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Month: November 2024

MINOR SUPER-HERO ROUND-UP 029

MINOR SUPER-HERO ROUND-UP 029

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They’re trying, bless ’em. Hydroman: I was going to say that much levity has been mined from Hydroman’s origin over the years, but realistically this guy is obscure at best. Some levity has been mined from Hydroman’s origin over the years. Is it deserved? Certainly. Scientist Harry Thurston is having fun mixing up chemicals (specifically water, alcohol and sulphuric acid, though there is some speculation that there might have been some mystery residue in the glassware used) and manages to…

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MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 656: CAMILLA, QUEEN OF THE LOST CITY

MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 656: CAMILLA, QUEEN OF THE LOST CITY

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(Jungle Comics 002, 1940) What’s this? Another Camilla? Yes, for some reason, the story of the lost Norse city in the African jungle was retold one issue later as one of a lost Mongol city in the African jungle. The two Camillas look the same but where the original was 600 years old Camilla II seems to not be superannuated at all. Camilla II is also far less classically villainous than her predecessor: sure she claims that her city has…

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MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 655: CAMILLA, QUEEN OF THE LOST EMPIRE

MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 655: CAMILLA, QUEEN OF THE LOST EMPIRE

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(Jungle Comics 001, 1940) Camilla, Queen of the Lost Empire! I love a lost ancient kingdom, especially in a jungle comic as it cuts down on the constant flow of racism. This particular ancient lost kingdom was founded by Norsemen, probably some time between 900 and 1100 CE going by the random dates thrown out at various points in the series. We encounter the Lost Empire through the eyes of explorer Jon Dale, who I will tell you now I…

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MINOR SUPER-HERO ROUND-UP 028

MINOR SUPER-HERO ROUND-UP 028

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Panther-heavy haul this time. the White Panther:  The White Panther is (along with his ancient father) the last survivor of some sort of lost jungle civilization that seems to have based their fashion sense along Jack Kirby lines, not that I’m complaining. He only has one appearance, in which he uses his supposed precognitive abilities to help a scientist and his daughter get ahold of some healing gemstones before a crook does. Since he never appeared again, by far the…

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MAD AND CRIMINAL SCIENTIST ROUND-UP 013

MAD AND CRIMINAL SCIENTIST ROUND-UP 013

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Progress! Science!  It’s blood that this nameless inventor wants, blood to make his super fuel! Too bad for him that he chose to steal it from US Marine Strut Warren because he ends up extremely dead for his efforts (and the world remains dependant on fossil fuels. Thanks, Strut). (Fight Comics 003, 1940) Professor Pierre Villon, refugee from the Paris Medical Academy, has set himself up on a tropical island to further his scientific research into making human/animal hybrids. His…

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GENERIC COSTUMED VILLAIN ROUND-UP 015

GENERIC COSTUMED VILLAIN ROUND-UP 015

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It’s time for another round with the guys in the masks. A radio announcer who tries to poison all of Inland City with chlorine gas for unclear reasons. Ends up blowing himself up while tangling with heroic pilot Captain Steve Ransom. (Keen Detective Funnies v2 006, 1939) This unnamed fellow takes the cake for audaciousness: his racket is drug smuggling and though traditionally one wants to keep a low profile while attempting to move controlled substances from place to place…

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MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 654: THE BRAIN

MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 654: THE BRAIN

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(Green Mask v1 003, 1940) Despite the fact that when he shows up the Green Mask shouts his name in shocked surprise like they’re old enemies, the Brain is not in fact the main antagonist of the story he appears in, which is concerned with a fellow named Dudley Carstairs who has made some bad business decisions and has decided that his best option going forward is to kill his niece and steal her large diamond. During the course of…

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MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 653: RADION

MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 653: RADION

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(Green Mask v1 003, 1940) Radion first comes to the attention of the Green Mask and Domino the Miracle Boy when he makes an attempt on the life of their beloved laundry delivery boy, Jerry. After much running around after the hooded mastermind and his gang and multiple concussions for both of our heroes, Radion is eventually unmasked as… Jerry’s boss, Mr Pelson. There are two things to take away from this: 1) The increased chance of being a super-villain…

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MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 652: THE GRIM CIRCLE

MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 652: THE GRIM CIRCLE

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(Green Mask v1 001, 1940) The Grim Circle! A mysterious hooded group responsible not only for killing the Green Mask’s father but also for causing the injury that leads to the creation of the Green Mask himself! And the creation of Domino the Miracle Boy a bit later in the issue! Truly they are the engines of their own destruction. SIDE NOTE: Criminals targeting politicians for introducing tough-on-crime legislation is a trope in various media to this very day. I…

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MINOR SUPER-HERO ROUND-UP 027

MINOR SUPER-HERO ROUND-UP 027

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Guess what? More minor super-heroes, that’s what. the Black Arrow: Black Arrow, aka Rex Norton, is a detective/pilot, ho-hum. As per standard he has a great codename. (Green Giant Comics 001, 1940) the Researcher: A dapper super-scientist armed with x-ray flashlights, paralysis-inducing walking sticks and mind-reading rays. Perhaps the most charming thing about him is that everyone from his enemies to his friends to his lab assistant/love interest refer to him solely as “the Researcher.” (Green Giant Comics 001, 1940)…

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