Comic Title: All-Star Squadron #17
Publisher: DC (DC Comics Inc.)
Address: 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: January 1983
On Sale Date: October 28, 1982 Newsstand Date October 28, 1982
Source: House Ad, Brave & the Bold #194, Page 32

Newsstand Date October 28, 1982
Source: Comic Reader, #205

Newsstand Date October 28, 1982
Source: Comics Journal, #76

Newsstand Date October 28, 1982
Source: Amazing Heroes, #15

Copyright Date October 5, 1982
Source: Library of Congress, Copyright Office 1982
DC publication dates beyond April 1981 listed by the LoC
represent shipping dates NOT newsstand sale dates

Frequency: Monthly
Cover Price: $0.60
Page Count: 32
Editor: Len Wein

Title: "To Slay the Body Electric"
Pages: 23

Feature(s):
All-Star Squadron (of Earth-2)

Writer: Roy Thomas
Penciller: Adrian Gonzales
Inker: Rick Hoberg
Letterer: Adam Kubert
Colorist: Carl Gafford

Reprinted In:
Showcase Presents:All-Star Squadron Vol. 1 TPB (2012)

Feature Character(s)

• All-Star Squadron (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #16; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #18)
• Johnny Quick (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #16; next appearance in More Fun Comics #80)
• Liberty Belle (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #16; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #18)
• Commander Steel (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #16; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #18)
• Firebrand (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #16; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #18)
• Robotman (last appearance in Star Spangled Comics #15; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #18)
• Wonder Woman (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #16; next appearance in All-Star Comics #11)

Villain(s)

• Sam Slattery and his lawyer (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #13; no further appearances)
• Brain Wave (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #20; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #19)

Guest Appearance(s)

• Chuck Grayson (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #13; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #24)
• Tubby Watts (last appearance in All-Star Squadron Annual #1; next appearance in More Fun Comics #80)
• Joan Carter (last appearance in All-Star Squadron #13; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #58)

Other Character(s)

• Jefferson Smith (Robotman’s lawyer; no further appearances)
• Mr. Vincent (a phony witness; no further appearances)
• Various court officials (no further appearances)

Cameo Appearance(s)

• Superman (as an image)
• Justice Society of America (as an image)
• Hawkman (as an image)
• Doctor Fate (as an image)
• Atom (as an image)
• Doctor Mid-Nite (as an image)
• Sandman (as an image)
• Johnny Thunder (as an image)
• Spectre (as an image)
• Starman (as an image)
• Mason and his gang (in flashback to Robotman’s origin)

Comments:
This story, which takes place January 26, 1942, retells parts of the sixth story of Star Spangled Comics #15, December 1942, though obviously chronicling events which happened earlier.

Robotman’s origin is retold in flashback.

Synopsis:
Robotman is arrested by lawyer Sam Slattery and declared property of Robert Crane’s estate. The Squadron defends Robotman in court, but he finally reveals to the court that his body contains the brain of Dr. Crane. At that momemt, the building collapses, and Robotman rescues everyone including his opponents who have declared him a menace. Following the incident, Robotman is declared human by the courts.

As the trial ends, the Squadron is approached by the Brain Wave, who intends the kill them along with the JSA.