Date March 9, 1972
Source: House Ad, Adventure Comics #418, Page 29

Newsstand Date March 9, 1972
Source: Comic Reader, #83

Copyright Date March 9, 1972
Source: Library of Congress, Periodicals 1972

Frequency: Bi-monthly
Cover Price: $0.25
Page Count: 48
Editor: Joe Orlando

Title: "Captive of the Cat Curse"
Pages: 10

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

Writer: Jack Miller
Penciller: Mort Meskin
Inker: George Roussos

Reprinted From:
House of Secrets #60 (1963)

Feature Character(s)

• Mark Merlin (last appearance in House of Secrets #59; next appearance in House of Secrets #61)

Supporting Character(s)

• Elsa Magusson (last appearance in House of Secrets #58; next appearance in House of Secrets #61)
• Memakata (a black cat; next appearance in House of Secrets #61)

Villain(s)

• Fazir and his men (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Gamil Saik (an exchange student; no further appearances)
• Lt. Heft and Mayor Gilbert (no further appearances)

Comments:
Mark Merlin first uses the cat charm to transfer his mind into Memakata in this story.

Synopsis:
The tomb of Pharaoh Memakata is brought to America as a museum exhibit. A legend surrounds the tomb and some claim that the Pharaoh could change into the form of a cat. After several accidents, believed to be caused by a superstitious exchange student, Mark Merlin explores the tomb. He finds a cat charm hidden inside a hollow wall panel. The charm causes Merlin's body to fall into a trance, while his mind is transferred to a nearby black cat.

In cat form, Merlin discovers that Fazir, the ambassador of Sarubia, is behind the accidents. Fazir is seeking to discredit his premier and take power for himself. Worried that Merlin will discover his plot, Fazir tries to kill Mark. Disguised as a ghost the ambassador carries Merlin's body in its trance state outside, scaring visitors. Mark, in the cat body, points out the phony ghost by pretending to be Memakata. He scratches writing on the floor, revealing Fazir's scheme. After Fazir is arrested, Mark returns to his own body and keeps the cat charm.