Like its contemporary, Gang Busters, the crime comic Mr District Attorney was licensed from a popular radio show. The radio version had been on air since 1939 and DC was quick to advertise its popular pedigree with a cover banner reading, "Based on radio's #1 hit!" Its subject was the tough talking (and nameless) District Attorney, an implacable and callous force for justice who fought ugly and amoral crooks with colorful names like, "Smoke-rings" Thomson and teh Pittsburgh Kid. Mr District Attorney came along at the right time to catch a wave of crime comics and lasted for 67 issues.