In keeping with the celebration of diversity on this website, the following is a list of  African American heroes and villains featured in American comic books of the 1940s and 1950s. I include them here for three reasons: as a reflection of pop cultural attitudes towards Black men and women of that era, as sources for inspiration for revisionistic versions of public domain characters (a common practice in contemporary comic books), and finally as a resources for comic book and other historians exploring the treatment of race and ethnicity in popular media.

Character names are bolded. If that character had their own feature, their name is in capital letters. If they were a supporting character in another feature, that feature is given after their name. The comic books that each character appeared in is listed after a brief description of that character. The company that published those comic books is listed in capital letters. That is important information because most of the comic books listed here can be found on two websites that feature scans of public domain comic books: the Digital Comics Museum and Comic Book Plus. The Digital Comics Museum website organizes featured comic books by publisher. If the comic books listed here are not found on these websites, but have been reprinted in collected editions, I include that information as well.

Many of the characters described here were portrayed in ways echoing shameful stereotypes and bias. Readers are encouraged to seek out the original stories, if interested, to determine for themselves whether there is any redeeming value in such characterizations.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HEROES

Most of the characters listed here as “heroes” were members of so-called kid gangs that featured a group of boys engaged in various adventures, often battling spies and even Nazis overseas. These groups typically included one token member of a racial minority, most often black, but if not, Chinese, Native American or Hispanic.

Adult African American men in heroic roles were far rarer, and rarer still were characters starring in their own features: Ace Harlem and Lion Man being short-lived exceptions. These two heroes, not surprisingly, were featured in a comic book entitled All-Negro Comics with an African American publisher. African heroes featured in tales of the African jungle were somewhat more common (see the list of African Heroes and Villains).

There are a number of African men who served as sidekicks and/or servants to white heroes. While their subservient role is a reflection of the times, how the writers and artists of these features handled these characters varies widely. Relatively speaking, the characters of the Dove, John Smith and Tiny are the most positive though still problematic. The Challenger Club is by far the best of the lot, featuring two couples, one black and one white, who devote themselves to challenging racism wherever they find it. Unfortunately the feature only ran one issue.

ACE HARLEM  

Handsome plain clothes police detective serving an exclusively African American community. Ace Harlem speaks well, though has some of the language of the hard boiled detective popular in the genre in the late forties. The African American criminals he confronts use heavy slang. All-Negro 1 SMALL PUBLISHER/ALL-NEGRO (1947).

Buckwheat/Bucky and Button-Nose of “Our Gang”

Comic book version of the classic Our Gang heroes. Buckwheat is a somewhat more sensitive and respectful treatment of the very stereotypical film verison, though in the comic books he occasionally mimicked minstrel shows. With Our Gang #18 (8/45), there was a clear shift, likely motivated by the editor. With that issue he is now called Bucky, we learn his real name is Alexander, and he no longer speaks in anything other than conventionally good English. By 1947, Bucky is increasingly grown up, succeeding in track events and soon leaves the narrative. Later issues of Our Gang featured an original African American character named Button-Nose. In the fifties, Dell attempted to resurrect the Our Gang characters in a number of issues of Four Color, their trial balloon publication. Bucky was once again Buckwheat and a young boy. The early appearances of Buckwheat/Bucky can be found in a four volume reprint collection of Our Gang published by Fantagraphic Books, covering stories through issue #30. Buckwheat/Bucky: Our Gang 1-22, 24, 26, 29-31, 34, 36, 38-40; Four Color featuring the Little Rascals 674, 825, 883, 1079, 1137 DELL (1942-47, 1956-60); Button-Nose 42-43, 56-57 DELL (1948-49).

The CHALLENGER CLUB

Tom and Sally are two black students and Don and Margie are two white students. All four are enrolled at Centralia College and members of the Challenger Club, a group devoted to promoting tolerance. Don and Tom are both excellent athletes who are fully able to defend themselves against aggressive bigots. The Challenger 1-2 INTERFAITH (1945-46).

The Dove

Peg-legged “faithful attendant and companion” to Malcolm Muir on his houseboat, cooking and serving meals and serving as Muir’s driver. Muir, for his part, dons an eye mask to fight crime as the Grey Mask. The Dove simply kicks ass with no disguise. A great fighter who is extremely difficult to knock out, the Dove once pinned a villain with his wooden stump, threatening to put it through his chest if he didn’t cooperate. What is truly unfortunate is that this highly effective African American hero began to be colored white in issues of Suspense after his initial appearance, even though his hair and facial features continue to suggest a Black man. This also happened with Voodah, the black jungle lord created by Matt Baker. Suspense Comics 1, 3-8, 11-12 HOLYOKE (1943-1946).

Eightball of “the Young Americans”

Eightball, despite his racist nickname, is a courageous member of the Young Americans, a kid gang complete with their own constitution. Other members include Spud and a glasses-wearing, bow-wearing “pantywaist” named Monty. Eightball is generally portrayed in non-stereotypical fashion and only speaks in a slight dialect. Yankee Comics 2-4; Punch Comics 9-10, 21-23 CHESLER (1941-42, 1944, 1947-48).

Inky of the “Fearless Fellers”

Inky, an African-American youth who speaks in dialect, is a member of a group of boys who participate in rather mild adventures. Other “fellers” include Chuck, the leader; Butch, the roughneck; and Pudge, who’s overweight. “Uh-oh!” Inky exclaims in stereotypical fashion upon the gang getting caught in minor mischief, “we is sunk!” Blue Bolt Comics v3/9-v7/7, v8/6-9, v9/1-2; 4 Most Boys 37 (rep) NOVELTY (active  1943-48).

Jimmie of “the Secret Seven”

Jimmie is an African-American boy who serves as the Secret Seven’s club secretary. Other members include Patches as their leader, Bill (Patches’ best friend), Fatso, Tiny, Squinty and Ambrose, an effete youth who uses big words and wears a bow tie.Jimmie doesn’t have any stereotypical personality traits or ways of speaking, but is just one of the gang. Their adventures are largely domestic but often involve genuine risk. Patches 1-2 RURAL HOME (1945).

John Smith, assistant to Balbo, the Boy Magician

A tall, handsome, African-American man, John Smith actively assists Balbo, the Boy Magician, in his cases and helps care for Balbo’s little brother, Frank. Smith knows several magic tricks himself. “Ever since Balbo’s father, the Great Valdini, died by a murderous bullet, Balbo has devoted his time to a double duty. One—he has continued the magic show in order to support himself and his kid brother, Frank. In this, he is helped only by his father’s faithful assistant, John Smith. Two—he has worked remorselessly to bring evil-doers to their just desserts.” In some adventures Balbo appears to use real magic, while in others he seems to rely entirely on stage magic. Master Comics 32-47; America’s Greatest Comics 7 FAWCETT (1942-44).

LION MAN

“American-born, college educated, Lion Man is a young scientist sent by the United Nations to watch over the fearsome “Magic Mountain” of the African Gold Coast. Within its crater lies the world’s largest deposit of uranium, enough to make an atom bomb that could destroy the world.” Muscular and fit, Lion Man only wears a red loin cloth and a decorative head band. His civilian name never given, Lion Man has also taken the mischievous orphan Bubba under his wing. All-Negro Comics 1 SMALL PUBLISHERS/ ALL-NEGRO (1947).

“Pokey” Jones of “the Commando Cubs”

an African-American adolescent named Pokey Jones belongs to a group of teen boys called the Commando Cubs. As adolescents, the Cubs are too young to join the Army., but they find a way to fight the Axis anyway. All five boys (Ace Browning, Spud O’Shea, Horace Cosgrove II, Whizzer Malarkey and Pokey) enroll in an English school, run by the clueless Professor Musselbownd, to be closer to the action. While underage, the Cubs still wore brown military style uniforms. Pokey has black hair and wears a plaid, green hat. Though Pokey speaks in dialect, he is also clearly clever, quipping: “Ah’s doin’ fine, thanks!” as he knocks out a Nazi. “And you?” After the war, the Cubs return to the United States and, after a brief respite, begin squaring off against domestic threats. By this time, Pokey is portrayed in a more respectful fashion, both visually and in his speech. Thrilling Comics 36-52, 55-60, 63, 65; America’s Best Comics 27-28; America’s Biggest Comics Book nn BETTER (1943-48).

“Slow-Motion” Jones.

Slow Motion Jones is the Whizzer’s “fearless right hand man,” supposed humor derived from the fact that Jones is slow-moving and the Whizzer possesses super-speed. Jones is portrayed in stereotypical fashion, though displays courage and occasional cleverness. On one occasion, while fighting a spy, he shouts our “Heil, Hitler.” When the Nazi reflexly salutes, Jones hits him over the head with a wooden plank. USA Comics 6, 8: All-Winners 7 TIMELY/MARVEL (1942-43).

Socker of “the Defense Kids”

Socker is an African-American member of a kid gang utilized by the F.B.I. in undercover work. Other group members include Izzy, Tom, Spike, Fatso, Tony, and Pedro (a Hispanic youth). The Defense Kids are a unique kid gang in that they feature two members from minority groups. Many of the boys speak in regional dialect, though Pedro is rarely heard from at all. Rangers of Freedom 1-4 FICTION HOUSE (1941-42).

“Speed” Carr, assistant to Red Robbins.

Carr is an African American youth who uses a lot of heavy slang and assists Red Robbins in his adventures. Robbins, a young white man with superior strength is described as a “defender of the oppressed” and in one story shows a special interest in an African-American community—exposing a black conman named Bluenose. All Top Comics nn; All Good Comics nn; All Your Comics nn, 1; The Book of Comics nn; Book of All Comics nn FOX (1944-46)

Sunshine of “Kid Patrol”

Sunshine, an African-American youth, is a member of a gang known as the Kid Patrol, consisting of youth who live near the waterfront. Other members include Teddy, their handsome leader; Spunky, who has a paralyzed leg: Porky, “a lad with an enormous appetite;” and Suzy, the only girl. Sunshine gained his nickname due to his perpetual grin and is portrayed in very stereotypical fashion, with large red lips. His full name is George Washington Abraham Lincoln Jones. The gang is befriended by Pat Malone, a good-natured cop. National Comics 1-35 QUALITY (1940-43).

Tim, employee of “Titan”

Tim, also called Tiny in one story, is the assistant of the man known only as Titan, an Independent agent who crosses the county to unravel Axis threats in the United States. Tim is courageous and also good with his fists. We know he is Titan’s employee because he always calls him “Boss.” All Top Comics nn; All Good Comics nn; All Your Comics nn; Book of Comics nn  FOX (1944-45).

Tiny, ally of the Rag-Man

“Six feet of black dynamite!” Tiny is a young, athletically built man. He is the African-American servant of the Rag-Man, but also his companion and crime-busting ally. Tiny is prone to comments like “Lawse me,” “Ah’s all befuddled,” and “Yassah, Mistah Rag- Man.” Despite a tendency to be accident prone, as well as superstitious, Tiny is also an excellent fighter. The Rag-man operates out of a secret hideaway, aided in his efforts by Tiny. Cat-Man Comics 1-23 HOLYOKE (1941-44).

“Whitewash” Jones of the “Young Allies”

“White Wash”Jones is a member of a kid gang that fights Nazis and other saboteurs. Other members include Bucky (Captain America’s sidekick), Toro (the Human Torch’s sidekick, Aloysius “Knuckles” O’Toole, Jefferson “Jeff” Worthington Sandervelt, and Henry “Tubby” Tinkle. Whitewash is portrayed in a racist fashion. He is introduced by Bucky as being able to make a harmonica talk, at which Whitewash adds: “I is also good on the watermelon.” He is also the most superstitious of the group and the first to be shaken by unsteady nerves. While Tubby and Whitewash are less effective than the other boys, both are extremely loyal and committed to the cause. Other than Bucky and Toro, the Allies dress in conventional street clothes. Their fight song is: “We fight together thru stormy weather to lick both crooks and spies. We can’t be topped and we won’t be stopped. We are the Young Allies!” Young Allies 1-20; Kid Komics 1-10; Amazing Comics 1; Marvel Mystery Comics 75-83 TIMELY (1941-46)

AFRICAN AMERICAN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

As will be seen, African American supporting characters in forties and fifties comic books were generally thought of as so-called “comic relief” in the adventures of more serious heroes. Often the nicknames of such characters evoked blackness, such as Eightball, or attempted racist humor by paradoxically evoking whiteness, such as Snowball or Whitey. When such stereotypical representations were no longer considered acceptable, circa 1945, African American supporting characters largely disappeared entirely from comic books, not to reappear until the 1960s.

Andy, companion to the Crusoes

Andy is an African American cook that is shipwrecked on the same uncharted island as the Crusoe family. The Crusoes rescue Andy from being killed by cannibals and take him into their family. Thankful, Andy promptly takes on responsibilities of cooking, declaring “Ah’ll work mah fingers to the bone” and thereafter refers to the senior Crusoe as “suh.” The unfortunate servant dynamic aside, Andy is drawn in realistic fashion and is a valuable addition to Crusoe crew and their survival. Crackajack Funnies 27-43; Popular Comics 74-75 DELL (active 1940-42).

Anthracite

The African-American doorman at Thelma Gordon’s apartment building. (Thelma is a friend of the heroic Hangman.) Played for supposed comic relief, Anthracite is portrayed as foolish, cowardly and ineffective. Antracite is a type of coal, which is of course black, thus explaining the racist nickname. Pep Comics 20-21 MLJ (1941).

Gargantua T. Potts

Tex Thomson’s African-American valet who is rendered in stereotypical fashion. Potts leaves his employment to become a cook in the French army. Tex notes to Bob of his decision, “we mustn’t forget his ancestors were Sengalese and all fighters.” And the narrative recalls him in this fashion: “Garantua was an A-1 servant and cook, and , in his way, he afforded both men their only real moments of relaxation.” Action Comics 15-25 (1939-40).

Jhim, first mate of Rocke Wayburn

Jhim is the African American first mate of seaman and occasional government agent  ‘Fighting’ Rocke Wayburn. Jhim on one occasion assisted Wayburn on a case but is usually left to tend to their boat while Wayburn has an adventure. That said, Jhim is rendered in realistic, non-stereotypical fashion. Amazing Man 14, 16, 19-20 CENTAUR (1940-41).

Mammy

Jun-gal’s fiercely loyal companion who originally came from the African city of Dunbor, where she was hired by Jun-gal’s parents to serve as her nanny while they searched for the Pit of Death. She has served as Jun-gal’s surrogate mother ever since her parents death, the memory of which the heroine had suppressed and which Mammy never told her. Mammy is portrayed in stereotypical fashion, though she is capable of taking courageous action to defend Jun-gal’s well being. Blazing Comics 1-5 RURAL HOME (1944-45).

Pierpont Lee, associate of Rusty Ryan

Pierpont Lee is an African American man portrayed with very large lips. He wears a purple, double-breasted zoot suit with green, plaid trousers, bow tie and broad-rimmed hat. He is portrayed in very offensive stereotypical fashion. Along with Alababa, “the ‘connivingest’ man in the world,” the two supposedly comic figures are primarily irritants to Rusty Ryan and his Boy Brigadeers, a group of college age young men wearing red, white and blue shirts. By 1947, the other Brigadeers are forgotten and Rusty is reduced to playing youthful watchman of his two eccentric friends. Feature Comics 66-135 QUALITY (1943-49).

Rufus Worth, the butler of Johnny Rebel

Rufus Worth is the family butler of Johnny Bailey is that rare fellow, a contemporary confederate patriot operating in the 1940s. A southerner, as Johnny Rebel, he wears a gray paramilitary costume given to him by his dying grandfather. (Later, he exchanges the gray uniform for one red and yellow.) Portrayed in racist fashion, Worth calls Johnny “master” and is his only companion. Fiercely loyal, Worth exclaims on one rescue mission: “I’ll save my little Johnny Rebel, even if they skin me in the attempt!” Yankee Comics 2-4; Bulls-Eye 11 (reprint.); All New Short Story Comics 1 (1941-43).

Snowball, servant to the Blazing Scarab

Snowball is the racist designation for the servant on one Walt Worthington, an American archeologist who discovers a magic scarab in an ancient Egyptian tomb. While Snowball speaks in stereotypical dialect, and is consistently shown to lack courage, he does show romantic interest in an attractive Egyption woman in Champion Comics #5. Comic book depictions of African Americans in this era rarely highlight this humanizing aspect of such characters. Champion Comics 2-5 HARVEY (1939-40).

Steamboat, associate of Captain Marvel

Steamboat is the valet of Billy Batson, who can become Captain Marvel by uttering the magic word, “Shazam.” Steamboat is drawn in stereotypical fashion and portrayed with many unflattering stereotypes. His grandmother is Voodoo Annie. He first appeared in many stories over a period of years until a group of African American students complained about his portrayal. America’s Greatest Comics 2, 3, 6; Captain Marvel Adventures 11-14, 16-28, 30, 36, 40, 41, 45, 48; Whiz Comics 29, 30, 32, 38, 41-43, 45, 54, 58, 63 FAWCETT (1942-1945).

Su, servant of the King in London

The powerfully built Su is the servant of Roger King, who must escape kidnappers to gain his rightful inheritance. Arrow 2 CENTAUR (1940).

Whitey, associate of Hammerhead Hawley

Whitey is the African-American associate of Hammerhead Hawley, “a lone sea raider” who mans a sleek, black submarine adorned with a shark fin on top. Whitey operates the radio back at his secret undersea base. While good in a fight, Whitey is prone to saying things like “Holy jumpin’ jeepers” and exclaiming “Kiss my Aunt Chloe” when surprised. He often calls Hawley “boss,” then promptly corrects himself, saying, “sir.” Hawley’s origins, and his deepening connection to Whitey, are revealed in Captain Aero 9, in a story of wartime shipwreck and subsequent building of the sub. Captain Aero 8-11, 13-14 HOLYOKE (active 1942-44).

AFRICAN AMERICAN VILLAINS

The relatively scant number of African American villains should not be taken as a positive. While it might reflect the reluctance of writers of that era to portray a minority as a villain, it also suggests an unwillingness to see African Americans as capable of potent agency as either heroes or villains. Sidi Ahran is the exception to this rule and turns the existence of a demeaning stereotype to his villainous advantage. The Black Talon, as you will see, reflects the worst of said stereotypes.  

The Black Talon

AKA Pascal Horta, an acclaimed painter who now captures the expressions of his “models” on canvas as he strangles them. His “black talon” is actually the hand of an African American murderer named Strangler Burns who was waiting on death row. A doctor grafted Burn’s hand onto Horta, who lost his own hand in an auto accident. After the surgery, the evil of the hand takes over his brain, or so Horta believes. First opposed by Captain America, the Black Talon returns, as a Nazi, to take on the Young Allies. See Marvel Masterworks volumes for each of comic books referenced. Captain America 9; Young Allies 2 TIMELY (1941-42).

Bluenose

African American villain who poses as a community activist but secretly pursues another life (wearing an Afro wig) as Diamond Dunn, a murderous bookie. Bluenose is opposed by Red Robbins. All Your Comics 1 FOX (1944).

King Broot

“The arch enemy of Kaanga,” Sam “King” Broot is a muscular black man from the United States who wears a top hat and bowtie, but is otherwise naked save for his loincloth. The narrative explains: “Years ago, (he) was an underdog in New York. His gambling losses led him to commit a brutal murder in Alabama, for which he was sent to a chain gang. However, he escaped and fearing the law, shipped for Africa as a stoker! Jumping ship at Mombasa, he left for the interior and eventually became leader of the Lassu, a native tribe which he rules by brutality!!” Broot speaks in a non-African dialect, as when arrogantly tells Kaanga: “So you know when you’re licked! Don’t think ah’ll make it any easier fo’ yo’ because yo’ surrendered!!!” Broot later adopts an uneasy alliance of Anitra, “White queen of a wild savage horde” and ruler of an island surrounded by a mist-blanketed swamp. Broot and Anitra sometimes find themselves fighting over dominance of the region. Jungle Comics 3-6 FICTION HOUSE (1940).

Oldow

An African American carnival strongman clad only in a loincloth, described as possessing “250 pounds of muscle.” Oldow can break iron bars with his bare hands. Unknown to his manager, however, is that fact that Oldow is transformed into a rampaging and murderous monster every full moon. Opposed by the Defender. See Marvel Masterworks volume. U.S.A. 3 (1942).

Sidi Ahran

Black Nazi agent of the German Afrika Korps who pretends to be a bumbling African-American janitor named Mercury to disguise the fact that he is murdering men important to the Allied mission. His disguise and mission are undone by the Spirit of ’76. Green Hornet 13 HARVEY (1943).

Mark Carlson-Ghost

Images courtesy of the Digital Comic Museum.