Funny Picture Stories #4 (1937)

Funny Picture Stories v1#4 [Grand Comics Database links: 4; Comic Book Database: 4]
(February 1937)
Comics Magazine Co., Inc.
(Version read: Will Eisner: Edge of Genius trade paperback edition (2007) [LibraryThing])

"Brothers 3" story
Credits:
Writer: Will Eisner
Penciller: Will Eisner
Inker: Will Eisner

"The Brothers 3" story (writer/penciler/inker: Will Eisner)

FUNNY PICTURE STORIES v1#4 (Feb 1937) (as reprinted in: WILL EISNER: EDGE OF GENIUS (Pure Imagination, 2007))

First of four Eisner stories, all from February and March 1937--and all reprinted in the WILL EISNER: EDGE OF GENIUS trade paperback--that I read the other night.

The "Brothers Three" (written as "The Brothers 3" in the title) is composed of Captain Smith (I don't think they give a first name), pilot Baron Carl Von Kirchoven, and "Fatts" Dugan. When "a prominent [American] merchant pleads" to the commandant of the French Foreign Legion in French Morocco that he fears that his shipment of "herbs" that scientists say might be developed into a cure for cancer(!) will be intercepted by the bandit, "Ben Ali", and held for ransom, he is told that "the Legion can do nothing" for fear of an international incident. He is told, instead, to seek out the aid of The Brother Three. The three adventuring do-gooders agree to assist, staging a misdirectional ambush for Ben Ali.

A simple yet fun, mostly plot driven little story. Each of the Brothers Three has a specific role (leader, pilot, gunner/back-up). What I found most interesting about this very early story of Eisner's was how he was already varying the layouts of his pages with various shaped panels to increase the level of excitement. I don't think I realized that this was being done in comic books as early as 1937.

I can't find any other references to "Brother 3" (or "Three") at Grand Comics Database, so this might have been the only story done featuring these particular characters.