Brothers of the Spear Archives - Mark Carlson-Ghost

Mark Carlson-Ghost

In keeping with the celebration of diversity on this website, the following is a list of African or African American characters featured in American comic books of the 1940s and 1950s. I include them here for three reasons: as a reflection of historical 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 historians.

Character names are bolded. If that character had their own feature, their name is in capital letters. The comic books that each character appeared in is listed after the brief description of that character. The company that published those comic books is listed in capital letters. That is important information as most of the comic books listed can be found on two websites that feature scans of public domain comic books: the Digital Comics Museum and Comic Books Plus. These websites organize featured comic books by publisher. If the comic books listed are not 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. Readers are encouraged to seek out the original stories, if interested, to determine for themselves whether there is redeeming value in their characterizations.

AFRICAN HEROES

As well be seen, the majority of heroic treatments of Africans in the 1940s and 1950s appeared in Dell’s Tarzan comic books. These Dell stories are all the product of a progressive writer by the name of Gaylord Dubois. His star creation was the long running interracial serial, Brothers of the Spear. Also noteworthy, though less commercially successful, were heroes created by African American artists: Lion Man and Voodah. Atlas (which later became Marvel Comics) also offered up an admirable effort with Waku, Prince of the Bantu. .

BROTHERS of the SPEAR

Natongo is the son of a Zulu chieftain and Dan-el is his white adopted brother, Dan-el. When they equal each other’s performance at a competition, Natongo refuses to fight his best friend for singular honor. They subsequently are both deemed sub-chieftans and become blood brothers, “brothers of the spear.” Years of shared adventures follow, Natongo ultimately taking an African queen named Zulena as his wife. All of the appearances of the Brothers of the Spear in Tarzan have been reprinted in a three volume set published by Dark Horse Books. Tarzan 25-156, 160-161, 202-203 (reprints 196-201, 204-206); Brothers of the Spear 1-18 DELL/GOLD KEY (1951-1976, 1982).

Buto Matari

Giant tribal warrior who becomes a trusted ally of Tarzan after the two fought each other upon their first encounter in Tarzan 11. Buto ultimately becomes king of his people and appears frequently, assisting Tarzan and Korak. His name means “rhino” in his native tongue. For Tarzan issues through #56, see Dark Horse’s Tarzan: The Jesse Marsh Years reprint volumes Tarzan 11, 26, 32, 40, 45, 49, 50, 54, 67, 71, 79, 83, 88, 91, 92, 99, 105, 110, 125, 134, 145; Tarzan’s Jungle Annual 1, 2, 5; Dell Giant 51; Korak 12, 15, 16, 33 DELL/GOLD KEY (1949-1970).

Dagoo, friend of the Jungle Twins

Depending on the wisdom of a pygmy guide named Dagoo, Bill Dale learns his brother, now known as Sti-vah, grew up in the remote jungle wearing nothing more than a loin cloth, and identifiable by a cross-shaped scar on his chest. Dagoo helps the twins with the musical pipes given to him by a witch doctor that compels wild beasts to obey him. He leads an army of snakes to the rescue the Twins in their first joint adventure. While consistently a brave member of the group surrounding the Twins, Dagoo never uses his magic pipes again. Nickel Comics 1-7 FAWCETT (1940).

Dombie

Chief Muviro’s grandson and Tarzan’s son’s best friend. Dombie and Boy share numerous life-threatening adventures together, echoing the egalitarian friendship modeled by the Brothers of the Spear feature. For Tarzan issues through #56, see Dark Horse’s Tarzan: The Jesse Marsh Years reprint volumes. Tarzan 7-8, 45-49, 51, 53-55, 57, 59, 61, 69, 78, 81, 85-86, 90-91, 93, 96-99, 102-106, 108-109, 111-114, 116-125, 127-133, 135, 138, 139, 151; Tarzan’s Jungle Annual 4, 6, 7; Dell Giant 25, 37, 51 DELL/GOLD KEY (1949, 1953-1965).

Hykos, aide to Prince Ra

Hykos, and his master, Prince Ra are both immortal. Prince Ra was cursed with immortality thirty centuries ago by the actual sun god for the arrogance of taking his divine name. Hykos, as his servant, was included in the curse. Brown-skinned Hykos is described as Prince Ra’s “Nubian aide.” Hykos once told a villain, “Experimenting on us may not be pleasant, since we can’t be killed.” Hykos wears blue trousers, a white belt and short red boots. He leaves his muscular torso bare, the better to display his extraordinary strength. Prize Comics 48-51 (1944-45).

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).

Mubo, aide to Jungo, Jungle Master

Mubo is an African safari aid who intervenes to stop the unconscious jungle lord from being shot by his white employer and subsequently nurses Jungo back to health. Jungo, in turn, foils the illegal schemes of Mubo’s former employer. The beginning of an equal partnership? Not exactly. At the end of their joint adventure, Mubo informs Jungo, “You my b’wana now. I stay with you always!” Variety Comics 3 SMALL PUBLISHERS/ CROYDON (1946).

Muviro

Chief of the Waziri and Tarzan’s brave and trusted friend from the beginning of his comic book adventures. Muscular and fit, Muviro wears a white feathered headdress on more formal occasions. Muviro’s grandson, Dombie, is Tarzan’s son’s best friend. As such, Muviro sometimes adopts a fatherly role with Boy when Tarzan is absent. Muviro originally appeared in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan novels. For Tarzan issues through #56, see Dark Horse’s Tarzan: The Jesse Marsh Years reprint volumes. DELL/GOLD KEY (1948-1971).

N’Geeso

Pygmy friend to Kaanga, proud of his strength and warrior status and prone to exaggerate to exaggerate his genuinely heroic actions. He refers to Kaanga as his “big brother,” suggesting a more egalitarian relationship than is usually portrayed in this era’s comic books. In their frist shared adventure, N’Geeso defies Kaanga’s orders to stay back at his village when the jungle lord goes off in search of his kidnapped mate. Luckily, N’Geeso defies Kaanga’s directive and ends up rescuing both Kaanga and Ann. His is one of the more respectful treatment of an African character outside of the generally progressive Tarzan comic books. Jungle Comics 26-114 FICTION HOUSE (1942-1949).

Nubo

Heroic, “simple-minded”African warrior who inexplicably wears a silver knight’s uniform. Nubo mistakenly fights against the archeologist-turned hero, the Scarab. Nubo is an agent of Rajad, the Arab leader of an Egyptian “tribe” friendly with the British. Exciting Comics 44 BETTER (1946).

Om-at

Chief of the pointy-eared Wazdon people of the hidden valley of Pal-ul-don, in which prehistoric creatures roam freely. Om-at fights alongside Tarzan in these adventures, and later is visited by Korak, Tarzan’s son, as well. Om-at originally appeared in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan novels. For Tarzan issues through #56, see Dark Horse’s Tarzan: The Jesse Marsh Years reprint volumes. Tarzan 4, 6, 9, 16, 26, 166-167; Dell Giant 51; Korak 24, 25 DELL/GOLD KEY (1948-51, 1961, 1967-1968).

Sidi, associate of the Magnet

African associate of the Magnet, Sidi originally hailed from the Belgian Congo. Sidi wears a spotted leopard skin loincloth and headdress and looks rather more muscular and heroic than his boss. His English is spotty, but he is an effective fighter and tracker. Complete Book of Comics and Funnies nn; Mystery Comics 1-4 BETTER (1944).

VOODAH

His origin never revealed, Voodah is that rare jungle lord who is actually black, not white. He is the creation of acclaimed African American comic book artist, Matt Baker. Voodah is fairly clearly written as black in the majority of his adventures, though later colorists (and cover artists) persisted in portraying him as a white man. His somewhat European-appearing facial features added to the confusion, though this was consistent with Baker’s own appearance. Crown Comics 3-5, 8, 10-19 SMALL PUBLISHERS/CROWN (1945-49)

WAKU, Prince of the Bantu

Despite the title, Waku’s father dies in the first story in Jungle Tales and Waku was the chief of his tribe thereafter. Waku faces various threats on behalf of his people, some of them supernatural in nature. He goes shirtless like other members of his tribe but wears red Western style shorts suggesting a possible Western education that is never referenced in the narrative. Waku’s great love, Lalei, is also regularly featured. While she has the same skin coloring of the other Bantu people, she is the only woman of the tribe to be portrayed with long, straight hair. All of Waku’s adventures are reprinted in Marvel Masterworks Jungle Adventure archives, volumes two and three. Jungle Tales 1-7 ATLAS (MARVEL) (1954-1955)

Zulu

An African ally of a white jungle lord named Kaanga, Zulu is a mute boy who—having lost his tongue—communicates messages of warning on his small “danger drums.” He is rescued by Kaanga from a ritual sacrifice, and not knowing the boy’s name, Kaanga and his mate Ann name him Zulu. Appearing to be about ten years old, Zulu wears small devil-like horn on his head. Zulu is ultimately revealed to be Tolu, the lost prince of the Lake People. Kaanga installs him on his rightful throne, thus ending their association, though not their friendship. Jungle Comics 117-153; Kaanga 4-14 FICTION HOUSE(1949-1953).

AFRICAN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

Included here are young boys who become loyal companions to white people, as well as several medicine men or shaman’s who consistently bestow magical powers to white men and women rather than members of their own tribe.

Boko, companion of Simba, King of Beasts

“The tawny monarch and his little friend Boko live in peace in the heart of Africa’s mysterious jungle land.” Boko is an orphan, in essence adopted by the noble lion, Simba. Jungle Comics 26-36 FICTION HOUSE (1942).

Impy, associate of Nemo in Slumberland

Impy is Little Nemo’s mute, sometimes helpful, sometimes vexing friend. The two companions are frequent visitors to Slumberland, a tiny kingdom nestled behind a range of high mountains. Impy is portrayed in very stereotypical version, a short African bushman with spiky, caught in an electric socket style hair. Yankee Comics 1; Punch Comics 9, 11; Kayo Comics 12; Red Seal Comics 14-16 CHESLER (1941, 1944-46).

Kara’s Shaman

An African medicine man who gives blonde-haired American army nurse Jane “Jinx” Howell Jinx a paper amulet and a powder that will “guard her from harm.” Having consumed the powder, bullets bounce off of her and she is impervious to all harm. Jinx is declared the Princess Kara of Arohiti, on the basis of her appearance and the amulet she carries. Exciting Comics 39 BETTER (1945)

Tabu’s Shaman

A wise and elderly African “witch doctor” who, at the end of the wizard Tabu’s first adventure, gives the white hero a seventh sense, “be(ing) in touch with the invisible spirits of the jungle.”

Ta-Lo, shaman of Kalthar the Giant Man

A witch doctor, Ta-Lo, supplies Kalthar—the white man his people raised from boyhood—with magic grain, red ones to become a giant and green ones to return to normal size. Kalthor keeps the grains wrapped in panther hair that he ties to his blond hair for ready use. Zip Comics 1-2 MLJ (1940).

Togo, friend of Lion Boy

“Lost as an infant in the jungle, Lion Boy is reared by a family of lions. He learns to live in the wilds like any animal and speaks their language. He learns of human ways by his pal, Togo, a young native boy,” who is an orphan like his friend. Hit Comics 9-11, 14 QUALITY (1941).

Tygra’s Shaman

A medicine man gives Lynn Thomas much needed help when her plane is brought down by a fierce tribe in the region, the Flame People. The vitamin serum he gives her (called Autorene), increases her strength to that of twenty men. The Flame People subsequently adopt her as their queen. Startling Comics 45 BETTER (1947).

AFRICAN VILLAINS

Most of the time, evil queens in jungle comic books were white sovereigns ruling over obedient black subjects. The evil black queens described here were always beautiful and curvaceous, as were their white counterparts, a requirement of comic books geared toward adolescent boys and young men published by Fiction House and Victor Fox. Among the male rogues, a recurring theme was Western education doing nothing to temper their “savage” nature. Sadly, sexist and racist themes abounded.

Bobo

The American-educated son of a tribal chief, Bobo shows his disdain for his “savage” people by betraying their interests and shooting his own father. He is ultimately reformed by Princess Pantha. Thrilling Comics 65 BETTER (1948).

Queen Darma

Ruler of a race of fur-covered women with long dark tails, Darma seeks vengeance on all “hairless creatures” due to the murder of one of her race by a human. She is cruel, happily wielding a spiked mace and routinely consigning her enemies to a bone-crushing death in the iron-clawed hands of Da-Kaahn, a giant, green idol. Despite this, Darma remains a lovely of visage with long brown hair that flows over her fur-covered shoulders. She sports a red, animal skin top with a single shoulder strap, bare midriff and a short, red skin skirt. Opposed by Sheena. Jumbo Comics 93 FICTION HOUSE (1946).

Prince Dawambo

“Fanatic… lustful prince of the dark continent,” but also an Oxford graduate. Dawambo, the son of a tribal king is Oxford educated and powerfully built, wearing only a red loincloth and read and yellow zigzag headband. The mustachioed Dawambo is clever enough to unite his fellow African tribes into a single uprising. “Dawambo sounds his battle cry… From the north come the fierce Riffians, from the east the Ethiopian hoardes, from central Africa, the cannibals, and even the Pygmies heed the mad call and come in great numbers, and from the south, the Zulus, all follow their chiefs to the war.” It falls on big game hunter Roy Lance (idenitified as Kit Kelly in a later reprint) to overpower Dawambo and frighten away the gathered “barbarians” by screening a Hollywood film of a marching army on a cliff face. Jungle Comics 2 FICTION HOUSE (1940); reprinted in Captain Flight 4 CHESLER (1944).

Fucha, Priest of the Snake King

Black African schemer who takes advantage of his people’s belief in an ancient snake god to create his own giant snake made of wood and metal and operated from the inside by his minions. Opposed by Jo-Jo, yet another white jungle lord. Jo-Jo Comics 23 FOX (1949).

Ghoula

Macabre villain who steals bodies from their graves. Ghoula then blackmails bereaved families, threatening that he will deny resurrection to the souls of their loved ones unless they pay him his demands. Opposed by Jo-Jo. Jo-Jo Comics 10 FOX (1948).

Gumi

Champion warrior of the Zingli people, the loin cloth clad Gumi makes sport with his hapless enemies, forcing them into fatal jousting matches, each atop an opposing rhino. Only a rhino-riding jungle girl named Nyoka is able to topple him. Master Comics 105 FAWCETT (1949).

Hawkina

A rare African queen in comic books, Hawkina operates out of jungle castle she appropriated from a slaver named Blackbeard, whom she beheads in order to take over his business. Entirely ruthless, Hawkina only takes the young as captives, ordering the slaughter of the old and weak. The men of her tribe all possess artificial, feathered wings allowing them to glide long distances once they are sprung from primitive catapults. For her part, Hawkina wears a striking birdhead and white plumed headdress and a red and black striped loin cloth, also surrounded by small white plumes. Her breasts are covered only by her long black hair which is tucked into her belt on either side of her navel. Opposed by Sheena. Jumbo Comics 79 FICTION HOUSE (1945).

Jebba

A Congo amazon opposed by Fantomah. Jungle Comics 31-32 FICTION HOUSE (1942).

Koona

Black witch doctor and leader of the lost city of Gala. The people of Gala hate all white people and attempt to murder them whenever they encounter them. Jungo, Jungle Master, succeeds in killing Koona, but he must flee the city of Gala with its culture of hate still intact. Variety Comics 2 RURAL HOME (1945).

Krangi

African priest of the Diamond Mirror Shrine in which victims are incinerated by the Burning God, in actuality the amplified light of the sun. Opposed by Congo King. Atomic 4 SMALL PUBLISHERS/GREEN (1946).

Lotan

An “evil Masai chief,” Lotan is handsome and extremely strong. He is able toss Bob around like a kitten and taunts him as a “weakling” as he smashes him to the ground. Lotan even proposes to fight Sheena with one arm tied behind his back. Lotan gives up his prideful, aggressive ways after losing to Sheena in an ax and shield battle with both of his arms free. Lotan wears a zebra-skin loin cloth and his hair spikes to either side like devil horns. Sheena 5 FICTION HOUSE (1949).

Queen Marie’ Servants

Two muscular and unnamed African servants who obey their mistress’ every wish. Queen Marie is head of a diamond-smuggling gang, a white woman who wears an art deco-style golden crown as well as a bullet-style bra and long, flowing red sheaths of fabric from the waist down. Wham Comics 2 CENTAUR (1940).

Monstro the Sorcerer

This black African shaman purchases the scientific expertise of a white man who has invented a cold weather machine, then kills him. “There’ll be no room for white men in my new world.” Indeed, Monstro hopes to create a new race comprised only of his wives and children. Rulah, a jungle goddess, must save her people from a suddenly snow-filled jungle. Zoot 10 FOX (1947).

N’Gulo

Physically powerful head of the Spotted Men, a black African cult of tattooed warriors operating out of the lost city. N’Golo allies himself with Ghazia in his second and last skirmish with Fantomah. Jungle Comics 26-27, 29 FICTION HOUSE (1942).

Org

“A native named Org … possessing hypnotic powers with a jungle drum, has a secret ambition to rule all jungle land. While trying to achieve his ambition, Org accidentally discovers a group of giant hunting spiders in an unexplored valley.” Org controls the spiders to further his dreams of conquest. Org wears an odd felt hat, an orange, form-fitting shirt and red, Western shorts. Opposed by Fantomah. Jungle Comics 15 FICTION HOUSE (1941).

Queen Saga

The black African ruler of a tribe of female warriors, Saga attempts to kill Camilla, Jungle Queen, to prevent her from becoming the sole queen of the jungle. Saga frightens her followers into obedience by arranging deaths that appear due to her voodoo dolls. Saga is an attractive, athletic woman who wears a short red dress and gold hoop earrings and necklace. All of the women of her tribe place a bone through a small knot of hair atop their heads. Jungle Comics 29 FICTION HOUSE (1942).

Serpina

Black African sorceress who not only can charm snakes with the plaintive wail of her magic pipe, but can command all jungle animals to do her will. As the narrator suggests: “charmer of the coiled ones! Was not her magic equal to the mystic powers of Tabu! So whispered the voices of the jungle. Yet one day the wizard and the sorceress meet…” The two are impressed by each other’s display of powers until greedy Europeans use a serum that allows them to dominate her will. But Tabu is able to rescue Serpina from their influence. Jungle Comics 95 FICTION HOUSE (1947).

The Terribs

A cannibalistic tribe of warriors, the Terribs reside in the region of the Great Swamp of Pal-ul-don. Their chief rival in the region is Princess Loma. The Terribs wear crocodile skins as armor and ride monstrously large iguanas called gorobars into battle. Tarzan is their continuing adversary. Tarzan 20, 34, 36, 41, 42, 46, 50, 51, 59, 70, 71, 77, 88, 112, 113, 115, 124; Tarzan’s Jungle Annual 6 DELL (1952-1961).

Uchunko.

Villainous jungle ruler, opposed by Marga, the Panther Woman. Science Comics 2-3 FOX (1940).

The VOODOO MAN

The Voodoo Man’s given name is Boanga, a Haitian medicine man. His precise origins are unknown, but it is clear that the Voodoo Man possesses magical abilities and can animate and control zombies. A muscular man of African descent, the Voodoo Man is typically portrayed wearing a loin cloth and feathered headdress and speaks broken English. The primary opposition to his evil ambitions is the American physician, Dr. Warren. Weird Comics 1-7; Samson 3; The Flame 4-8 FOX (1940-42).

The Voodoo Man (2)

Able to stick pins in voodoo dolls and do harm to those they’re modeled after. The Voodoo Man is in actuality a white man named Dr. Strong, who traveled to Africa to learn about and ultimately practice voodoo. He is assisted by a group of loin-cloth wearing black men who call him “master.” The Wizard calls these same men “boys” on more than one occasion. Top Notch Comics 21 MLJ (194 ).

Waboona

Muscular witch doctor of the rival Gomambi people. He has an odd orange feathered headdress, neckdress and loincloth. It is said to mean death to merely touch him. Waboona commands black magic and one of his voodoo dolls allow him to force Jun-gal to walk into fire. Only Mammy’s courageous intervention releases Jun-gal from his power, and then it is the queen’s task to rescue her. Waboona apparently dies in the fire that he intended for Jun-gal. Blazing Comics 3 RURAL HOME (1944).

Wazee. A witch doctor and Wambi’s cruel step-father, Wazee is willing to consider selling his people into slavery and, when Wambi chastises him for it, having his son lead the slave chain. Jungle 1-2 FICTION HOUSE (1940).