Before he created Perry Mason, Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970) was one of the most popular writers for the mystery and adventure pulp magazines, with their sensational covers, two-fisted heroes, and non-stop action. The Patent Leather Kid is an elegant crook, hiding his identity with mask, gloves, and shoes made out of black patent leather. In truth, he is a wealthy, seemingly indolent socialite, who becomes a terror to the underworld. In the gang-ridden world of the Depression, The Kid knows that ⿿the rulers of today were the corpses of tomorrow, where survival was the price of keen observation and rapid thought.⿿ His enemy, Inspector Brame, believes that The Kid ⿿is apparently one who loves adventure. His crimes are committed for excitement, rather than gain. And, in everything he does, he gives proof of a superior mentality.⿿