Comic Title: Crimson Avenger #4
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: September 1988
On Sale Date: May 17, 1988 Shipping Date May 17, 1988
Source: Direct Currents, #4

Shipping Date May 19, 1988
Source: Amazing Heroes, #139

Copyright Date May 17, 1988
Source: Library of Congress, Copyright Office 1988

Shipping Date May 17, 1988
Source: Comics Buyers Guide, #756, #758

Newsstand Date May 31, 1988
Source: Comics Buyers Guide, #756, #758

Cover Price: $1.00
Page Count: 32
Editor: Roy Thomas

Title: "The Masquerade Is Over"
Pages: 25

Feature(s):
Crimson Avenger (Post-Crisis)

Writer: Roy Thomas
Writer: Danette Thomas
Penciller: Greg Brooks
Inker: Michael Gustovich
Letterer: David Cody Weiss
Colorist: Bill Wray

Feature Character(s)

• Crimson Avenger (last appearance in Crimson Avenger #3; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #65)

Supporting Character(s)

• Wing (last appearance in Crimson Avenger #3; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #64)
• Sally Stevens (last appearance in Crimson Avenger #2; next appearance in All-Star Squadron #64)

Villain(s)

• The Chairman (identity revealed as Winston W. Smythe; last appearance in Crimson Avenger #3; no further appearances)
• Members of the Dark Cross (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Su Ling Fang (dies in this story; last appearance in Crimson Avenger #3; no further appearances)
• Mr. Rumnel (last appearance in Crimson Avenger #2; no further appearances)
• Chief Mallory and two FBI agents (no further appearances)

Comments:
"The Dark Cross Conspiracy" (Part Four)

This story is continued from Crimson Avenger #3.

Synopsis:
The Chairman brings down the plane carrying the Crimson Avenger, Wing, and Su Ling Fang using a harpoon. Su Ling guides the plane to a controlled water landing, then the Crimson cuts loose the rope before the Dark Cross can get close. After making good on their escape, Lee gives the faberge egg containing secret Japanese codes to Su Ling for her to aid her country.

Lee and Wing then return to New York where a new printing press has been installed at the newspaper. A package awaits Lee in his office sent by the Dark Cross. Inside is Su Ling's flight helmet indicating that she has been killed. Also enclosed is an invitation to meet the Chairman.

The Crimson meets the Chairman in a building scheduled for demolition the following morning. Lee has deduced that the leader of the Dark Cross is really his uncle Winston W. Smythe who was thought to be dead. Smythe intended to corrupt Lee by giving him the newspaper. He wants Lee to join him at his side. When Lee refuses the offer, the Chairman shoots the Crimson in the leg.

The Crimson flees the building swinging down 22 stories on a rope. Wing is at the base of the building with dynamite to demolish the building early. The Crimson barely escapes in time, as Wing brings down the building with Smythe inside. Lee then gets treatment for his injuries and returns to work at the newspaper, intending to carry on his crime fighting role as the Crimson Avenger.