Few spy stories are as intriguing as that of “Donovan of Central Intelligence,” a seven-page comic strip from a 1950 issue of Atomic Spy Cases. This comic, which was kept classified by the CIA for over 50 years, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Cold War-era spy fiction and the real-life concerns of the intelligence community.
The Comic Strip
“Donovan of Central Intelligence” was published in the March-April 1950 issue of Atomic Spy Cases, a comic book series produced by Avon Periodicals. The story follows the adventures of a secret agent named Donovan, who bears a striking resemblance to William “Wild Bill” Donovan, the head of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II and a key figure in the establishment of the CIA.
In the comic, Donovan embarks on a daring mission to smuggle missile plans out of an unnamed Middle Eastern country. The plot is filled with classic spy tropes: dodging bullets in the desert, checking into a luxurious hotel, meeting a beautiful woman, and escaping from dangerous villains. Along the way, Donovan discovers plans for missile launch cradles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which could threaten the US Eastern Seaboard2.
The CIA’s Concerns
The CIA’s interest in the comic strip stemmed from its claim that the story was “based on the files of Central Intelligence.” This assertion, whether true or not, touched a nerve within the agency. The CIA discussed the comic strip in at least two top-secret meetings in April 1950, expressing concerns about the potential implications of such a claim.
The comic’s depiction of espionage activities, combined with the real-life context of atomic espionage cases like those of Klaus Fuchs and the Rosenbergs, heightened the CIA’s sensitivity to the portrayal of intelligence operations. The agency’s decision to classify the comic strip for over 50 years suggests that it saw potential risks in the public dissemination of such material.
The Declassification
In December of 2004, the CIA declassified “Donovan of Central Intelligence,” allowing the public to access this intriguing piece of Cold War history. The comic strip has since been uploaded to the CIA’s Electronic Reading Room, where readers can explore the adventures of the fictional Donovan and the broader context of atomic espionage during the early 1950s. You can find the comic strip here: DONOVAN OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
Final Thoughts
“Donovan of Central Intelligence” is more than just a comic strip; it is a window into the anxieties and complexities of the early Cold War period. The story’s classification by the CIA for over half a century underscores the delicate balance between public knowledge and national security. Today, the comic serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination with espionage and the ever-evolving challenges faced by intelligence agencies.
Resource
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov