The ACE of SPADES Universe - Mark Carlson-Ghost
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COMIC STRIP HEROES and VILLAINS
Story Comic Strips by Genre
ADVENTURE
AVIATION and MILITARY
DETECTIVE and ESPIONAGE
DRAMA and ROMANCE
SCIENCE FICTION and FANTASY
SPORTS
SUPER-HERO
SWASHBUCKLING and JUNGLE ADVENTURE
WESTERN and FRONTIER
In Depth Data on 50 Comic Strips
ALLEY OOP
1932-2013+
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
1977-2013+
APARTMENT 3-G
1961-2013+
BATMAN and ROBIN
1943-46, 1966-74, 1989-91
BRENDA STARR
1940-2011
BRICK BRADFORD
1933-1987
BUCK ROGERS
1929-67, 1979-83
BUZ SAWYER
1943-1989
CAPTAIN EASY
1929-1988
(CASEY RUGGLES)
1949-1954
CHARLIE CHAN
1938-1942
CISCO KID
1951-1968
DATELINE: DANGER
1968-1974
DICK TRACY
1931-2013+
DON WINSLOW of the NAVY
1934-1955
DONDI
1955-1986
FLASH GORDON
1934-200x
(FLYIN’ JENNY)
1939-1952
FRIDAY FOSTER
1970-1974
GIL THORP
1958-2013+
The HEART of JULIET JONES
1953-2001
INVISIBLE SCARLET O’NEIL
1940-1954
JANE ARDEN
1928-1968
JOE PALOOKA
1930-1984
JOHNNY HAZARD
1944-1977
JUDGE PARKER
1952-2013+
(JUNGLE JIM)
1934-1954
KERRY DRAKE
1943-1983
KING of the ROYAL MOUNTED
1935-1955
LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE
1924-74, 1979-2010
LONE RANGER
1938-71, 1981-84
MANDRAKE
1934-2013
Mary Perkins, ON STAGE
1957-1979
MARY WORTH
1932-2013+
MISS FURY
1941-47, 1949-51
(MYRA NORTH)
1936-1941
PHANTOM
1936-2013+
PRINCE VALIANT
1937-2013+
RED RYDER
1938-1964
REX MORGAN, M.D.
1948-2013+
RIP KIRBY
1946-1999
SCORCHY SMITH
1930-1961
SECRET AGENT X-9/CORRIGAN
1934-1996
SMILIN’ JACK
1933-1973
The SPIRIT
1940-1952
STEVE CANYON
1948-1988
STEVE ROPER and MIKE NOMAD
1944-2004
SUPERMAN
1939-66, 1978-85
TARZAN of the APES
1929-2002
TERRY AND THE PIRATES
1934-73, 1995-97
WINNIE WINKLE
1920-1996
COMIC STRIPS BY GENRE
ADVENTURE
Ben Webster
Boy’s adventure. Strip called Born to Win initially, featuring Phil Hardy and then Webster.
1926-1940.
Bobby Thatcher
Boy’s adventure.
3/24/27-1937.
Brenda Starr
Female reporter often in romantic entanglements.
Writer/artist: Dale Messick
Chicago Tribune syndicate
6/30/40-1/21/11
Captain Easy
First appeared in the Wash Tubb comic strip on 5/6/29.
6/11/33-1988
Chip Collins’ Adventures
A continuation of the Frank Merriwell’s Schooldays strip, now featuring blond-haired student Collins instead. Written by William Ritt and drawn by Jack Wilhelm.
7/13/34-1936
Claire Voyant
Woman with amnesia adopts the name of a term she overhears.
Jack Sparling
5/10/43-1948
Connie
Woman engaged in far flung and fantastic adventures.
Frank Godwin
11/13/27-1944
Danger Trails
Based on the Radio series.
1934-1936.
Debbie Dean
Female reporter.
1944-1949
Dickie Dare
Boy’s adventure. Dickie dreams himself into adventures in various times and places.
Milton Caniff
7/33/33-1957
Frank Merriwell’s School Days
Written by William Ritt and drawn by Jack Wilhelm. It was renamed Chip Collins’ Adventures and continued with the same characters minus Merriwell.
1928- mid/31-7/12/34
Glen Forrrest
Hap Hopper
Introduces private investigator Barry Noble who takes over the strip.
1/29/40-5/47
Jane Arden
Female reporter.
11/26/28-1968
Jeff Cobb
Investigative reporter who loses his right eye in the mid-sixties and wears and eye-patch thereafter.
6/28/54-1978
Johnny Hazard
6/5/54-1977
Little Annie Rooney
1/10/27-4/16/66
Little Orphan Annie
8/5/24-4/74, 1979-6/13/10
Mark Trail
4/15/46-2011+
Miss Cairo Jones
7/29/45-1947
Mitzi McCoy
11/7/48-9/50
Myra North, Special Nurse
Adventurous nurse who is flown all over the world on special missions.
1936-1941
Phil Hardy
In Bound to Win comic strip, a boy adventurer.
1925-1926
Roy Powers, Eagle Scout
Official comic strip of the boy scouts.
Frank Godwin
1936-1942
Rusty Riley
Boy’s adventures.
1/26/48-1959
Streamer Kelly
Crime-fighting fireman who took on colorful adversaries the likes of Arson Annie, Miss Joker, and the Murderous Midget.
Jack Ryan
1940-1951
Tad of the Tanbark
Terry and the Pirates
Milton Caniff,
10/22/34-2/25/73, 3/26/95-7/27/97
Wash Tubbs
Wild Rose
Art Huhta
1945-1952
AVIATION and MILITARY
Ace Drummond
Peak 135 papers. Film in 1936.
1935-40
Ayer Lane
Orr in the 1040s.
Barney Baxter
Initially a juvenile pilot, Barney quickly aged to young adulthood.
1935-1/22/50.
Biff Baker
Bruce Gentry
As the strip ends, Gentry marries his girl friend, Cleo Patric. Gentry was featured in a 1949 movie serial. Post-Hall Syndicate?
3/24/45-1/6/51
Buz Sawyer
King Features Syndicate.
11/1/43-10/7/89
Captain Yank
Begins as Yankee Doodle in 1940, named changed to Captain Yank in 1942, when adopted by the McNaught Syndicate. Tinsdale.
10/40-12/45
Dan Flagg
A marine special operative, Flagg was active primarily in Vietnam.
4/22/63-6/15/67.
Dan Hastings
Fred Guardineer.
1937-38?
Don Winslow of the Navy
Frank V. Martinek.
3/5/34-7/30/55
Flyin’ Jenny
10/39-x/52.
Hank
Navy Bob Steele
McClure Syndicate.
11/5/41-1945
Race Riley and the Commandos
United Features Syndicate.
1941-45.
Scorchy Smith
Associated Press Syndicate.
3/17/30-early 1961.
Sergeant Stony Craig
Skyroads
Smilin’ Jack
Steve Canyon
Tailspin Tommy
Tales of the Green Berets
Robin Moore and Joe Kubert.
9/20/65-
Vic Jordan
Yankee Rangers
DETECTIVE and ESPIONAGE
Assignment: Top Secret
The Avengers
Bodyguard
Ben Friday
Writer: Lawrence Larier
Artist: John Spranger
5/2/48-
Charlie Chan
Dan Dunn
Dick Tracy
Doctor Fu Manchu
Dragnet
Encyclopedia Brown
Hunter Keene
Inspector Dayton
Inspector Wade
James Bond
Jim Hardy
Judge Wright
Kerry Drake
Lance Lawson
Mickey Finn
Mike Hammer
Modesty Blaise
Nero Wolfe
Radio Patrol
Red Barry
Rip Kirby
Roger Lincoln, S-Man
(a) Irv Novick, (a) Milton Luras
11/51-8/30/53
The Saint
Sam Spade
Secret Agent X-9/Corrigan
Sherlock Holmes
Steve Roper
Thirty Paige
Vic Flint
ZX-5, Spies in Action
DRAMA and ROMANCE
Abbie an’ Slats
7/7/37-1/30/71
Adam Ames
(a) Lou Fine
1959-62
Apartment 3-G
5/8/61-03+
Barbara Cartland Romances
1981
Ben Casey
(w/a) Neal Adams
11/26/62-7/31/66
Big Sister
1928-1972
Cynthia
Career girl.
(w) Bert Whitman, (a) Irv Novick
10/46-11/4/51
Dallas
Debuted with 300 papers.
(a) Ron Harris
2/2/81-11/24/84
David Crane
Minister
(a) Winslow Mortimer
5/57-11/72
Dawn O’Day in Hollywood
Dixie Dugan
Dondi
Dr. Bobbs
Dr. Kildare
Ella Cinders
Friday Foster
Heart of Juliet Jones
The Jackson Twins
Judd Saxon
Judge Parker
Laura Good
Long Sam
Mary Perkins, On Stage
Mary Worth
Rex Morgan, M.D.
The Story of Martha Wayne
Tiffany Jones
Winnie Winkle
SCIENCE FICTION and FANTASY
Alley Oop
Beyond Mars
Brick Bradford
First story was an aviation story involving a lost race of Incans in South America. Written by William Ritt and drawn by John Ray. 8/21/33-5/10/87
Buck Rogers
Chris Welkin, Planeteer
Dark Shadows
Don Dixon
Lugoff was originally a corrupt scientist who would become one of Dixon’s staunchest allies. Villains included Mala, a yellow-skinned femme fatale of the Hidden Empire, Mime, a tyrannical dwarf king, and the legendary Morgan le Fay.
1935-7/6/41
Drift Marlow
Flash Gordon
Garth
Jack Swift
Jeff Scott
John Carter of Mars
Sky Masters
Speed Spaulding
Based on When World’s Collide.
Star Hawks
Star Trek
-10/30/82
Star Wars
Tom Corbett, Space Cadet
Twin Earths
…1952-1963…
SPORTS
Big Ben Bolt
Bullet Benton
Cowboy turned boxer.
Cotton Woods
Curly Kayoe
Gabby
Gabriel Gibbs is a farm boy with dreams of pitching in the World Series. Written by sportswriter William Ritt and drawn by Joe King.
7/29/35-c10/35.
Gil Thorp
Hook Slider
Jack Armstrong
Jimmy and the Tiger
Joe Palooka
Mac Divot
Ned Brant at Carter
Ozark Ike
Rocky
SUPER-HERO
Amazing Spider-Man
Batman
Blue Beetle
Captain Midnight
Luna White
Doc Savage
Funnyman
Green Hornet
Incredible Hulk
Invisible Scarlet O’Neil
Mandrake the Magician
Miss Fury
Phantom
Popeye
The Red Knight
The Shadow
Sparky Watts
The Spirit
Superman
Tiny Tim
Boy who has the power to shrink to small size. Sometimes shares adventures with his best friend and other times his sister, both of whom can also assume short stature. One of his most persistent foes was a vicious pirate named Black Hook (10/50-4/51).
Wonder Woman
World’s Greatest Super-Heroes
SWASHBUCKLING and JUNGLE ADVENTURE
Aladdin, Jr.
Conan the Barbarian
Flamingo
Hawk of the Seas
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Jungle Jim
Kevin the Bold
Prince Valiant
Robin Hood
Sheena
Tarzan
Ted Towers
Tim Tyler’s Luck
WESTERN and FRONTIER
Annie Oakley
Bat Masterson
Black Fury
Bronc Peeler
Bronc Saddler
Broncho Bill
Buffalo Bill
Casey Ruggles
Cisco Kid
Danny Hale
Davy Crockett, Frontiersman
Drago
Gene Autry Rides!
Hopalong Cassidy
Jed Cooper, American Scout
Johnny Reb and Billy Yank
King of the Royal Mounted
Lance
Laredo Crockett
Latigo
Little Joe
Lone Ranger
Red Ryder
Rick O’Shay
Rocky Mason, Government Marshal
Roy Rogers
Scarlet and Chips
Sgt. Preston of the Yukon
Straight Arrow
Tales of Old Glory
Ted Strong
Tex Austin
Tex Thorne
Vesta West and her Horse “Traveler”
Way Out West
White Boy/Skull Valley. White Boy, the Rainbow Indians, Starlight, Broken-Wing, Starlight’s aunt, Dan Brown, fur trader, Woodchuck, Chickadee—early rival and later friend/Paul White, Doris Hale, Sheriff Irwin/Masked Gaucho, Nan Bevin. 11/8/33-4/21/35/4/28/35--8/16/36.
Young Ray Bold
Zane Grey
ALLEY OOP
Original Identity: Alley Oop
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Return to his prehistoric origins, in 1946 and , among other dates.7/46-
Friends and Allies in Moo:
Dinny.
Ooola.
Foozer. AKA Foozy.
Guz.
Umpa.
Wizer.
Wanda the Witch. AKA Granny. Years later, Alley Oop encounters her disguised as the Fire Goddess, presiding over a tribe of little people. x/xx-x/xx, 11/96-12/96.
Mountain. Good-hearted giant from a mountain tribe, Mountain was briefly thought to be the strongest man in Moo until Alley Oop rescues his family from the machinations of Tunk. 7/05-12/05.
Goob. Originally a Lemian soldier loyal to Tunk, Goob befriends Alley Oop and ultimately petitions to become a citizen of Moo. When in finds Guz’s lost crown, Goob briefly becomes the befuddled ruler of the land. early/10-1/11+
Friends and Allies in our Present:
Professor Elbert Wonmug.
Dr. Amos Bronson. Amos returns in 2008, along with a possible relative Jon and Wonmug’s daughter. x/08-x/08, 7/09
Ferdy.
Ava Peckedge.
G. Oscar Boom. -11/03, 2/09-.
F. D. “Dave” Wowee. Time traveler from 2145 who returns to our present to assist Wonmug in fixing his badly damaged his time machine. A distant cousin of Wunmug, Dave subsequently travels back and forth in time, becoming a member of Wonmug’s time lab. 9/02-
Dee Wonmug. The professor’s attractive daughter, an intrepid and fearless explorer fascinated by a journey to Moo. x/08-12/08.
Friendly historical or legendary figures:
Houdini. Summoned from the past by Ava to assist the captive Time Lab staff, who are in chains on the orders of Mr. Slyme. 12/01-1/02.
Kahzimodo. The legendary hunchback of Notre Dame befriends Alley and Ooola when they are accidentally transported to 15th century Paris. 10/04-1/05.
Rudy Valentino. Teaches Alley Oop and Ooola how to dance as a Christmas present from Santa. 1/06-2/06.
Santa Claus. Legendary figure who after sharing an adventure with Alley makes an effort to bring Alley a gift most Christmases thereafter. …12/97, 12/98, 12/03, 12/05, 12/10…
Theseus. Heroic adolescent of Ancient Greece, Theseus is aided by Alley Oop in his battle with the Minotaur. 1/97-6/97.
Notable Adversaries:
Alexander the Great. “An almost reptilian personality.” 1956.
Cro-Mag and the Black Dinosaur. Leader of the rival Cro-Magnums who rides a ferocious black Tyrannosaurus Rex. 8/46-10/46.
Dolf. Handsome and hunky blond-haired caveman who romances Ooola during one of Alley’s long absences. Unbeknownst to all, Dolf was a reengage soldier from Lem who had gained the confidence of both kings (Guz and Tonk) and was giving them will weakening potions in order to ultimately take over both kingdoms. 12/03-5/04.
Earl Boom. The equally greedy, clean shaven brother of G. Oscar, Earl Boom attempts to secure a fortune by using the old Time Machine that his brother had repaired to travel back to the Oklahoma of 1907 where he is thwarted by Alley Oop and Will Rogers. 10/07-12/07.
G. Oscar Boom. Off and on scientific associate of Wonmug whose greed leads him to betray his friends. For some years, Boom had become a trusted ally, but his exposure to the gold held in a medical Scottish castle rekindled his greed. He left the time lab for a time, concocting a scheme in 2006 to enable Spanish conquistadors to raid the gold of Moo which he would then steal from them. He takes a villainous role in two more encounters before once again reforming. 2/40- , 10/06-1/07, 4/07-7/07, x/08-9/08..
Garzak. Evil and cruel king of Zakuria. After his initial defeat by Alley Oop, Garzak is exiled by his own people, but years later he is able to regain power and attempt revenge on the entire people of Moo. x/xx-x/xx, 2/02-5/02.
The Grand Wizer. Identical in looks to Dr. Wonmug, the Wizer is clearly an early ancestor of the scientist. 4/54-5/54, 4/06-7/06, others.
Guzzle of Moo. King of Moo who, in his early encounters with Alley, is consistently hostile to his interests. In later years, Guz tends to be more friendly, but his mercurial personality and sense of absolute power can lead him once again into an antagonistic role. 4/54-5/54, 7/03, others.
Heck and Marko. Schemers who use the time machine to travel in the past where they hope to trap dinosaurs in a pit in order that they die there and later create an oil field in land the two men own. 10/04-2/05.
Hercules.
Mr. Slyme. Slender, elderly and balding banker who considers giving a loan to the financially strapped Time Lab. When Wonmug sends him back to Moo as a demonstration of the viability of the lab, Slyme proceeds to engineer a scheme to have criminal henchmen steal the diamonds of Moo. He often tells Wonmug in false friendly fashion, “Call me Luke!” As he is taken away by the police, he informs Wonmug he won’t be getting his loan! 9/01-1/02.
Professor Gillian Hoopster. Time traveler from the year 2153, Hoopster travels back to prehistoric times to capture and take back samples from the period. 1/99-2/99.
She. Evil look-alike of Umpa who allies with Tunk to regain political power. She is later redeemed by the kindness of Ooola when both are held captive in the land of Zakuria by Garzak. Once freed, she decides to stay there in an attempt to provide a just government to the now ruler-less land. …8/99-11/99, …6/02.
Tunk of Lem. Unscrupulous ruler of the rival, neighboring kingdom of Lem. In a later adventure, Tunk poses as the ample bellied Abdominal Snowman to terrorize a mountain tribe. In a tale told in 2011, Tunk attempts to use the distraction of Alley Oop and Ooola’s marriage ceremony to invade Moo. On other occasions, Tunk is an amiable, if ultimately unreliable companion in unfolding events beyond the scope of his own ambition. x/96-8/96, 5/99-12/99, 10/05-12/05, 12/09-5/10, 8/10-1/11, others.
William the Conqueror. “Malevolent schemer.” x/54-x/55.
The Zan. Honorific title for the ruler of a froglike alien race. Tannak is a corrupt and conniving leader who utilizes robot spy flies to gather intelligence. He returns to Earth to seek revenge on Alley Oop and Ooola. x/xx-x/xx, 2/98-6/98.
Sightings:
Writers: Hamlin, Graue, Carole Bender
Artists: Hamlin, Graue, Jack Bender
Active:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
1977-2011+
Original Identity: Peter Parker
Origin: As told 10/77.
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: The two are married circa December 1985. Peter reveals his secret identity to Mary Jane in February, 1986. No notables in 85, 86, 87. Need to research 1987-91 especially, and 1994-2004.
Friends and Allies:
Aunt May.
Tana Mendor. Ultimately, she betrays Spidey, but how does she feel about Peter Parker? 12/77-2/78, 9/82-12/82.
Mary Jane Watson.
Carol Jennings.
Maria Lopez.
Simon Smith. African-American secret agent who aids Spidey against Dar Harat. 3/85
Robbie Robertson.
Other Costumed Heroes:
The Prowler. 10/79-12/79.
The Sub-Mariner. Prince Namor of fabled Atlantis. 2/83-4/83, 10/96-x/97.
Doctor Strange. Master of the mystic arts. 4/92-10/92.
Daredevil. Blind and highly acrobatic, costumed hero whose other senses more than compensate for his lack of sight. 10/92-5/93, 2/10, 2/13-5/13.
Punisher. Vigilante who nonetheless fights for the good, but sometimes with questionable means.
The Beast. Blue-furred mutant, a member of the X-Men. 12/93-2/94.
Wolverine. 6/09-9/09, 5/10-6/10.
Iron Man. 3/10, 6/10-9/10.
The Thing. 11/10-1/11.
Thor. 12/11-4/12.
Notable Adversaries:
J. Jonah Jameson. ongoing.
Big Time. Plain clothed criminal obsessed with clocks. x/09-11/09.
Clown-9. AKA Hardy Laurel. 5/12-9/12.
The Chameleon. 10/01-1/02.
Dar Harat. “Most feared terrorist organization on earth.” 8/84-3/85.
Dr. Doom. 1/77-2/77, 4/78-6/78, 12/81-3/82 …10/91-3/92.
Dr. Octopus. 2/77-5/77, 1/81-3/81 … 9/06-12/06, 6/09-9/09.
Electro. 1/09-5/09.
Hobgoblin. 12/93-2/94.
The Kingpin. 7/77-9/77, 12/78-3/79, 3/80-5/80 …, 6/94-9/94, … 1/99-3/99 … 2/13-5/13+
Krang, Warlord of Atlantis. 2/83-4/83.
Kraven the Hunter. 10/77-12/77. 7/79-10/79 … 12/04-x/05, 10/12-1/13.
Loki. 12/11-4/12.
Magneto. 4/01-7/01.
The Mole Man. 10/10-1/11
Morbius. A living vampire. 2/11-6/11.
Mysterio. 3/78-4/78.
The Puppet Master. 7/10-9/10.
The Rattler. 5/77-7/77.
Rhino. x/05-4/05.
Robin the Good. Bearded thief popular with the public who robs from the rich and apparently gives to the poor. Willing to pose for pictures with those he most politely robs. 3/96-6/96.
Sabretooth. 1/10-6/10.
Sandman. 9/09-12/09.
Scorpion. 7/01-10/01.
The Shocker. 8/07-9/07.
The Vulture. 4/08-8/08.
Original Chroniclers
Active: 1/3/77-2011+
APARTMENT 3-G
1961-2011+
Roommates of Apartment 3-G:
Margo Magee. Spoiled rich girl attempting to make it on her own, the dark-haired brunette begins as a secretary, but later becomes a show business publicist, agent, and manager (and later owner) of an art gallery.
Abigail “Tommie” Thompson. Attractive red-haired nurse who tends to be cautious and conservative in her choices and struggles with a sense of herself as boring.
LuAnn Wright Powers. Naïve and largely unaware of the impact she has on men, LuAnn is a blonde-haired school teacher who resembles the actress . LuAnn is absent from the narrative, immediately after her marriage to Garth Powers from 11/64 until her return in x/67. When her husband is declared missing in action, she continues on as an art teacher, ultimately emerging as a talented painter who also works at Mills Gallery.
Origin: The narrative begins with Margo, Tommie, and Lu Ann moving in together into a new apartment. Margo and Tommie have been roommates before, but this is the first time that Lu Ann, fresh from South Dakota, has lived on their own.
Abilities and Attributes:
Appearance: Tommie is said to resemble a youthful Lucille Ball, Margo a youthful Joan Collins and Lu Ann, Tuesday Weld. Beth, like Lu Ann, is blonde.
Modus Operandi: The narrative alternates between the three women, though Margo and LuAnn are featured more often than Tommie. While initially amused by their larger than life neighbor, Aristotle Papagoras, the three women soon come to regard him as a surrogate father figure and value his advice. Stories often revolve around the men who move into the adjoining apartment. LuAnn is the only woman of the three to have left the apartment, when she decides to marry Garth Powers. Beth Howard takes her place, but also leaves after securing her romantic interest in Dr. Lester Pride. LuAnn, alone while her husband serves in Vietnam, moves back in with old roommates. When LuAnn’s husband is declared missing in action, LuAnn refrains from romance for several years, but finally resumes a social life in the mid-seventies.
Friends and Allies:
Professor Aristotle Papagoras. Their gray-haired and bearded confidante, originally a mysterious figure but soon a good friend. Papagoras is not without romantic intrigues of his own, and his past associates often cross paths with the girls. 5/61-present.
Byron Frost. Margo’s first boss, for whom she works as a secretary. In 1964 he enters into an unhealthy relationship with Ellen Denim. x/xx-x/xx, 12/64-4/65.
Martin Magee. Also called Paul Magee, Margo’s wealthy father who is often emotionally disengaged from his daughter and uses his wealth at times in attempts to influence her. x/xx-x/xx, 5/99-9/99, 3/09-4/10, 6/10, 9/10
Garth “Gary” Powers. The girls first meet Garth when he befriends a sick girl recovering in 3G. Garth is a frugal young man who took classes from Professor Papagoras, who knows of his past with another girl. Garth’s Navy admiral uncle worries about the young man, despite his considerable wealth, and is pleased when LuAnn resolves her love/hate relationship with the sometimes aloof Garth in the young man’s favor. Garth (or LuAnn) is not seen for a few years after his engagement to LuAnn is announced. He returns in 1967 with marital problems with LuAnn. Now going by Gary, he ultimately enlists in the Air Force becoming a pilot. Gary is sent to Viet-Nam where he is later reported missing in action. His death is confirmed in 1971. 6/64-11/64, x/67-x/xx, x/xx-x/xx.
Beth Howard. A wide-eyed transplant from Atlanta, complete with a Southern drawl, Beth proves a more suitable substitute for LuAnn after the girls have a bad experience with Ellen Denim. Beth moves out when she becomes engaged with Dr. Lester Pride. 4/65-x/67.
Peter Papagoras. The professor’s ruggedly handsome but naïve to the ways of America nephew. He comes to America from Greece to visit his uncle, unaware that he has just left on a vacation. The enthusiastic Peter becomes infatuated with Beth and seeks to marry her. He remains a source of equal parts amusement and vexation to the girls. …5/66-7/66.
Newton Figg. Handsome but childlike author of children’s books who talks to his stuffed animals. Encountering Margo prompts Newton to aspire to writing adult novels, to his agent’s considerable distress. 8/66-12/66.
Dr. Lester Pride. Handsome young physician who is torn between the attentions of wealthy Linda Van Nort and Beth Howard. Pride picks Beth, following her to her parents’ home in Macon, Georgia. 1/67-6/67…
Sgt. Smith. The Vietnam veteran brother of Mary Smith, one of LuAnn’s students, who attempts to set the two up by sending letters to her brother in Vietnam, but signing LuAnn’s name. 9/70-x/xx.
Bryan. x/xx-x/xx, c8/73.
Lucas Honeycutt. Aspiring writer with whom Margo becomes involved. The inexperienced young man from Georgia becomes overly involved with his manipulative editor, Jean Esterlin. c1/75-3/75.
Janice. The daughter of one of Papagoras’ former romantic entanglement is in town and visits with the professor but ultimately meets a handsome bartender named Frank. She appears to choose another man at the end of their first encounter, but seeks his love when they meet again the next year. 7/75-12/75, c5/76-c10/76.
Frank. A handsome bartender, Frank is jilted by his first true love, Janice, and attempts to find comfort in the arms of a pretty young nurse but ultimately is drawn back to Janice. 7/75-12/75, c5/76-c10/76.
Lu Ann’s new fiancé. Lu Ann returns from Europe with a new fiancé with a mysterious past. 12/76-x/77.
Blaze Wright. A struggling actor, Ruby’s younger brother and LuAnn’s protective cousin. Blaze grew up in South Dakota and often sports a cowboy hat and bolo tie. Blaze joins the girls on their extended cruise in the Fall of 2001 and perhaps foolishly indulges Margo’s brief foray into acting in 2004. A year later he introduces his old school friend, Alan Lange to LuAnn. In 2010, Blaze produces a play that requires a pianist, a skill Tommie just happens to have. Curiously, Blaze is never shown to have a romantic entanglement with a woman. x/98-4/99, appears sporadically but regularly thereafter, with more extended appearances in:7/01-2/02, 2/04-5/04, …1/10-x/xx.
Rosa Gatica. Martin and Roberta Magee’s longtime maid who doted on Margo as she grew up. It later emerges she only worked for the Magees to keep close watch over Margo, who was actually her sister Gabriella’s daughter. Roberta fires her for revealing the secret but Margo insists that her father rewards Rosa’s loyalty. He does so by making Rosa and Gabriella co-owners of a restaurant, where Rosa will serve as chef. 5/99-10/99.
Gabriella Gatica. Rosa’s sister and Margo’s Latina mother who Martin had an affair with while she worked as the family maid. Gabriella gave Margo up to Martin as an infant in hopes she might have a better life. Margo stays in regular contact with Gabriella but only calls her mother for the first time in January 2008, distraught over Eric Mills leaving for China. 8/99-9/99, 6/01-7/01, appears sporadically but regularly thereafter, with more extended appearances in: … 5/09-4/10.
Pete Bicman. Dark-haired FBI agent who soon becomes initially becomes infatuated with Margo. After several happy months together, Margo is unhappy to discover in 2002 that Pete has a four-year old daughter named Gretchen. Pete catches Margo kissing another man just as he is growing closer to LuAnn. He alone recognizes her symptoms of agoraphobia, after she has suffered a kidnapping ordeal with Marcella Della. But the two have a nasty argument when LuAnn goes against Pete’s wishes and encourages his ex to have Gretchen tested for dyslexia. He nonetheless proposes to LuAnn in July of 2004. LuAnn feels things are moving too fast and declines. Margo unsuccessfully attempts to reconnect with Pete but washes her hands of him when he asks her if she was romantically involved with a criminal named Harold Eldon. 11/00-4/01, 6/02-12/02, 2/04-10/04, 1/05.
Greg Winthrop. Owner and captain of a seaworthy boat, Greg romances LuAnn and invites the girls and Blaze on an extended cruise to the Bahamas. Greg ultimately asks LuAnn to marry him, then neglects to mention that he has fallen in love with and married Marcella, a Cuban girl Margo rescues adrift in the Caribbean Sea. Greg shallowly claims credit for the rescue. 7/01-3/02.
Marcella Della. A talented athlete seeking to escape Cuba, Marcella becomes the first female baseball player to compete in the major leagues. A failed minor leaguer named Earl kidnaps Marcella out of rage at her success and LuAnn who is unlucky enough to witness the abduction. 1/02-7/02.
Alexandra. LuAnn’s pregnant niece, nicknamed Mim. Alexandra gives birth to a healthy baby girl named Liliana. Later, she accidentally reveals that Ruby is LuAnn’s biological mother, her own mother leading her to believe LuAnn already knew. 1/05-5/05, 11/08.
Scott Gaines. Apparently a school teacher who is simply concerned about social issues, Scott turns out to be a very wealthy man who likes to see the work of his family’s philanthropy close up. He falls in love and proposes to LuAnn, who he meets working on a school service project together. But LuAnn breaks off the engagement when she learns from Margo that he has been engaged several times before, relationships that always end due to interference by his mother. To her dismay, in 2006, Margo discovers she is serving as the wedding planner for an impending marriage to a wealthy woman named Nina Blake. Later, in 2012, Scott and Nina return when Nina is pregnant and want Tommie to serve as her midwife. The baby is born healthy, but not before a drunken kiss with Margo creates further difficulties. 5/05-10/05, 2/06-4/06, … 2/12-7/12.
Eric Mills. Handsome owner of Mills Gallery, Eric gives LuAnn the confidence to pursue painting professionally and successfully romances the jaded Margo to whom he declares his love. In January 2008, Eric travels to Tibet to help free his brother Tim, who is being held there as a political prisoner. His contacts with Margo taper off until he proposes to Margo in a voice mail message in October before embarking on a dangerous mission to free a young Buddhist monk destined to be the next Dalai Lam. Margo ultimately learns that he was killed in an avalanche helping a monk/political prisoner escape. His body, however, is never found. 6/06-1/08, 3/08, 5/08-8/08, 10/08, 7/09 (flashback only).
Ruby Wright. Blaze’s older sister and apparently LuAnn’s cousin, Ruby comes to New York from Texas when LuAnn suffers a serious case carbon monoxide poisoning. Ruby largely raised Blaze herself. An older woman with bright red-hair, Ruby is something of a caretaker and loves to cook. She soon becomes romantically interested in a low key way with Papagoras. and moves into apartment 3B when an actress named Gina moves to Hollywood. Ruby supports herself working as a wedding planner. By 2009, Ruby is dropping occasional comments about the price of secrets. In January 2012, she is revealed to be the biological mother of LuAnn. Ruby’s aunt and uncle adopted LuAnn to save the South Dakota family from scandal. 7/07-
Nora Mills. The dark-haired sister-in-law of Eric, she falls in love with him while Eric dotes of his cancer-ridden niece in the absence of her presumed dead husband. When Eric finds evidence that Tim may still be alive, she doesn’t believe it and declares her love to Eric instead. Eric dies seeing to the rescue of Tim who then is happily reunited with his wife, presumably unaware of these details. 4/07-10/07, 1/09-2/09, 6/09-7/09.
Gary Walker. Blond-haired, glasses wearing suitor of Tommie, a self-proclaimed geek. Tommie is initially disinterested when she thinks he is a low level theatrical worker, but her interest is peaked later on when she realizes he is a successful computer systems engineer. Their romance hits a rough patch when he doesn’t warn Tommie that he is investigating Joe Kelly, her medical colleague, for criminal wrongdoing. When Gary gets a promotion in Denver, he proposes to Tommie hoping she will join him there, but she turns him down. 1/07-2/07, 8/07-12/07, 10/08-5/09.
Tim Mills. The brother of Eric, held prisoner for assisting the young Buddhist monk that Eric ultimately rescues. He is reunited with his wife and only meets Margo at the reading of his brother’s will, when she is left full ownership of the gallery. 8/08, 7/09,12/09.
Jack Davis. An old friend of Eric Mills who had been a curator at his studio until Eric encouraged him to follow his passion of producing quality art prints. Handsome with short dark hair, Jack meets LuAnn when Margo arranges for him to produce a series of prints of her botanical paintings. He alone realizes that she has only been painting “species threatened by habitat loss.” He is initially interested in LuAnn romantically but helps out Margo when she must take over Eric’s business during his trip to China. When he rekindles an interest in LuAnn, Margo’s jealousy is aroused. Jack ultimately decides to romance Doris McGill, the long-suffering support staff of the Mills Gallery instead. Jack announces their engagement to the surprise of both women and then marries Doris the following year. 4/08-12/08, 2/10-6/10, 9/10-11/10, 5/11.
Iris Thompson. Tommie’s globe-trotting aunt who enlivens the apartment building with her optimism, introducing Trey Brooks to Margo in the process. She also actively supports Tommie’s fledgling singing career, managing to get Tommie’s timid mother Susan to attend one Tommie’s performances, but only after Iris has already returned to Europe. 10/10-6/11.
Paul Linski. Wealthy blond-haired youth who quickly falls in love with LuAnn and proposed marriage, but is ultimately unable to cope with the fact that she had never told him that she had been married before. The two subsequently break off their engagement, LuAnn realizing they never really knew each other. 11/10-12/11.
Greg Cooper. A handsome, dark-haired actor who is currently starring in the James Bond film franchise. He comes into conflict with Margo when he hires her as his publicity agent, but the two ultimately fall in love and become engaged. 8/12-3/13.
Governor . Republican governor of New York who becomes infatuated with LuAnn who doesn’t share his politics.
Notable Adversaries:
Alan Lange. A talented painter and old school friend of Blaze’s. Blaze introduces him to LuAnn, who encourages his talent and celebrates his show at the Mills Gallery. Alan falls in love with LuAnn but falls in with a bad crowd after he learns LuAnn was engaged to, and might still have feelings for, Scott Gaines. After blowing up at LuAnn, Alan decides to leave New York and return to Maine, declaring his love for her in a letter he leaves behind. Later, Alan returns and briefly becomes curator of the Mills Gallery. Unfortunately, troubled Alan uses drugs, and ultimately becomes a drug dealer who cheats on Lu Ann and steals money from Margo. Nonetheless, LuAnn grieves his death when Alan is fatally shot by another addict. 12/05-3/06, 6/06, 8/06, 3/07-10/08.
Dr. Joseph R. Kelly. Medical colleague of Tommie who treats LuAnn’s case of carbon monoxide poisoning. The recently divorced physician later asks Tommie out, but begins to call her into work to disrupt her blossoming romance with Gary Walker. Kelly is ultimately arrested on charges of grand larceny for padding medical bills and physically threatening Tommie. 6/07-8/07, 11/08-5/09.
Ellen Denim. Con-woman and jewel thief who wiles her way into living with the girls after LuAnn moves out and who almost lands wealthy Byron Frost as a husband. Lacking any loyalty, she throws her criminal colleague and likely paramour when it serves her purposes. 11/64-4/65.
Harry Eldon. Wealthy client of Margo’s publicist business, also turns out to own a garment sweatshop and kidnaps Margo when she uncovers the truth. 8/04-12/04.
Jeremy Dratman. New owner of the apartment complex, Dratman attempts to get the residents to leave the building for obscure reasons. He hires Horatio Carlos, “a death squad leader in Argentina’s dirty war,” as a super whose sole purpose is to create havoc in the building. The two men ultimately and unsuccessfully try to burn the apartment to the ground. In the aftermath, Dratman is arrested for attempted arson, but gets out on bail. Margo negotiates the sale of the building to the residents. 7/00-4/01.
Roberta Magee. Margo’s presumed biological mother who has always been withholding of maternal affection. In 1995, Roberta moves into the penthouse in Margo’s building without even contacting her daughter to let her know. In 1999, Margo learns that Margo is not her biological daughter and that Margo forced her bio mom to give her to be raised by Roberta and her husband, Margo’s biological father. Most recently, in 2009, adopting her nickname and maiden name--Bobbie Merrill—she begins a romance with Ari Papagoras, who provided a one time consultation while a psychiatric colleague was on leave. Unaware of her true identity, Papagoras notes her dramatic mood swings. Bobbie stalks her husband, who is seeking a divorce, and is enraged when she discovers that Martin has renewed his love affair with Gabriella. She ultimately threatens to shoot her estranged husband, and possibly Margo as well. Martin takes her gun away when she is distracted by a call from Aristotle and Papagoras subsequently arranges for Roberta’s private hospitalization. Martin declines to press charges and she has not been heard from since. Various, 6/95-x/95, 5/99-9/99, 8/09-4/10.
Sightings: Menominee Falls Gazette 165-223 (circa 1975).
Chroniclers: Nick Dallis (w) 5/61-x/91
Alex Kotsky (w) x/91-x/96
Lisa Trusiani (w) x/96-10/05
Margaret Shulock (w) 11/05-2/14+
Alex Kotzky (a) 5/61-x/xx
Brian Kotzky (a) x/xx-12/99
Frank Bolle (a) 12/99-2/14+
Active: 5/8/61-2013+
BATMAN and ROBIN
1943-46, 1966-74, 1989-91
Original Identity: Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Bat Signal. Bat Cave. Batmobile. Batplane.
Friends and Allies:
Robin. 10/43-
Alfred. 10/43
Commissioner Gordon. 10/43-
Batgirl. 5/67-7/67.
Superman. 3/68-8/68.
Aquaman. Costumed hero and ally of Batman, able to swim, breathe underwater and command animals.
Green Arrow. Costumed hero, master archer and ally of Batman.1970.
Galexo. A hero Bruce Wayne enlists to help the duo deal with extraordinary threats, Galexo possesses ESP and futuristic weapons. 4/72.
Notable Adversaries:
Catwoman. s 4/46-6/46, d 5/66-7/66, 1989-90.
The Joker. In his 1945 appearance, the Joker strikes an uneasy alliance with a beautiful blonde known only as the Sparrow. d 3/44-6/44, s 10/45-12/45, d 7/66-9/66, 1990.
The Mad Hatter. x/91-7/91.
Man-Bat. 1970.
The Penguin. 11/43-12/43s, 2/46-3/46s, 5/66-7/66s, 1990.
Poison Ivy. 12/66-3/67.
Professor Radium. After ten years of handling radium without proper protection, Dr. Knell glows in the dark and develops a touch of death, hence his self-imposed moniker Professor Radium. After accidentally killing his pet dog, Radium’s touch was intentional. As he wrote Batman, “Fate gave me the touch of death. I will use this gift to bring merciful release to unhappy humans who are better off dead.” Radium is balding, sports a goatee, and has thick, circular glasses. 9/46-11/46d.
The Riddler. 1991.
Two-Face. 6/46-8/46s, 1990, x/91-8/91.
Original Chroniclers
Active: 10/23/43-11/2/46, 5/29/66-4/72, 11/6/89-8/3/91
BRENDA STARR
1940-2011
Original Identity:
Origin: Tired of only getting birth and death notices to write up, Starr—a reporter for the Flash—demands that her editor give her a real story. He counters that she must get an interview with underworld figure Silky Fowler by midnight or she’s fired. Brenda gets her story and starts her career as a hard-nosed but ever beautiful reporter.
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Work Colleagues and Family:
Tom Taylor. Crack reporter and photographer for the Flash, in love with Brenda who consistently turns down his marriage proposals. Taylor ultimately marries in
and by 1947, they have a child together. 6/40-47…
Pesky Miller. Copy boy at the Flash, infatuated with Brenda. Miller comes from a long line of amateur chemists and has created a number of unusual 6/40-present.
Muggs Walters. Editor of the Flash, gruff but kind hearted. 6/40-44…
Larry Nickels. Handsome and independently wealthy editor of the Cloud, a rival newspaper. Nickels comes from a long line of newspapers and has his newspaper offices located in Sun Valley, a ski resort area. He is one of many rivals for Brenda’s heart. He ultimately marries a younger redhead who also just happens to be named Brenda Starr. 12/40- , 7/68-9/68, 9/70,
Hank O’Hare. Brenda’s rather masculine fellow female reporter who wears beret. Hank ultimately marries a newspaper artist named Pierre in 1948 and the two have a daughter named B-Bomb in 1951. …44-
Abretha Breez. Brenda’s overweight cousin. She marries Hyram “Hi” Pockets on June 6th, 1948 moving out to live on his farm. The cousins still visit each other frequently throughout the fifties. By 1957, Abretha is happily eating for two. 44-6/48, 9/48-11/48, … 4/57,
Detective Traverts. Police detective who often becomes involved in Brenda’s crime-oriented stories. …44-2/48…50s, 6/53-7/53.
Slim Nolan. A tough-talking 18-year old copy girl at the Flash, shapely with thin lips and a penchant for cigarettes. Seeing Brenda’s interests constantly divided, despite her friendship with Brenda, Slim sets her sights on Tom Taylor. The two are married very soon after in January of 1946 and a year later have a daughter named Mimi. …44-48…
Tornado. Brenda’s dog.
Livwright. Daphne refers to Livwright as her uncle as she did Muggs. Both he and his wife die of heart attacks at the same time in May of 1982. 1945-82.
Pierre Palette. Staff artist at the Flash. The Frenchman with a neatly groomed mustache falls hard for Hank O’Hara, whom he ultimately marries in 1948. x/48-x/48, 1/51, and various cameos thereafter.
B-Bomb Palette. Hank and Pierre’s wild child daughter who doesn’t go in for frilly girly stuff and is highly energetic and fearless. 1/51 and various cameos thereafter. Featured in 4/55-8/55, 5/64-7/64.
Ben Starr. Handsome dark-haired journalist who runs his own paper in the Ozarks. Irresponsible and something of a womanizer, Brenda and Ben consider their same last name a mere coincidence, but I believe Ben is ultimately revealed to be her long lost brother. The two kiss before his secret is revealed. This flirtation with incest may explain why he never appears again, though he is briefly mentioned. 5/55-11/55.
Starr St. John. The only child of Brenda Starr and Basil St. John, conceived a year after the marriage of her parents. Starr disappears with her father in Mexico in 1983 and is presumed lost, despite her father’s subsequent returns. Then, by happenstance, Brenda is convinced to attend a movie entitled Teen Temptress, starring a red-haired adolescent named Starr Sizzle. It emerges that Dylan Jagger, her manager and acting father, found Starr lost and hungry in a Mexican jungle and raised her as his own. Starr sports major attitude at first, but ultimately accepts both that Brenda is her mother and that she didn’t intentionally abandon her. However, Jagger is the only parent she ever remembers having and she convinces Brenda that it is best to leave her with him. 9/77-c8/83, 2/94-6/94.
Farewell Joshua Livwright. The spitting image of his younger brother, save that he stands only two/thirds as tall. The elder Livwright sells his interest in the Flash to Bottomline in January 1989.
B. Babbit Bottomline. Profit-driven publisher of a chain of newspapers who buys the Flash in January 1989 (wrong date?)..
Callow Kidman. Handsome young reporter in his twenties, a colleague at the Flash, whose youth and attitude manage to both annoy and attract Brenda. 12/94-3/95…
“Uncle” Spiff . Originally hairdresser to the stars, Spiff becomes a journalist and Brenda’s best gay pal. 3/02-9/02, 12/04-10/05, 9/06-2/07, 10/07-6/08, 3/09.
Pug Tuff. Originally an intern at the Flash, Pug has subsequently made a name for herself as a journalist in India. Pug is short, stout and tough. 8/03-2/04, 3/09-
Romantic Interests and Friends:
Basil St. John. Originally known simply as “the mystery man” with the black eye-patch and affinity for black orchids, the love of Brenda’s life is ultimately identified as Basil St. John. He comes in and out of her life, never reliable enough for their love to flourish despite the deep attraction the two feel for each other. He gradually emerges that St. John has to grow the rare black orchids in order to make a serum to keep himself alive. Sequential bouts of amnesia in both parties keeps them apart in 1968 and discovering St. John is married to another woman in 1970 certainly puts a damper on things. Finally, after years of tribulations, Brenda and Basil marry in January 1976. In September 1977 they have their first and only child, Starr. It is later revealed that, years earlier, St. John had a son named Sage with Wanda Fonda. 9/45, 12/45-2/46, c5/47-6/47, 10/47, 5/49, 5/51-8/51 …1/53, 5/57-8/57 … 8/60-11/60 (not in 62 or 63)…12/67-8/68, 5/70, …3/74-9/74, 5/75-9/80, 10/81-c8/83… 7/86-2/87, 3/88-6/88, 10/88-1/89, 7/90-1/91, 8/91-10/91, 1/97-7/97, 10/01-12/01, 8/08-2/09.
Crystal Dish. 14-year old girl who has been under Basil St. John’s care and keeping at his black orchid farm in mysterious Sun Valley. Basil ultimately sends Crystal away with Brenda, as she has never lived away for Black Orchid Farm and desires a chance to live like other girls. 1/46-x/46, 6/51-9/51,
Siberia. Daphne Dimple’s attractive African-American maid who is more than willing to speak her mind but more often just shakes her head at the antics of her employer. Siberia has worked overtime as a dancer. Siberia’s status in the series is marked by the fact that paper dolls and fashions for Siberia were occasionally featured on Sunday pages. 1947, 5/48, 12/50, 5/53- , 6/54.
Timber Woods. Wealthy and handsome lumber magnate. Brenda almost marries him when she believes that he is deathly ill, then agrees a second time to marry him, in hopes that the news of her impending nuptials with bring her mystery man around again. It does, and Woods ends up marrying Daphne Dimples by mistake. c6/47-11/47, 7/68.
Hy Pockets. Pockets tall, thin frame is in marked contrast to Abreatha, the woman with whom he falls deeply in love and quickly marries. The two live together on Pockets’ farm. 4/48-6/48 , 3/57, others.
Awful Natural. AKA, the Natural Man, a heavily bearded, shirtless man who spends his spring, summer and fall every year living off the land in the woods just outside Hy Pockets’ farm. The handsome and fit Natural ends up shaving his beard and dressing up for Brenda, but promptly falls in love with another woman once in the city. 9/48-11/48.
WeeGee Castle. A backwoods girl is revealed to be the presumed lost Castle heiress. Despite her step-mother’s efforts to turn her into a high society debutante, Wee Gee falls for and impulsively marries a handsome Italian soda jerk named Tommy Noletti. 1/52-6/52.
Howie Haddem. Crime reporter for the Flash who marries Daphne Dimples. 4/53-9/53.
Merrie Rider. Brilliant girl who, when Brenda first encounters her, is always trying to make a buck, including selling tickets to her friends to see her father propose to Brenda. Her intelligence constantly puts her into challenging situations (such as a highly successful quiz show contestant) as she gradually grows into an attractive young woman who just wants to be a normal girl. 3/54-8/54, c7/59-10/59 … , 5/62-8/62, 11/66-3/67.
Hitch Rider. Merrie’s handsome father, sought after by both Brenda and Libby Lipps.
Ruff Banister. Handsome playwright who attempts to plot Brenda into a romance with him. He even goes so far as to disguise himself as her mystery man to steal a New Year’s Eve kiss. He has the rare distinction of being supported in his efforts by Hank O’Hare and her husband. He ultimately marries his secretary “Funnyface” Bannister, who quietly held a torch for him for years. Ruff has blond hair and is well tanned. 11/58-4/59.
Dr. Grantham Eden. Handsome British psychiatrist infatuated with Brenda. 1/61-3/61.
Professor Danny Dalivar. Handsome, dark-haired scientist who studies the properties of the black orchid. Merrie Rider is initially infatuated with him and Brenda tries to deflect that interest by going to work for Dalivar, disguised in a plain black wig, as his secretary. Dalivar falls in love with “Ruth” who reminds him of his late wife and Brenda in him, creating a dilemma for her. 6/62-10/62…
Raye Gunn. Something of a rogue, Raye creates life-size dolls as part of the family business. Brenda is drawn to him despite her sense she may well get burned. 2/63-5/63, 7/68.
T.J. Gunn. Raye Gunn’s older, married and more reputable brother. T.J. is married to , who is very temperamental. The couple has two children. 5/63-8/63…, …12/63-1/64…, 7/68.
Paula Siegfried. Beautiful young girl who apparently is a mermaid. She is protected by her father and her equally beautiful sister, Margo. 5/66-8/66.
Milton Inkski. Beatnik modern artist and romantic interest. 8/67-10/67, 7/68.
Ab Able. Handsome, college-educated Native American who is the publisher of a newspaper in Stampede, Oregon. He serves as a guide for Brenda as she does a story on a abominable snowman sighting. Able is presumed lost in an avalanche. 8/68-12/68.
Dice Domino. Handsome man of mystery who may have connections via his mother, MaMa Domino, with a crime family. He also is a big game hunter and Brenda and he share an adventure in Africa. 8/70-3/71.
Browny Kate.
Joe Bulio. Macho and sometimes irresponsible blond-haired cop. Unusual for Brenda, as he is not fabulously wealthy. Still, he has a secret. 2/72-5/72, 8/72-9/72.
Nino St. John. Latino waif that Brenda virtually adopts thinking he is Basil’s son, only to discover the boy is his nephew. Nino’s best friend is the equally mischievous, red-haired “Hot Dog.” 3/74-7/76.
Slippery St. John. Brenda discovers in early 1979 that the pop singing sensation Slipper Veil is actually Basil’s cross-dressing nephew. He manages to maintain his singing career as a male and displays romantic interests towards women, including Brenda herself. He later marries the bizarre Galaxy Gal in a hot air balloon over the Bermuda Triangle. 11/78-10/80.
Wanda Fonda. 1/86-2/86, 10/88-1/89, 7/90, 10/90-1/91, 6/91-9/91, 6/92… 11/94-12/94, 3/96, 1/97-7/97, 5/08, 3/09
Sage St. John. The son of Basil and Wanda Fonda, born in July, 1991, diagnosed with his father’s genetic eye disease necessitating an eye patch even as an infant. 1/97-7/97, 1-
Mikhail Godenuf. 1/86-4/86, 8/86-12/86, 10/88-1/89, 5/90-10/90.
Raven Graves. Night photographer and possible vampire, handsome with jet black hair and sun-glasses he wears even in the dark. He has a coffin in his own, in which it is only later revealed that he keeps old newspapers and photographs. Graves keeps his elderly mother hidden, whom he “kidnapped” from his cruel sisters for her own protection. When he once again goes on the run, Raven asks Brenda to join him, but she declines, lamenting that she never seems to fall for normal men. 1/93-7/93.
Dylan Jagger. Handsome move impresario with a single streak of white down the center of his lush, dark hair. Jagger serves as the manager of the hot new actress, Starr Sizzle, who turns out to be Brenda’s long lost daughter. Jagger found Starr lost in the jungle back in the days when he was running guns in Mexico for the S.I.A. under his original name, Mick McCartney. Wanting to be father to Starr, he must adopt his Jagger identity to escape the notice of the possessive underground government agency. While he initially tries to thwart Brenda’s efforts to see “his” daughter, the two come to an understanding. Starr can stay with the only parent she’s ever known as long as Jagger keeps Brenda apprised of their whereabouts from here on out. 2/94-6/94.
Jett Sweat. Handsome fitness fanatic with long blond hair, also an aspiring screenwriter. 6/95-10/95.
Rock Rappel. Handsome, dark-haired mountain climber associated with the criminal Consortium. Also Bottomline’s abandoned son. 8/96-1/97.
B. Brand Bottomline. Handsome, dark-haired son who briefly takes over as publisher of the Flash. His pet parrot sits on his shoulder, leading Brenda to suggest he just wants his own words parroted back at him. 10/07-3/09.
Laramie Coyote. Per Brenda, “my mandolin-playing, poetry writing mountain man (who) made the perfect cup of coffee.”
Sledge Hammer. Posed as a handyman at Brenda’s building, this handsome rogue is a discredited member of the sinister Shadow Intelligence Agency. He and St. John go way back and Hammer once saved his life. Hammer is seemingly equally devoted to Brenda, uncovering the secret to Basil’s black orchid formula and saving his own neck. 7/01-12/01.
Nick Nikon. Handsome, globe-trotting photo journalist. 1/02-9/02.
Notable Adversaries:
Aurora. Lovely, platinum-haired dealer in antiquities who is using the money she raises to fund an army to destabilize Kazookistan. One-time lover of Basil St. John. …9/08-12/08…
The Beastly Twins. Both named Mary Elizabeth Beastly, the two girls were considered one person by their wealthy but insane mother. One sister had a beautiful face but a withered body from spending her life inside an iron lung. The other sister has a beautiful body but a disfigured face. With the assistance of the murderous surgeon Dr. Pierre, the two sisters intend to steal Brenda face for one and her body for the other. She is able to convince them there are two plastic surgeons that could help them without such dire means, the identical twin doctors Rayo. 9/41-12/41.
Cash Wallstreet. Imagined adversary that a delusional Brenda models after the likeness of her psychiatrist, Dr. Mackey, for an entire year of adventures that never apparently happened. Her instincts aren’t entirely off, as Mackey proves to be nearly as unscrupulous and equally infatuated with Brenda. As Cash: 10/80-6/81; as Dr. Mackey: 10/81-3/82.
Cheet Kelly. A master of disguise who also posed as Sir Gregory and others in efforts to defraud the wealthy. 10/59-12/59+
Count Orlando. Apparently young and handsome, Count Orlando—the richest man in the world--romances Brenda and convinces him to join him on his island. There, the supposed beau turns out to only be the Count’s nephew. The actual count is hideously ugly and all previous attempted romances have ended with the girl screaming herself to death when she finally sees his face. Brenda’s kindness redeems the Count who then hires her to find his nephew who has fled the island with a lover. 10/64-5/65.
Craven Odd. Handsome botanist with aspirations of marrying Brenda and achieving world dominion. His plan: “Possessing the earth with atomic morning glory vines, which, once planted, will choke out all other vegetation and destroy the world’s food supply.” 11/57-3/58.
Daphne Dimples. Niece of the Flash’s first editor, Muggs Walters, Daphne is beautiful, spoiled and willing to sacrifice the needs of others to meet her own. She marries Timber Woods in 1947 while wearing a Brenda Starr mask. Of course, he was wearing a Basil St. John mask, so in terms in treachery it kind of evened out. She marries a Flash reporter in
1953 and is revealed to be pregnant not long after. 1940- 6/50- ., 1/53-x/xx, 6/54.
Dr. Delores Pain. Unscrupulous surgeon who falsely informs Brenda and a pregnant Wanda that Basil is dead after a hit and run accident. In actuality she has performed a surgical procedure that removed all of Basil’s memories. She lives with Basil, who she has renamed . Brenda is accused of her murder late in 1991. 11/90-1/91, 8/91-10/91.
Dr. Kissintel. One of Basil’s instructors in science, the diminutive Stanford professor sports a wild shock of white hair and is more than willing to sell State secrets. 11/82-2/83.
Dr. Slimski. 3/48-4/48.
Gaby Van Slander.
Gig Lovelady. Handsome, but treacherous blond-haired actor, gigolo and murderer. Willing to seduce both men and women, Gig uses a closeted actor’s Oscar to kill his victims. 7/06-2/07.
Hennie Horton. Wealthy, pipe-smoking owner of the Kitten Club, a playboy-like establishment. Horton loses interest in his kittens once he meets Brenda. When Brenda rejects his advances at his Shangra-la retreat, he buys the Flash in revenge and sends Brenda on outrageous stories. Ultimately he succumbs once again to her charms, is rejected again and immediately sells the Flash. 4/69-10/69.
Lady Conrad Trumpster. Gray-haired murderess who ran a rival newspaper. Non-maternal mother of two exceptionally handsome twin sons, one evil, the other striving for redemption. The one way to tell them apart is the evil brother has “Dad” tattooed on his chest while the good one has “Mom.” Lady Trumpster attempted to seduce B. Babbit Bottomline as well as kill Brenda. 3/04-11/04.
Lazy Grayson. “The social register’s number one wildcat,” Lazy Grayson is a wealthy heiress with mysterious connections to Basil St. John and his black orchids. At the end of their first encounter, she withholds from Brenda the information that Basil is still alive after an explosion. 3/49-6/49, 9/49-11/49.
Libby Lipps. Journalist rival at the Flash, Libby is an attractive brunette who goes after Brenda’s stories and men! In June of 1954, Libby takes the bold step of enlisting a formal rival, Daphne Dimples, in her plans to bring Brenda down…1/54-1/55…
Liz Cleaver. Aspiring female journalist who attempts to take Brenda’s place and both admires and schemes against her. 10/60-3/61.
Madame Velonese. Gypsy woman and kidnapper. 5/68-6/68.
Maximilian Everheart. Handsome, dark-haired artist and con-man who concocts a brilliant jewel smuggling campaign in conjunction with his abstract art. 7/67-9/67.
Mencken. Handsome, but illiterate conman who pretends to write an award-winning column and is willing to kill to protect his secret. 2/89-6/89.
The Nameless Doll. Extraordinarily beautiful exotic dancer who successfully runs off with the club owner’s cash. x/61-12/61.
Nevera Livwright. Elder sister of Livwright who inherits the newspaper with the sole clause that she may never fire Brenda Starr. She has sinister motives and is a constant thorn to Brenda and later her younger brother who arrives on the scene. 5/82-7/82, 11/82, 3/83, 5/83-8/83…
Palava. AKA the White Heat of the South Seas. Palava owns her own night club which she uses to kidnap to suitable men to bring back to her Pacific island for her sisters to marry. There she hopes to create a substitute for modern society which she sees as being in deep decline. As for Palava, she has her sights set on Basil St. John. 6/60-10/60.
Professor Squell. Master of an underground realm that traps light from magnifying lenses scattered across a mountain in snowy Sun Valley. Deep underneath the earth he uses the sunlight to grow vegetables to feed those he has trapped there. Squell uses a mysterious gas that steals the will of all those who inhale it, rendering them susceptible to his mental control. Brenda is able to trick by way of her feminine wiles. 2/41-3/41.
Razootksy. Zychkon Razootsky first appears in Brenda’s life as a Svengali-like artist who sports a drooping mustache and long-black hair. After their first encounter, Razootsky abandons his first name, shaves his head and curls his mustache. It is revealed that the villain’s home is on a Pacific island where he keeps a harem of dozens of women, to which he obsessively seeks to add Brenda. In later adventures, he frequently goes about shirtless, revealing a powerful chest. Razootsky ends up marrying Brenda’s arch rival, Lucy LaTouche and is the closest thing to an arch enemy that Brenda possesses. Naturally he despises Basil St. John and works to eliminate him as a presence in Brenda’s life. 3/75-6/75, 8/75-6/76, 9/76-2/77, 7/77, 6/78-8/78.
Rock Roquefort. Renown media chef and briefly boy friend to . Secretly a dog and drug smuggler from south of the border, Roguefort attempts to douse Brenda and the gang with olive oil and set them on fire. 10/05-5/06.
Ruby Gordon. Selfish, domineering and emotionally volatile actress. Wife to Jason and mother to a little girl named Precious. …5/70-9/70…
Sir Oliver Twerp. …12/52-8/53.
Svetlana Foxynov. Ex-wife of Godenuf, she schemes to enflame tensions between her home country, Gorbmania, a nuclear power, and the United States. 4/90-9/90.
Tarantella. The woman who cared for Basil during an extended illness becomes crazed when he recovers and returns to Brenda. She enlists her handsome brother, Riccardo Dinero, in a revenge scheme against her romantic rival. 10/86-12/86, 2/87-6/87.
Sightings:
Chroniclers:
Mary Smich
Ramona Fradon (a)
Active:
BRICK BRADFORD
Original Identity:
Origin: “Brick Bradford, son of a millionaire American, copper magnate, is making an aerial survey of his father’s mines in the Cerro de Pasco range of South America.” He and co-pilot “Sandy” Sanderson see a damsel in distress. Brick rescues June Salisbury, whose archeologist father provides the impetus for many of the adventures Brick has for the next several years.
Abilities: Initially simply a two-fisted aviator, Brick soon gains the ability to travel through time and space via the Time Top. Much later, after contact with the mystic Lore, he also obtains rock-crushing strength and various telekinetic powers.
Appearance: Brick is handsome and well built with blond hair.
Modus Operandi: Bradford gained access to the Time Top was time/space travel in 1937. He obtained superior, rock crushing strength and other psychic powers by gripping hands with Lore in July 1974. He retained these powers throughout the rest of the narrative. He and Saturn Sadie were off to get married at the end of his last adventure in May 1987.
Friends and Allies:
“Sandy” Sanderson..Brick’s co-pilot, Sandy joins Bradford in his first adventure in South America. He is later lost on an independent mission. Bradford’s search for his friend takes him to Titania where, after some time, finally discovers Sandy posing as the hooded Ghost of Titania. Once reunited, the two share adventures for a few more years. 8/33-x/xxd, 4/41 (voice only), 6/43-5/48d.
Professor Van Atta Salisbury. An archeologist whose interest in investigating lost lands often fuels Bradford’s early adventures. 8/33-2/37d, 3/40-12/40d, others..
June Salisbury. The professor’s impetuous daughter, June often accompanies Bradford and her father on adventures and is an early romantic interest of Brick’s. 8/33-5/48d, others.
Dr. Kalla Kopak. Brilliant inventor, “Lord” Kopek first labors under the evil fist of Temuchin, a modern-day Mongol chieftain. Bald with a dark goatee, Kalla’s next inventions, powerful metal robots, are coopted by the evil Avil Blue. Kalla later labors faithfully for the Americans, inventing an extremely advanced plane and tank, called the Menace Meteor and the Menace Mastodon respectively, all under the unlikely name of Ajax Menace. The American government apparently encouraged him to adopt this alternative identity in late 1940 to protect him from foreign government kidnappers. When at home, Kopak is attended to by his loyal Mongol servant, Mongra. 4/36-1/38d, 3/39-3/40d, 1/41-4/41d.
Flame. A fantastic horse from the lost land of Nova Longa, Flame becomes involved in early and subsequent Bradford adventures. x/36-x/36s, others.
Dr. Horatio Southern. Inventor of the Time Top, which he invented in 1935, but didn’t meet Bradford until two years later. (4/35-7/35s), 8/37-x/37, others.
April Southern. Dr. Southern’s daughter. (4/35s-7/35s), 8/37-x/37, 5/48-3/49d, others.
Bucko O’Brien. Brick’s somewhat reckless companion on some of his early adventures. By 1941, Bucky has become a lieutenant in the American Air Force, but is chagrined to learn that Brick has become a captain and thus outranks him. 1/38-3/40d, 1/41-4/41d, 5/48-3/49d.
Timak. A sorcerer from the Antarctic realm of Titania, Timak possesses a crystal casket that can serve as a portal to other times and realms. 6/43-6/46d.
Pert Preston. A young woman from a moon colony established in the 19th century who travels with Brick back to earth. 5/46-7/47d.
Rota. Beautiful guerilla leader and ultimately queen of Futura, a land that exists a million years in the future. Rota, with Brick’s help, rids future Earth of the giant insects who have taken over. Rota subsequently joins Brick in other time traveling adventures beginning in September 1945. Rota is lovely with bright red hair. x/41-c/48s.
Dr. Eastland. 9/58-1/59, -4/87d, others.
“Saturn Sadie” Sadz. Dark-haired beauty from the planet Gwatara. When Brick first meets Sadie, she is a singer at an interplanetary bar. She becomes his one true love who he is ready to marry at the end of his adventuring in 1987. 1/65-7/65d, 4/82-9/82d, 12/85-4/86d, 4/87-5/87ds, others.
Hoppy. One of Brick’s best friends in his later adventures. 4/71-6/71, others.
Lore. 4/74-8/74d, 12/75-2/76d.
Dr. Pat Perow. Female Time Top research associate of Eastland and Bradford. She is short, with “bowl cut” black hair. -3/87.
Arnaldo. Time Top technician and part of Dr. Eastland’s research team. -3/87.
Jake. Brick’s teen-aged ward, who has no taste for time travel. x/86-3/87.
Notable Adversaries:
Agrippa Abruzzi Brocco. Onetime gangster and smuggler, Brocco sets his sights higher and becomes an international pirate with a secret island base. With an air force of war planes and a well armed submarine, Brocco is very capable of plundering the world, including glamorous gambling resorts, crown jewels and even island nations. x/34-5/35d.
Avil Blue. Tall and balding, with a sinister appearance, Avil Blue is unscrupulous scientist who steals Kalla Kopak’s plans for robot metal men and creates a monstrously large one of his own. Avil keeps the company of his niece, Crystal. 2/39-3/40d.
Enkar. Later villain. 3/69-5/69.
The Eye. A disembodied voice who calls himself the Eye, the villain is actually a criminal geologist. The Eye utilizes heretofore unknown power prisms which hold sufficient power to fuel ambitions of global domination. 7/49-12/49d.
Franz Ego. A rival of Kalla Kopak, Ego stowaways on the Shrinking Sphere in hopes of using its technology to his own ends. He ends up involved in a civil war on a micro planet named Gamma, allying himself with the Hawkmen of Kuru. 2/37-1/38d.
Gable Zane. Corrupt associate of Professor Salisbury, who attempts to steal the riches of the lost South American city of Amaru. To this end, he allies himself with an equally unsavory ally, Hasta Huaraca, king of the neighboring Yaca tribe. 9/33-6/34d.
Grog. Despotic ruler of Luna Land, a secret colony of earthmen who had settled on the moon in the 1800s. 11/44-5/46d.
The Moon Maiden. The beautiful daughter of Seth Wilkins poses as a supernatural siren who only appears at night, all in an effort to keep interlopers off her father’s land and the beautiful lake it surrounds. The Moon Maiden is undone when she herself falls for Brick, who has gone to investigate the phenomenon. 8/51-10/51d.
Temuchin. Lord of the Golden Horde, Temuchin is a descendant of Genghis Khan. He is served by Lord Kalla Kopek who after his defeat becomes an ally of Bradford’s. 4/36-2/37d.
Chroniclers: William Ritt w 33-49; Clarence Gray a 33-57/w 49-57; Frank Norris w/a 52 or 54-87 dailies, 57-87 Sundays
Active: 8/21/33-4/25/87d, 11/34-5/10/87s
Sightings:
BUCK ROGERS
1929-1965,
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Buck narrates his adventures in the first person.
Friends and Allies:
Wilma Deering. Wilma has two siblings, the highly adventurous Buddy and Sally, a young “girl scout.”
Buddy Deering.
Alura.
Black Barney.
Dr. Huer.
Lt. Burk.
Princess Illana. Blonde-haired beauty of the Golden People of Mars, considered an insignificant race by the dominant Tiger Men. She is initially drawn to the handsome Lt. Burk but ultimately chooses the heroic Tallan of Jupiter. 1930-
Tallan of Jupiter.
Flame D’Amour. Venusian espionage agent.
Amora of Deos. Captured and tortured by Roachtop. 1939
Admiral Cornplaster. An endearingly comic figure, the blue-skinned Cornplaster nonetheless loses his life in battle. 3/45-12/46(s).
Elthana of Venus. 1/51-10/51(d), 8/57-10/57(d)
Notable Adversaries:
Ardala Valmar. Ardala engineers an escape without Killer Kane and joins the Secret Police, in so doing able to frame Buck when he rejects her advances. 11/30-5/31(d), 1932-33(d), 1956 (d), 3/61-5/61(d), 9/79-11/79, 4/80-6/80, others.
The Asterites. The Asterites are a race of tiny humanoids who evolved into their tiny size and exceptional strength due to the tremendous gravity of their original home, Uranus. They are initially led by the tyrant, Ookad, and later work in uneasy concert with the Tiger Men of Mars. Through trickery, Buck is able to enlist their assistance against the Martians 3/32-11/32(s), 8/32-2/33(d), early/39(d).
Biceps. AKA “the Deadly Dwarf of Space. Villainous dwarf who uses ventriloquism to issue dire threats from a “haunted whirlpool on the planet of Sargasso. He has a spy colleague named Roachtop, both of whom serve Taemwar, the ruler of Sargasso, which uses magnetic power to draw rocket ships to its surface in deadly crashes. 8/39-3/40(d), possible return in 9/53-2/54(d).
Commodore Pounce. Despite his short stature, Pounce is “the greatest combat killer who ever lived,” Pounce is an eccentric Martian who live a remote, skull-topped castle, and has a vulture for a pet. Pounce has a red-plumed, skeletal mask and uniform especially designed for his battle with Rogers. Pounce is assisted by cowering military-men/servants named Klaww, Sabre and Fango. 7/47-8/48(s).
Draconians. Hostile alien force, led by Emperor Draco, ready to invade earth. 9/80-10/80.
Dr. Krock. Krock is a deranged physicist who developed miniature atomic bombs the size of marbles. He wears a polka-dot ascot and his cat sits perpetually on his shoulders. He aspires to become the prime minister of Earth. In his first appearance, he works under “Loot” Logan, who is a corrupt businessman who ran a slave planet of miniature people and seeks to be king of the United Planets. 4/60-7/60(d), others?
Dr. Nameless. Inventive villain. 7/46-12/46(s).
“Killer” Kane. After languishing in jail, Kane is finally freed by Ardala after the defeat of the Asterites. He participates in “the Planetoid Plot,” beginning in 1934. He later betrays Earth, working in disguise as Wing Bat Wu, an espionage agent on behalf of the Martian forces. 29-7/29(d), 12/30-5/31(d), 1932(d), 1933(d), 1934-35(d), early/39-7/39(d), 5/46-2/47(d), x/47-7/47(d), 3/61-5/61(d), 9/79-11/79, 4/80-6/80, others.
Modar. Hunchbacked and bald ruler of Saturn, possessing eerie cat-like eyes. Modar is an accomplished scientist who dotes on his equally evil daughter, the beautiful Futura, who hopes to rule Earth once her father conquers it. 12/47-12/48(d).
The Mongols. The Mongol Reds of Gobi Desert, after conquering Asia, crossed the Pacific in their armed dirigibles, using the gravity repellor rays and disintegrator beams to destroy American civilization. At the time of Buck’s arrival, the forces of science and civilization are just starting their effort to regain control after generations of subjection. They are led by the Emperor, complete with a Fu Manchu mustache. 1/29-1/30(d).
Tika of Eldonia. Scheming, aristocratic niece of the Sea Lord of Eldonia, a region of Jupiter. The beautiful Tika desires to marry Buck, while her handsome former lover Viglo, an Eldonian police officer, romantically pursues Wilma. Together they unsuccessfully attempt to hijack Buck’s space ship but Wilma stops them. 11/33-1/34(d).
The Tiger Men of Mars. Toom is the ruthless Martian warlord behind the 1938 invasion of Earth, briefly enlisting the assistance of the Asterites and, more enduringly, that of “Killer” Kane. With the passing years, the Martians cat-like features seem to diminish. 1/30-5/30(d), 12/38-7/39(d), 12/38-10/40(s), 10/41-2/43(d), early/48-2/49(s), 2/50-6/50(s), 12/51-5/52(s), 4/64-6/64(d).
Yoryx. Last of a race of energy-draining space vampires who survived by establishing a hideout in the Sargasso vortex. Yoryx allies himself with Ardala and Killer Kane in his struggle against Rogers. 9/79-10/79.
Sightings: Daily 1/07/29- , Sundays 3/30/30-6/13/65
Chroniclers:
Murphy Anderson (a)
George Tuska (a)
Active: 1/7/29-7/8/67, 9/9/79-x/83
BUZ SAWYER
1943-1989
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Buz is discharged from the Navy in . Buz marries Christy on December 13, 1948. Buz works for International Airways and then Frontier Oil as a pilot and global troubleshooter before re-enlisting in the Navy in the 1950s. Once again leaving the service, Sawyer opens up a private detective agency based in Washington, D.C. named Troubleshooters, Inc.
Friends and Allies:
Sweeney.
Chili Harrison.
Tot Winters. Buz’ rich and spoiled fiancée. She dies when Sultry unleashes her tiger in her direction and, when backing away from the tame animal, falls off a high rise balcony. For a time Sawyer is suspected in her death. 11/43, 12/44-2/46.
Christy Jameson. When Sawyer returns home on leave for Christmas, in 1944, he meets a grown up and beautiful Christy Jameson, who he had not seen since she was a little girl. Christy is put off by many of the beautiful women that seem to circle Buz, but the two ultimately marry in 1948. They remain happily married throughout the rest of the narrative, Sawyer sharing time with his wife between adventures. 12/44-10/89.
Mr. Wright. Superintendant of the European division of International Airways, Wright employs Sawyer as his assistant and troubleshooter. 1/46-
Mr. Chase. Wealthy owner of Frontier Oil who employs Sawyer after the war as a global troubleshooter.
Diana Chase. The spoiled daughter of Sawyer’s onetime boss, her father asks Buz to look after her, which he does during a harrowing adventure in Eastern Europe. Diana unsuccessfully attempts to seduce Sawyer. 6/50-11/50.
Ms. Pennywit. Homely secretary for Sawyer’s private detective agency. x/xx-5/89.
Notable Adversaries:
Barstain. Corrupt employee of Frontier Oil who attempts to undermine the democratically elected government of the Central American republic in which he’s based. 9/49-1/50.
Jerome Pomphrey. Nazi agent posing as an American, Pomphrey encounters Sawyer in Africa where it emerges he may be harboring a still alive Adolf Hitler.
Dr. Kee and Ling Jade. Unbeknownst to Sawyer, Dr. Kee and the lovely Jade are married, counter-intelligence agents working for the Chinese communists in Hong Kong. Kee speaks perfect English which he used to teach at Nanking University. They maintain business contacts with a short, bald and hideous appearing man with an eye-patch known only as the Tiger of Hong Kong. 1/61-5/61.
Harry Sparrow. Cold-blooded killer despite his meek appearance. He is assisted in his efforts by Gool. x/47-x/48, others.
The Mad Baron.
Sultry. Maharani of the island of Batu, but known only as the Cobra when she heads a guerrilla resistance movement against the Japanese. Fierce, she risks her only life to save Sawyer’s. But the temperamental Sultry throws more than one knife at Sawyer when he refuses to be her kept man and proceeds to accidentally set up the death of one rival (Tot Winters) and subsequently tries to kidnap Sawyer with the help up a champion boxer and wrestler named Skagg. Sultry’s near constant companion is her domesticated tiger, Taboo. c6/44-c12/44, 9/45-4/46.
Sightings: 11/1/43-10/7/89 (d), x/x/xx-5/19/74 (s).
Original Chroniclers
Active:
CAPTAIN EASY
1929-1988
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Wash marries Carol McKee on July 7, 1941.
Friends and Allies:
Wash Tubbs. -7/41 … 2/64.
Roxie. Wash’s wealthy girl friend.
Gozy Gallup. Wash’s original partner in adventure. -1929,
Rip O’Day. Tubbs companion after Captain Easy left for a time.
Lulu Belle Suggs. Circa 1935. Romanced by Bull Dawson in 1955. , 1955.
Mr. McKee. Wealthy industrialist.
Carol McKee. The two are married in July of 1941, thereafter Wash giving the active adventuring over to Captain Easy. 3/38-7/41...
Vicki Sheridan. Special agent for the F.B.I. and Easy’s romantic interest during his work with the agency. 9/40-7/41…
Dr. Shawger Z. Leebarton. Well meaning but foolish psychiatrist interested in using Easy as a subject for his book on the mental readjustment of soldiers to civilian life. 1946.
Alonzo Omeeba. Brilliant if eccentric chemist in the employ of McKee. In 195x. Omeeba created a serum from hyena extract that made anyone uncontrollably happy. It was ultimately deemed a societal menace and destroyed. 5/61-7/61.
Notable Adversaries:
Brick Bane. ?, 1928.
Bull Dawson. 3/28-x/28, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1935, …10/38… x/40-6/40, s41, 6/50-9/50,, 1955 … 11/63 … late/74-2/75.
Gorgeous Tylish. Attractive, nine times married gold-digger seeks Horatio Boardman as her next
Lucifer Strutt. Mr. McKee’s unscrupulous company manager who sought Carol McKee (and her fortune) for herself. x/41-7/41.
Neena November. Beautiful animal trainer who attempts to kill her husband using her trained horse in order to be with Ronny Romanto, a handsome if venal night club performer. 12/60-2/61.
Orville and Buster Kallikak. Hillbilly conmen who return again and again to vex Easy and especially his boss, McKee. Father and son often earn the disdain of their equally criminal Aunt Dainty. 7/48, 1/51, 9/51-10/51, 8/60, 2/61-4/61, 10/61-11/61, 6/63, 1/64-3/64, 1/69.
Violin McMattis and Dimples.
Sightings:
Chroniclers: 3rd writer Jim Lawrence w -79; Mick Casale w 1979-88.
Active: 1929-10/1/88.
CASEY RUGGLES
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Notable Adversaries:
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
CHARLIE CHAN
1988-1942
Original Identity: Charlie Chan
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Chan has a wife and eleven children back in Hawaii.
Friends and Allies:
Number One Son. The handsome and slender Lee Chan calls his father “Pop.” 10/48-1/39d, 11/38s, c11/40..
Kirk Barrow. Handsome, blond assistant to Chan in Honolulu. 11/38- s, 1/39-11/39+
Gina Lane. A pretty brunette actress, Gina is Barrow’s romantic interest. 12/38- 2/39s, 4/39-7/39d, 11/39-x/4xd.
Notable Adversaries:
Berzelius Keeno. 2/39-5/39s, 12/39-1/40ds, others.
Ludwig. Nazi master of disguise.
Sightings: Notations complete through 3/30/40
Original Chroniclers: Alfred Andriola
Active: 10/24/38-5/31/42, Sundays begin 10/30/38
CONNIE
Full name: Connie Kurridge
Origin:
Abilities and Attributes:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Jack. Connie’s fellow adventurer and handsome, dark-haired romantic interest.
Dr. Chrono. 8/36-x/xx (s). Famous Funnies 84-
Professor Newberry. x/38-10/39…
Joe Smith.
Notable Adversaries:
Ahh Ko.
Kraa.
Mo Tung. Asian menace in the present-day. x/37-x/38 (d)
Professor Borgg. Known as the “mad professor,” Borgg has a secret laboratory in the Arctic where he plans to use his cosmic assimilator to melt the polar ice cap. He is presumed dead when his invention explodes, ending the menace. x/37-x/37 (s). Famous Funnies 92-94.
The Yellow Combine. Asian empire menacing the United Nations of the future of a thousand years from now. x/36-x/37 (s). Famous Funnies …88-91
Sightings: Famous Funnies 1-99…
Original Chroniclers
Active:
DATELINE: DANGER
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Notable Adversaries:
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
DICK TRACY
1931-2012+
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Dick marries Tess on Christmas Eve, 1949.
Friends and Allies:
Tess Trueheart.
Chief Brandon. Brandon returned briefly in a storyline in which he was shot by Big Frost, but survived. 9/11-10/11.
Pat Patton. Patton replaced Brandon as chief in 194x. Patton retired because of a bout with cancer and was replaced by Lizz Montgomery. In 2011, it was revealed that Patton had won his battle with cancer and, once again healthy, the mayor reappointed him as police chief. , 3/11-present.
Junior Tracy.
Jim Trailer. Federal agent for the FBI who appears off and on throughout the years.
Toby Townley. Romantic interest of Pat Patton. He is reunited with her years later and two are finally married in 1983. x/xx-x/40, 8/82-8/83.
Vitamin Flintheart. Flintheart renews his friendship with Tracy in 1978, after the death of his wife and appears regularly in the chronicles thereafter. 1944- , 1978-.
Gravel Gertie. 1944.
B.O. Plenty. July 1945
Sparkle Plenty. Sparkle has a relatively brief marriage with Vera Alldid that ends badly and she and the recently bereaved Junior Tracy comfort each other. Junior and Sparkle give birth to a daughter, Sparkle, Jr. in . x/47-present..
Attitude Plenty.
Diet Smith. 1946
Brilliant. Smith’s top scientist, Brilliant is blind, turns out to be Diet’s son and is tragically killed not long after. …10/48-
Sam Ketchem. 1948
Frizzletop. Only many years later does she reveal that she is the cousin of the infamous Flattop. x/xx, 7/12.
Bonnie Braids. Dick and Tess’ first child. 5/51? and various appearance thereafter.
Lizz Montgomery. When Pat Patton was reappointed police chief in 2011, Lizz gladly returned to being a member of Tracy’s special crime unit, preferring to be closer to the action..
Little Boy Beard. Abnormally strong infant with a prominent goatee, the second cousin of B.O. Plenty. 11/60-8/61…
Moon Maid. First appears in 1963. Marries Junior. Killed in a car bomb in a bungled mob hit on Tracy ordered by Big Boy in 1978. Much later, in 2012, it was revealed her name was Mysta when a lookalike Moon Maid begins to appear. 9/12-10/12..
Honeymoon. The child of Junior and Moon Maid.
Vera Alldid. A cousin of B.O. Plenty, Alldid is a sharp featured cartoonist especially adept at drawing dogs. He strikes up an unlikely romance with B.O.’s daughter, Sparkle, and the two are married in a private ceremony in July of ’69, only a few months after they met. Sparkle’s parents were absent. A few years later, Alldid and Sparkle are divorced after his extra-marital activities are revealed. Alldid is not seen again until 2011, when he is reduced to drawing a coloring book featuring the horror star, . 4/69-
Tinky. A blind orphan girl, Tinky befriends and helps Tracy when he is blinded by an explosion that destroyed his house. It is ultimately revealed that Tinky is the daughter Groovy Grove never knew he had. Tinky learns Grove is her father in December, 1970, the same day that her bandages are taken off after sight restoring surgery. Tinky encourages her father’s feelings for Lizz, of whom Tinky is particularly fond. 2/70-9/71...
“Groovy” Grove. Wrongly imprisoned for 12 years, Grove used that time to study for a law degree and, he notes, he “also studied criminals while in the big house.” Meeting with Tracy he expresses his wish to become a police officer. Soon trading in shaggy locks and mustache for a police cut, his former hippie friends berate his transformation, while Grove bluntly tells them to get a job. “Your ‘thing’ is out of date,”’ he tells them. “It’s passé.” Grove soon learns he is the biological father of an injured blind girl named Tinky much regarded by Tracy and his crew. Grove and Lizz fall in love. After Grove is mortally wounded in 1984 or 1985, Lizz marries him on his death bed. 5/70-x/85.
“Peanutbutter” Barnes. Young boy and would-be police operative who loves peanut butter. 6/72-12/72…
Jewel Alldid?. The daughter of Sparkle and Vera.
Joseph Tracy. 1979
Wendy Wichel. Gossip columnist and persistent thorn in Tracy’s side.
Johnny Adonis. After a long absence, Johnny is next seen as Tess Tracy’s partner in a private investigation business. 1980, 5/12-6/12.
Lee Ebony. African-American policewoman who was in the police academy at the same time as Lizz. 1980
Special Agent Kelley. Attractive, blonde-haired FBI agent. 1997-
Lottie Latte. Undercover agent, a large, very tall masculine woman, perhaps transgendered. 4/06-8/06.
Themesong. , 8/12-9/12.
Notable Adversaries:
Abner Kadaver. Host of a horror film show, Kadaver also reveals criminal behavior. 10/11-11/11, 3/12, 4/12-7/12, 10/13-1/14.
Angeltop Jones. A heretofore unknown daughter of Flattop, Angeltop secretly vows to destroy Tracy in retaliation for the death of her father. Despite a beautiful head of platinum blonde hair, Angeltop shares her father’s distinctive, homely facial features. In her first two battles with Tracy, she is assisted by her lover, the son of the Brow. In her third struggle with Tracy she was joined by Prunella, the daughter of Pruneface and Quiver Trembly, the daughter of Shaky. It is only after her death that her mother is revealed to be Stiletta Jones, otherwise known as Mrs. Flattop. 12/77-3/78, 10/81-5/82, 9/82-10/82, 1984, 9/85-2/86.
Art Dekko. Assisted by Sue Reel, an attractive blonde with a handlebar mustache. 1/80-6/80.
Astral Turf. Criminal psychic with green, spiky hair. 11/82-2/83
B.B. Eyes. B.B. Eyes joins Mr. Crime, Panda and a gang of former Tracy villains in 2011, and later the same group of bad guys under the direction of Stiletta Jones, 1/42-4/42, (1961c), 7/11, 10/11, 12/11, 1/12, 3/12, 4/12-7/12. 4/13, 8/13-11/13. Twitchy. His associate was B.B. Eyes’ brother, B.D. Eyes. 1983.
Big Boy. Heavy set gang boss with citywide influence. Big Boy is Tracy’s first foe. 10/31-x/xx, 6/78-12/78, 9-10/11(retro).
Big Frost. Big Frost’s ice white hair matches his ice cold heart. He puts out a hit on his own daughter to prove his ruthlessness to his men. Another of his daughter, more criminally inclined, is Sleet. Big Frost returns decades later to shoot Brandon, in an unsuccessful murder attempt, and dies in the effort. 9/48-12/48, 10/11.
Blackjack. 3/12-4/12, 1/13, 4/13, 12/13-1/14 .
The Blank. When the Blank apparently reappeared in 2010, he turned out to be the original’s grandson, Johnny Nothing. 10/37-1/38, 4/10-7/10.
Blaze Rize. Sister of the late Hot Rize. (Hot 5/11-x/11), x/11, 3/12, 4/12-7/12.
Blowtop Jones. Flattop’s older brother who easily loses his temper. In later years, attempts to go straight, but often gets pulled into the sphere of his many criminally inclined relatives. In a bit of revisionist history, Blowtop is revealed to have performed a job for Big Boy, along with his younger brother, Flattop. 3/50-x/50, 1/82-3/82, late/85, 9/11(retro).
Braces. 9/08-12/08.
Breathless Mahoney. The stepdaughter of Shakey, Breathless Mahoney never met her mother’s husband. She is willing to attempt to kill her mother for his money. She seduces B.O. Plenty all in a scheme to . On her deathbed, she forgives Plenty. 5/45-9/45, -8/46. Two female relatives appeared later in the chronicles, one working undercover for the police, a niece named Restless Mahoney (11/90-4/91), and a criminal with a smidgen of decency despite her name, Heartless Mahoney (7/95-10/95).
Broadway Bates. Criminal who attempted to Tess Trueheart’s mother. Appeared years later, once again accompanied by his attractive accomplice, Belle. The story’s narrative clearly suggests Bates is the brother of the Batman foe, the Penguin, referring to his sibling by his given name, Oswald. 2/32-x/32, 11/12-1/13.
The Brow. In a revisionist 2011 flashback, the Brow and Pruneface are shown seeking explosive devices from Big Boy. The Brow’s son seeks revenge for the death of his father in 1978 and 1982, but proves to be the softer-hearted criminal partner and lover of the deadly Angeltop. He shares his father’s distinctive forehead. 5/44-9/44, (1961c), 10/11(retro).
Brush. 1/62-x/62.
Button. 1/73-5/73.
The Chameleon. Quick-change artist. 12/70-3/71.
Chin Chillars. Married couple who both sport the same straggly white goatee. Chin Chillar was one of Diet Smith’s top engineers and together the couple hijacked one of Smith’s space coupes. On the run, they seek a hideout with the grotesque criminal Piggy, who finds Mrs. Chin Chillar’s chin hair hilarious. Mrs. Chin Chillar is the sister of Purdy Fellar, a criminal who committed suicide on the moon and was attempted to be resuscitated using futuristic technology. 7/67-2/68, 5/68, 5/13.
Coffyhead. 7/47-10/47, 1/82.
Creepface. 6/01, 3/02.
Crewy Lou. Jewel thief and kidnapper of Tracy’s infant daughter, Bonnie Braids, Crewy Lou has a distinctive blonde crew cut on top and a pony tail in back. She is assisted by the bespectacled Sphinx. 5/51-10/51.
Cueball. (1946), 1/12.
Cy Chotic. And his associate, Scratch. 2/05-5/05.
Dab Stract. Art forger. x/95-x/95, 6/99-8/99, 7/00-10/00, 9/03-1/04, 3/08-5/08.
Dewdrop. 1/54-x/54.
The Doll.
Doubleup. Villain with wavy black hair who compulsively repeats himself. After his first solo skirmish with Tracy, he joins Mr. Crime, Panda and a gang of former Tracy villains, and later the same group of bad guys under the direction of Stiletta Jones, Mrs. Flattop. 5/11-6/11, 8/11, 10/11, 3/12, 4/12-7/12, 4/13, 9/13.
Dr. Plain. Criminal physician who lost his left arm which now operates with a prosthetic. 12/50-2/51. .
88 Keys. Criminally inclined piano player. 88 is later briefly shown in a cameo during a revisionist retelling of Tracy’s first case. 4/43-7/43, 9/11(retro).
Flattop Jones. In 1992, Tracy believes Flattop’s ghost possessed the theretofore honest body of his twin brother, Prof. St. Jones, an expert in the psychology of the occult. Flattop is shown performing a job for Big Boy in a 2011 revisionist retelling of Tracy’s first case. After his death, it’s revealed that Flattop had a brother, two children and a wife. 12/43-5/44, (1961c), 5/85-6/85(retro), 6/92-10/92, 9/11(retro).
Flattop’s Family. Numerous other relative of Flattop took their turns at doing battle with Tracy, including his brother Blowtop (1950), his son Flattop Jones, Jr.(1956), his daughter Angeltop (1977-86), his grandson Hi-top (1990), and most recently his ex-wife Stiletta Jones (2012-13+).
Fly-Face. x/59-5/60, 3/11-4/11.
Gargles. 8/46-11/46
Haf-and-Haf. 12/66-6/67, 3/78-6/78, 9/90-10/90
Headache. Criminal who is constantly complaining of his headaches. He built slot machines for the Syndicate which his wife distributed. The two have a teen-aged daughter. 11/58-1/59.
Heartless Mahoney. Criminal sister of Breathless, ultimately proves to have a heart after all. 7/95-10/95, 6/02-8/02, 10/03-1/04.
Iceman. Aka, Johnny Snow. 10/78-12/78, .
Influence. 11/46-x/xx, 2/82.
Itchy. Shakey’s best friend, Itchy joins forces with Shakey’s widow in an attempt to recoup his ill-gotten gains. 9/45-12/45, (1961c), 10/11(retro cameo). Decades later, Itchy’s brother Twitchy associated with B.B. Eyes’ brother, B.D. Eyes, in an effort to undo Tracy. 1983
Jerome Trohs and Mamma. 4/40-7/40, (Janet “Doll” Trohs) c4/88-9/88..
Johnny Scorn. Popcorn loving criminal. 6/71-8/71.
Karpse. 9/38-x/xx.
Kitten Sisters. Three acrobatic criminal sisters. One has a crew cut and smokes cigarettes. Fifi? …1/57-4/57.
Laffy. AKA Laffy Smith. 10/43-12/43, 10/11(retro cameo)..
Larceny Lu. 11/32-
Little Face. AKA Leonard Finney. 7/41-9/41, 5/12-7/12.
Matty Square. Crime box with what appear to be square eye sockets. Square is constantly smoking a cigar, from which his pet cat—constantly on his shoulder—often sneaks a puff. Square focuses his efforts at neutralizing Moon Maid who has been taking members of his gang out of action with alarming regularity. Square is killed by Mr. Bribery, who proceeds to adopt his cat. 2/65-10/65.
Measles. 1/45-5/45, 12/81, 10/12-11/12.
Memory Banks. Memory Banks is a master computer programmer and electronic funds thief. He is assisted by his sister, Data. These names are actually aliases, their real names being Denise and Dwight, the so-called Double Digits. When next Tracy encounter Data Banks, he learns that her brother has died. In actuality, his consciousness lives on as a virtual intelligence within computers. 2/79-4/79, 1/89-5/89.
Miss Egghead. 3/58-10/58.
Miss Rinkles. 1973.
Mr. Bribery. Bribery brands his minions with a “B” on their forehead, even his sister. 7?/65-10/66.
Mr. Crime. Assisted by the Panda? 4/52-x/52.
The Mole. In 1971 and 1982, the Mole is reformed, though his niece, Molene, adopts a subterranean life of crime as he had, allying herself with Pouch and Johnny Scorn. By 198 , the Mole runs his own farm. 11/41-12/41, (1961c), 4/71, , 1982, 10/11(retro cameo), 2/12-3/12, 1/13-3/13.
Mousey. AKA Mousey Rattner. 9/49-x/49, 2/82
Mumbles. In the story of his death and burial, Kisme and Kiss Andtel are also featured. he joins Mr. Crime, Panda and a gang of former Tracy villains, and later the same group of bad guys under the direction of Stiletta Jones, 10/47-12/47, 1955, (1961c), 4/79-7/79, 9/90, 8/94-11/94, 8/11, 10/11, 3/12, 4/12-7/12, 4/13, 9/13-10/13.
Nilon Hoze. 3/46-x/46.
No Face. Non-descript villain who is hard to identify. His face is always portrayed in shadows. He feels Tracy humiliated him and enlists Dab Stract in a later revenge plot. x/93- , 7/00-10/00, x/03-x/03.
Nutsy. Associates with Roxy in his first appearance and Slug Magnum (sp?) in his second. x/97-x/97, x/99-x/99.
Ooodles. 1955, (1961c)
Open Mind Monty. Intimidates his enemies by creating the illusion that a blade is protruding from his skull. x/53-x/54, 10/11(retro cameo).
Panda. 1952, 3/12, 4/12-7/12.
Pearshape. 4/49-7/49, 12/81-1/82.
Piggot E. Bank. AKA Piggy, Bank has pointed ears, a fat face and a squat nose, all of which make him resemble his namesake. Bank’s wife is Greedelia Bank, who in 1999 drove him to suicidal despair while in jail by giving away massive amounts of his property to charity. 2/94-x/94, …3/95-x/95, 8/97-9/97, 4/99-5/99, 7/04-8/04.
Pouch. Odd looking individual with multiple folds in his neck so deep that he can hide anything inside of it from stolen goods to a revolver. As Pouch explained in a court hearing, “I once weighed 500 pounds. I reduced to 150. My skin never shrank.” In his initial skirmish with Tracy, Pouch is associated with several of Tracy’s foes, including the Chameleon, for whom he hid stolen merchandise in his neck pouch, the Mole, with whom he sought a hideout, the Mole’s , Molene, and Johny Scorn. Many years later, Pouch falls into a routine of being a source of mob information for the police. 12/70-8/71, 7/11, 12/11, 8/12, 2/13
Pruneface. After his apparent death, his formidable wife, Mrs. Pruneface, seeks Tracy’s death on his behalf. Decades later, in 1983, it is revealed that Pruneface didn’t die after all, but has been preserved cryogenically until his revival. In 1999, Pruneface is joined by his daughter and granddaughter in seeking revenge against Tracy. Pruneface is featured in an extended revisionist World War II flashback in which he is once again shown in the service of the Nazis. In a brief, revisionist 2011 flashback, Pruneface and the Brow are shown seeking explosive devices from Big Boy. 9/42-x/xx, (1961c), 9/83-12/83, 5/85-9/85(retro), 11/86-5/87, 5/99-8/99, 10/11(retro).
Mrs. Pruneface. 7/43-9/43, 7/85-8/85(retro)
Prunella. The granddaughter of Pruneface and the mother of Prunehilda (aka Miss Plum) who joins her kin in a 1999 confrontation with Tracy. 9/85-2/86, 5/90, 6/99-8/99
Prunehilda. 6/99-8/99, 10/03-12/03.
PuckerPuss. 1976.
Putty Puss. AKA Harvey Niav. 10/87-4/88, 6/89-9/89, 12/11-1/12.
Queen of Diamonds. Her brother, One-Eyed Jack, was a member of her gang and later sought revenge for his sister’s death. 2/07-5/07, brother 3/09-7/09.
Quiver Trembly. 11/79-1/80, 10/82, 1984.
Red Hawk. Head of the Bird Gang. 9/02-10/02, 5/03-6/03.
Rughead. 7/54-x/xx.
Sal Monella. Sal Monella returns, his face compacted and scarred by his bout with the trash compacter. x/98-x/98, 12/03-3/04.
Scardol. 3/39-4/39.
Shakey. Shakey not only shook uncontrollably, he also attempted shakedowns on the wealthy. He had a female accomplice named Snowflake. He also had four wives, the last being Mrs. Mahoney, Breathless’ mother. 9/44-1/45, 3/85-5/85(retro), 10/11(retro cameo).
Shoulders. 6/46-7/46, 12/47-2/48.
“Sketch” Paree. French criminal. 7/49-x/49, (1961C)
Sleet. The daughter of Big Frost, Sleet has a history with Sam Ketchum, who apprehended her in Boston for attempting to steal information from the governor there. 2/48-4/49.
Snails. Slow moving villain. 9/01-12/01.
Snake Eyes. AKA Ekans T. Neprese 10/92-3/93.
Splitscreen. 5/82-8/82.
Spots. 6/60-11/60.
Steve the Tramp. 9/32-x/33, 1934, 9/41-11/41, 7/91-10/91, 10/11(retro cameo).
Stiletta Jones, Mrs. Flattop. 7/12-8/12, 4/13, 11/13.
Stooge Viller. 1/33-x/33, x/33-x/33, 10/39-1/40, (1961c).
3-D Magee. Assisted by Pony. 7/53-x/53.
T.V. Wiggles. 7/50-x/50.
Ugly Christine. The sister of Mr. Bribery. A model whose hair covers most of her face, convenient since her brother branded her forehead. 10/65-9/66.
Willie the Fifth. Criminal who constantly smokes a cigar and wears a hat that covers his eyes and nose. A close associate of Fly-Face. x/59-11/59, -5/60, 3/11-4/11.
Wormy. AKA Wormy Marrons. 12/49-x/50, 12/81.
Dr. Zy Ghote. 4/79-7/79, 4/13-10/13.
Tracy Villains by Year of First Appearance
Gould villains from the 1930s: Big Boy, the Blank, Broadway Bates, Larceny Lou, Steve the Tramp.
Gould villains from the 1940s: B.B. Eyes, Big Frost, Brow, 88 Keyes, Flattop, Mumbles, the Mole, Pruneface, Wormy
Gould villains from the 1950s: Blowtop, Crewy Lou, Flyface, Headache, Miss Egghead, Willie the Fifth
Gould villains from the 1960s: Brush, Haf-and-Haf, Matty Square, Mr. Bribery, Ugly Christine
Gould villains from the 1970s: The Brain, Button, the Chameleon, Johnny Scorn, Pouch
Collins villains: Angeltop, Art Dekko, Astral Turf, Data Banks, Putty Puss, Splitscreen, Trembly
Killian/Locher villains: Braces, Cy Chotic, Dab Stract, Heartless Mahoney, No Face, Nutsy, Piggy Bank, Red Hawk, Sal Monella, Snails, Queen of Diamonds.
Curtis/Staton villains: Abner Kadaver, Blackjack, Blaze Rise, Doubleup, Stiletta Jones
Sightings:
Chroniclers:
Writers: Chester Gould, 1931-77, Max Allen Collins 1977-93, Killian 1993-2005, Locher 2005-2011, Mike Curtis, 2011-13+.
Artists: Chester Gould, 1931-77, Fletcher 1977-83, Locher 1983-2011, Joe Staton, 2011-13+
Active:
DICKIE DARE
1933-1957
Full name: Richard Dare, Jr.
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Virginia Dare. Dickie’s mother. 7/33-5/34, 12/34, others.
Dick Dare. Dickie’s father. 10/33-5/34, 12/34, others.
Wags. Dickie’s adorable little pooch.
“Dynamite” Dan Flynn. Dan’s relationship with Dickie’s parents is long-standing, he was a childhood friend of Virginia and, once off to college, introduced Virginia to his best friend, Dick Dare. A football star, Dan left college to join the marines during World War I. After the war. he continued his travels, successfully writing about his adventures. 5/34-50s.
Kim Sheridan. Wealthy but adventurous heiress who turns out to be engaged to an arrogant snob. 6/34-9/34.
Notable Adversaries:
Electra Billings. Beautiful blonde who turns out to have been a former foreign spy who attempts to commandeer Dickie and Dan’s boat, earning her the nickname Miss Pirate from Dickie. Dan who is rather smitten with her, allows her to go free when they finally reach land. Famous Funnies …123-126.
Fatso.
DON WINSLOW of the NAVY
1934-1955
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Lt. Red Pennington
Admiral Colby.
Mercedes Colby. The admiral’s daughter and Winslow’s only romantic interest. They are often engaged and ready to get married, but a call to duty or a sense that he can’t properly devote himself to her when threats to national security still exist consistently pull them apart.
Admiral Warburton.
Notable Adversaries:
Asmara. Attractive female agent of the Scorpia organization. When the Scorpion returns to one of his headquarters, he is immediately taken by her exotic beauty. That and her cruel efficiency contributes to his quick decision to place her in charge of some major operations. 9/40-4/41…
Captain Nimbo. Captain of the Scorpion flagship. When Winslow succeeds in sinking Nimbo’s ship, he’s able to obtain a copy of the Scorpion’s secret codebook. Popular Comics 5-7. x/35-11/35s.
Captain X. Non-descript villainous captain of a foreign navy intent on destroying the Panama Canal. Popular Comics 80-81. 10/40-1/41s
The Crocodile. With facial features resembling that of a crocodile, this ruthless enemy of America discovered Reddite, a substance that resists the pull of gravity. With it, he was able to build a stratospheric island called the Sky City. The Crocodile also infected American troops with malaria in a demonstration of another approach to destroy American troops. Popular Comics …17-22… 5/36-10/36 or 11/36s.
Dr. Centaur. “The Scorpion inventor,” Centaur devised a weapon that generated ultra-short sound waves capable of paralyzing all who hear it. Possesses short red hair and a goatee. Part of the Scorpion Gang after his leader’s death, allied with Tasmia. x/xx-x/xx, 12/36-4/37s, 2/37-4/37d.
Doctor Thor. Manages a munitions plant for the Dwarf, aka War-Maker, whom he ultimately deserts. Thor continues his association with the lovely but deadly Duchess, who also worked for the War-Maker. Crackajack Funnies 14-16, 27-35. 11/37-12/37s, x/38-x/38s.
Doctor Q. Unstable scientist whose research into a massive waterfall in Africa that disappears into the earth is funded by the Scorpion. Q discovers if the waterfall is dammed up and the earth’s core is no longer cooled, he can create volcanoes anywhere in the world with strategically placed deposits of Thorite. Q is bald with a white beard and monocle. He is also very strong and utilizes a pet jaguar named the Scourge he has trained to track enemies. Popular Comics 7-14. 11/35-4/36s.
The Duchess. Short-haired, brunette beauty, this member of the European aristocracy initially served as a spy in the service of the Dwarf. She later associated with Doctor Thor, learning sensitive secrets from the families of Naval personnel who came to her in her disguise as a psychic specializing in the fate of military personnel . Crackajack Funnies 13, 24-30… 10/37-11/37s, x/38-x/38s.
The Dwarf. AKA the War-Maker, the tuxedo clad, balding little person is described by Winslow as “a ruthless and powerful munitions magnate (who) sends out a fleet of pirate submarines to sink ships of all nations, thereby promoting war and a market for his deadly products.” Called “your Excellency” by his minions, the Dwarf is also the little seen ruler of the small Balkan nation of Ironia, where he has located his munitions plants Crackajack Funnies 17, 19-20. 1/38-5/38s….
The Hawk. A magician-warlord. x/35-x/35s.
Lawson Lugg. Master of disguise who is the brains behind a scheme to destroy the American naval fleet. Crackajack Funnies …41… 4/40-7/40s.
Madame Mask. AKA, the Mask of Death. A slim and attractive masked woman for whom both Tasmia and another named female agent named Sonja work. Madame Mask is also loosely associated with the Scorpion. 5/37-9/37d, 11/37-12/37d.
Owl Eyes. Smuggler with owl like eyes who blackmailsDr. Thor on the side, threatening the safety of his daughter who is unaware her father’s still alive. Crackajack Funnies 39-41. 1938 or 1939s..
The Purple Dictator. Hostile foreign despot who dresses in military garb and sports a monocle and a neatly trimmed beard. The Purple Dictator has a deadly pet ocelot named Lena which he can unleash on unwary enemies. Popular Comics 77-79. 7/40-9/40s.
The Scorpion. Behind the scenes leader of a multifaceted operation with international ambitions, he and his organization both go by the moniker “Scorpion.” The Scorpion appears to be of Eastern European origins and possesses both a brilliant strategic mind and a powerful body. He also possesses military resources many a small country would envy, including a small air force, naval ships and a wide array of scientists who push the limits of science. Time in Tibet also has allowed him to develop seemingly supernatural powers, such as spirit possession of another body, though such an activity exhausts him and places him near death. Among the Scorpion’s agents during his first extended battle with Winslow are the Tyrant, dictator of the Central American country, Captain Nimbo, pilot of his flagship, Doctor Q, an unhinged scientist, and Dr. Centaur, a brilliant scientist. The Scorpion finally is captured and stands trial. As he awaits executions he allows his spirit to leave “his body”, actually a body that he possessed over 20 years ago, and in this way escapes captivity. The military pretends to execute the befuddled fellow he’d possessed in order to leave the Scorpion’s organization in turmoil and despair. The Scorpion returns a year later haven taken over a new body and continues acts of mass terror and destruction, such as flooding the Rio Grande and poisoning all the animals in the region. In his second and third battles with Winslow he associates with the equally lovely and seductive Tasmia and Asmara, respectively. x/34-x/xxd, behind the scenes and never seen …x/35-4/36s, …3/36-9/36d, 10/37-2/38d…, 6/40-4/41d....
Tasmia. Full name, Tasmia Allen, a very attractive, short dark-haired member of the Scorpion gang who wears her hair in a stylish turban. Tasmia comes into prominence after her leader’s apparent execution late in 1936. As part of the Scorpion gang, she schemes primarily with Dr. Centaur. After his capture Tasmia escapes and becomes an agent of Madame Mask. Hospitalized after a battle with Winslow and awaiting execution, she is rescued by the Scorpion—returning from seeming death—who carries her off to safety. Tasmia is not then seen again until 1940 when she accidentally encounters Winslow in Calcutta. This time, after her capture, the Scorpion leaves her in prison, distracted by a new female agent named Asmara. Embittered, Tasmia gives authorities information that helps them thwart Asmara’s current scheme. 1/37-11/37d, 5/40-6/40d, 9/40-10/40d.
The Tyrant. Dictator of Tierra Nueva, a Latin American country and staunch ally of the Scorpion. The Tyrant is assisted by a Latino badman named the Beetle. The Tyrant’s hold on Tierra Nueva is destroyed by a massive military operation in which Winslow and Red play a major part. Popular Comics 1-5. x/35-x/35.
The White Pheasant. Codename for an attractive female spy who, it emerges, only acts with evil intentions due to an earlier brain injury. x/40-4/40d.
Selected Newspapers (featuring long runs): Chicago Daily News
Newspaper Reprints in Comic Books: Popular Comics, Crackajack Comics, Popular Comics, Four Color
Chroniclers
Active: 3/5/34-7/30/55d, x/x/35-x/x/xs
DONDI
1955-1986
Original Identity:
Origins: Dondi is an Italian war orphan who is befriended by two GIs while stationed in Europe. When they receive orders to return to the United States, Dondi stowaways on their ship.
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends, Family and Allies:
Ted Wills. Corporal in the Army. Once home, resumes his job as a truck driver. 9/55-
Whitford “Whitey” McGowan. Private First Class in the Army. 9/55-5/56.
Mrs. McGowan. …1/70-5/70, 4/71-8/71, not in 72,
Hollis. The McGowan butler who takes a special liking to Dondi.
Clara Wills. Ted’s mother. 12/55-
Queenie. Dondi’s dog, a pregnant stray. When given a choice to keep one of four puppies, Dondi chooses the mother. 6/56-
Webster “Web” Franklin. Dondi’s first child friend in Midville. He is blond-haired and wears glasses and loyal and dependable by nature. 7/56-
Ed “Pop” Fligh. Older friend to both Clara and Ted Wills. 7/56-
Kean and Dean Downey. Twins with identical wiener dogs. 5/58-
Baldwin “Baldy” Burnside. Boy whose mop of hair totally covers his eyes, he only calls himself Baldy because he considers his first name too fancy. Far more moody than the even tempered Web. 5/58-
Katje Bogar Wills. Dondi’s school teacher who takes an interest in the boy and then his informal foster father. Initially in conflict over Katje’s threat of holding Dondi back a grade, the two soon fall in love and Ted proposes in December 1958. Once Katje and Ted marry in 1959, they seek custody of Dondi but face the obstacle of Mrs. McGowan’s guardianship. c10/58-
Captain Hunt. Head of the police in Midvale who handles criminal matters that happen to cross Dondi’s path.
Eddie. A deaf boy with whom Dondi establishes a friendship. c4/61.
Joe Vale. Criminal who initially holds Dondi captive but is transformed by his loving nature. After only one week out of prison, he rescues the family from the machinations of Colonel Otto Suggs and Pierre, but is shot in the process. , 3/62-4/62.
Jim Dante. Very possibly Dondi’s biological father who returns to claim him. Having to work nights, social workers threaten to remove Dondi from his care and Dondi goes on the run. Dante recognizes he can’t provide for him as well as the Wills and claims that Dante was actually a fellow soldier who died in his arms. This appears to be the lie, however. In any case, Dante selflessly gives up custody. 11/62-2/63, 5/63.
Chuck Murdock. Dondi’s overweight friend and sometimes nemesis, Chuck is often selfish and the other club members sometimes reject him. Dondi tends to feel guilty at such times and often reaches back out to him.
Connie Bowman. The only female member of the Explorer’s Club, Connie lives with her widowed mother. In 1964, she meets Spottiswood Atkins, the man who was responsible for the fire that killed her father.
Dave. 7/64-x/xx.
Louie Augustine. 1/65-x/xx.
Spottiswood Atkins. An older man, haunted by the fatal fire he accidentally caused, happens upon the woman he made into a widow and her daughter when traveling to Midvale. Connie never learns the truth and regrets his departure. 3/64-6/64.
Aya Ayanova. Katje’s twenty-something niece from Slomsk, in America on a visitor’s visa. She is pretty, blonde and wear glasses. Despite a heavy accent, she is clever and shares Katje’s warm heart. 8/71-12/71.
Virgil Peddy. Highly intelligent boy who starts a “kid’s lib” movement, but gets overly caught up in the media attention and lecture circuit money he generates. 2/72-4/72
Jimmy Lake. First African American boy to be voted in as a member of Dondi’s Explorer’s Club. Dondi meets Jimmy when the youth tries out for the Midville Midgets football team, but is very bad at it. Things begin to turn around when Jimmy’s Dad asks to assist Ted Wills in coaching duties. 9/72-12/72.
Mr. Deep Space. Disembodied alien composed of pure electrical energy who has conversations with Dondi and other humans in his evaluation of the human race. Ultimately, he believes the skill of friendship, as demonstrated by Dondi, may be humanity’s saving grace. 6/79-8/79.
Adversaries:
Apocalypse. 12/81-2/82.
Byron Strand. Conman and so-called “love thief” who uses his young son Hutchinson to set up Mrs. McGowan to fall for him. 1/70-5/70.
Delia McGowan. Whitey’s mother. 10/55-5/56, 8/56-3/57, 6/57, 9/57, 2/58-3/58, 8/58,
Mr. Henry Hudson. 1/76-3/76.
J. J. Jax. Multi-millionaire business man who is interested in buying the land the children of Midvale use as a park to build a shopping mall. His young daughter, Gloree and Dondi become close. Gloree ultimately convinces her father to change his plans even though that means she will have to leave Midvale and Dondi. 3/69-7/69.
Knights of the Round Table. 11/83-
Milo Smyly. Head of Universe Village. 5/74-7/74.
Monique Carson. Whitey’s scheming girl friend. She succeeds in marrying Whitey in April 1956, but both die due to Whitey’s reckless driving on their honeymoon. 10/55-5/56.
Morgana Salem. Attractive young woman and witch, Morgana is the aunt of Dondi’s friend Billy Beezle. She come to Midvale seeking revenge on the Wills family through Dondi. Her ancestor, Mercy Salem—also a witch—was hung by order of Judge Deodat Wills in 1692. 2/71-4/71.
Mr. Magnum. Owner of Magnum Industries, with whom Ted Wills has business dealings. Magnum is a convicted poacher (from hunting expeditions in Africa) and comes in conflict with Dondi with his insatiable desire to kill deer of any age. 10/70-1/71.
Prince Mida. Ruler of Harane and head of Ultra-Genesis, a company specializing in cloning. He attempts to bequeath his wealth to a clone until his young daughter, Niftahi, literally pulls the plug on his would be duplicate. For this act of disobedience, the prince disowns and exiles her. But at the end of this encounter, Mida is beginning the process anew in Brazil. 1/78-4/78.
S.A.P.S. The Student Anarchy Protest Society is interested in enlisting a reformed young Frenchman named Marc Renay, whom Dondi has befriended. Though Renay no longer believes in their cause, they blackmail him into joining their group by threatening to harm Dondi if he doesn’t cooperate. 8/69-11/69.
Uncle Otto and Pierre.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
FLASH GORDON
1934-200
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Dale Arden.
Prof. Zarkov.
Prince Barin.
The Space Scouts. Youthful junior spaceman wannabes who ultimately attend and graduate from Space Academy. First among their number is Worriless Willy. 4/53-10/53(d), 9/62-3/63(d),
Convict Squad and Kenoma. 11/71-
Jack Hammer.
Egon Blant. Alien from the future. 5/63-11/63(d), 1/68-5/68(d), c8/74…, 2/85- (d), early/86(d), -8/89
Baldur. 3/79-6/79(s), 3/86-5/86(d)
Namu Hopat’ya. Flash’s Martian mentor who trains him how to become a Martian knight with enhanced abilities, including how to enter an astral plane. Later, Flash tends to neglect these powers, though is reminded to use them by Namu in a second appearance. 8/80-10/80(d).
Secret Agent X-9. AKA Phil Corrigan, agent of the I.I.I. (International Intelligence Institute) 7/00-8/00, 11/00-6/01(s).
Notable Adversaries:
Azura, Witch Queen of Mongo. In 1956, Azura allies herself with Ming’s son in an effort to oust Prince Barin and his ruling council from power. 4/35-10/35(s), /56- /56, 1/83-5/83(d).
Blaze. Possesses the power to project severe heat. 1/00-6/00s.
The Chameleon. 7/64-11/64(s), 1/68-8/68(s).
Choong-li. A centuries old, reptilian-faced sorcerer whose spirit, after the death of his body, is able to take possession of weak or willing bodies. 11/98-3/99s.
Durok. Originally the captain of King Barin’s elite guard, the ill-tempered Durok fully crossed over to the dark side when Dale Arden, falsely accused with crimes against the state permanently blinded him one eye with a ray gun blast. Ever after, Durok has been obsessed with obtaining an eye for an eye revenge on Dale, a pursuit that ultimately leads him into an alliance with Ming. Durok is a fierce looking creature, blue skinned and bearded with three horns down the center of his head. 11/96-12/96, 2/97-4/97s, 11/97-12/97, 2/98-3/98s, 4/99-?, 9/99-10/99, 12/00-x/01.
Garakahn. One of a cadre of Ming supporters who attempt to send former enemies of Ming into the Dark Dimension, through portals disguised as mirrors. After his plans are thwarted by Flash, Garakahn escapes into the Dark Dimension, not realizing his action will transform him into a giant green lizard-like creature. Months later, Garakahn as monstrous lizard is freed by Ming to inflict revenge on Gordon. This time, the portal permanently sealed, Garakahn returns to his human form, but his mind still believes he’s a monstrous creature. 2/96-4/96s, 5/98-9/98s.
Kag the Conqueror. 3/56-6/56(d).
Kala (I). Green-skinned king of an underwater realm, Kala is a loyal ally of Ming. Years later, he seeks a bogus peace with the other republics of Mongo, all in a scheme at Ming’s behest to lead a wide range of leaders into a deadly trap. x/34-x/34, 7/00-10/00s.
Kala (II). Lovely underling of Ming’s, inventor and mastermind of the his Robo-Guards. 4/90-7/90(d).
Kang the Cruel. The equally sinister son of Ming, Kang attempts to reconquer Mongo. He also hopes to add Dale to his harem of beauties. Kang is heavyset, unlike his lean father, but shares a Fu Manchu mustache. 2/45-7/48(s)
Ming the Merciless. 1/34-3/39(s), 4/40-6/41(s), mid/75(d), 12/75-2/76(s), 2/78-6/78(d), 2/79-12/79(d), 8/79-12/79(d), 9/82-1/83(d), 11/89(d), 4/90-7/90(d), 6/95-1/96(s), 10/96-12/96(s).
Ming, Jr. Ming shares his father’s headskull, but beneath has black hair which matches his sinister-appearing goatee. 1956(d).
Ming IV. The great-grandson of the original Ming, Ming IV is a dead ringer for his ancestor and similarly desires Dale Arden as his consort. Due to some variations in the time continuum, Ming IV claims that “three generations have passed” since Gordon was last on Mongo. This explanation conflicts with later continuity which featured the return of Ming I. 4/66-6/66(d).
Morbud. Hooded robot leader (all that shows of his “face” are a pair of glowing yes out of the shadows) of a band of computerized thieves. , 3/85(d).
Kang the Cruel. The equally sinister son of Ming, Kang attempts to reconquer Mongo. He also hopes to add Dale to his harem of beauties. Kang is heavyset, unlike his lean father, but shares a Fu Manchu mustache. 2/45-7/48(s)
Reddol. Originally one of Garakahn’s trusted aides, Reddol encounters Ming himself after months of wandering aimlessly. Against his will, Reddol is subjected to painful treatments that grant him the ability to change his appearance at will. Among other subversive activities, he frames Flash by adopting his appearance and attempting to assassinate King Barin. In his natural form, Reddol is a handsome fellow with short black hair and a goatee. 2/96-3/96, 10/97-4/98.
The Skorpi. Led by Baron Dak-Tula. In 1977, the Skorpi invade Mongo itself. In 1980, Flash learns that Dak Tula has psychic powers that he has learned from the Martian/Atlanteans, just like Flash, as the Skorpi threaten the undersea realm. 11/58-12/58(d), 2/59-4/59(s), 9/62-3/63(d), 12/77-2/78(d/s), 8/78-11/78(s), 3/79-6/79(s), 10/80-1/81(d), 8/94-9/84(d).
Sightings: Sundays 1/34-3/03; Daily 5/40-6/44, 11/51-
Original Chroniclers
Active:
FLYIN’ JENNY
1939-52
Full Name: Jenny Dare
Origin: Originally a sales pilot for Starcraft Aviation, Jenny begins a series of exciting adventures once she loses her job to the machinations of Slip Morgan.
Abilities: Excellent pilot.
Appearance: Attractive with blonde hair.
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Rick Davis. Plane designer and Jenny’s romantic interest. 10/39-
Captain Salt. South Sea oil magnate. 10/39-
Wanda Salt. His beautiful dark-haired daughter, an aspiring pilot and Jenny’s protégé. 10/39-.
Spinner Martin. Overweight associate of Jenny’s and supplier of comic relief.
Babe Woods. Handsome news photographer, appeared only in Sunday continuities.
Notable Adversaries:
Sandra. Threatens to kill Rick unless Jenny doesn’t deliver a load of stolen cattle to her secret base. 1940.
Slip Morgan. International criminal, con-man and pilot who dupes Captain Salt and seeks to marry his daughter for her money. Slip is handsome and sports a thin mustache.10/39-
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers: Russell Keaton
Active:
FRIDAY FOSTER
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Friday is a photographer’s assistant to Shawn North and is interested in becoming a photographer herself. Her natural beauty leads several to encourage her to try modeling, though she always returns to her first love.
Friends and Allies:
Cleve Foster. Friday’s adolescent brother who is in her care.
Shawn North. Friday’s original employer, a fashion photographer who hires Friday as an assistant. Shawn is handsome, blond-haired and good with his fists when he needs to be. …5/70-
Alan Abu. Clothes designer inspired by African motifs seeks Foster as a model and a romantic interest. 10/70-12/70.
Rick Ho. Savvy Asian American young man who first assists Foster in finding a missing Asian American model named Petal Ling. He later assists Foster and the mysterious detective, Blackhawk. 7/71-8/71, 6/72-7/72.
Blackhawk. 9/71-10/71, 6/72-7/72.
____ Colt. 9/71-10/71.
Zulu Jackson. Host of the popular African American radio advice program, Harlem Heartline. 2/72-4/72.
Blake Tarr. Wealthy and handsome African American who is so reclusive he sometimes wears a hood when in his limousine. He becomes markedly more outgoing once he begins romancing Foster. 11/72-1/73.
Slade King. Former African-American football star dons a loincloth and pursues jungle justice in Africa. 3/73-4/73.
Notable Adversaries:
Daphne Brent. Shawn’s alienated fiancee who is jealous of his relationship with Friday despite her own actual infidelities with a handsome Brazilian playboy, Fernando DaSilva. 2/70-5/70.
The Monster Maker. Real name, Linc Torrey, an African American actor who was only able to make it in Hollywood by playing monsters in the sixties horror boom. Now mentally unstable, he stalks Zulu Jackson. Friday is able to talk him down disguised as Jackson. 2/72-4/72
Red Dragon. Chinese-American gang involved in various criminal enterprises. 7/71-8/71.
Varga. European terrorist operating in Spain. 1/71-3/71.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
GIL THORP
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Prior to coming to coach at Milford High in Connecticutt, Gil Thorp served in the military. Gil dated a number of women before meeting his true love, Mimi Clover, in 1975. The two were married ten years later. Mimi gave birth to Keri in 1988 and Jamie in 1991. The narrative took on an increasingly religious tone from 19xx to 19xx.
Faculty and Friends:
Mimi Clover Thorp. Physical education teacher and girl’s sports coach at Milford, beginning in 1975. Gil and she marry on July 10th, 1985. Mimi subsequently gives birth to Keri and Jamie in the next few years and continues with her coaching duties. Ear/75-13+
Keri Thorp. Gil and Mimi’s daughter. x/88-
Jamie Thorp. Gil and Mimi’s son. x/91-
Myron Booth. Milford’s principal.
Irene Day. An English teacher at Milford whom Gil first clashes over her keeping one his baseball players after school to practice his grammar, thus missing practice. The two date for a few years. Sp/60-Wi61/62.
Marcia DeVoy. Older sister of one of his basketball players. Wi61/62.
Mark Tabor. An assistant coach under Thorp, Tabor is known for his macho, take no prisoners approach. This causes some conflict with his son Andy and Dean Denton, a football player rumored to be gay. Fa/64-Fa/80…
Holly Dodds. Poetry teacher at Milford with acting aspirations. Her old college friend, Marty Moon arranges for an audition in New York. She leaves to pursue in theatre career in New York, Thorp forgoing a planned proposal so as not to stand in the way of her career. He learns that Holly is married in 1976. Sp/65-Su/67, Fa/68, Su/71, Su/72, Fa/72.
Tod Andrews. Assistant coach under Thorp. Su/69.
Matt Shaw. History teacher at Milford.
Vince Packard. Junior varsity coach under Thorp. Packard shaved his head and sported a beard. When he marries Rita Minton, another teacher at Milford, he also decides to leave coaching. Fa/77-Wi83/84.
LeRoy Gillen. An African American assistant coach under Thorp, Gillen once played pro ball with the Pistons. Wi83/84-98,
John Dowd. An assistant coach under Thorp who replaces Tod Andrews. Dowd was falsely accused of sexual harassment in the summer of 1993. c9/90-x/xx.
Peaches McClure. Romantic interest of Marty Moon who, despite his best efforts, is turned off by his tendency to slip back into underhanded ways. x/xx-x/xx, 4/01-10/01.
Dr. Martha Pearl. New principal at Milford High. Fair but often tough on Thorp. c12/97-13+
Bob “Kaz” Kazinski. Most recent athletic coach and Thorp’s best friend and workout buddy.
Kelly Krystek. Kaz initially alientates Kelly by mistaking her for a student on her first day of work and ordering her to get a hall pass. Kelly and Kaz ultimately become romantically involved and often go on double dates with Gil and Mimi.
Clambake Otha. 4/07-7/07.
Students:
Bobby Watkins. One of Thorp’s earliest players who, by his example of giving up a focus on cars, drew other to football. Milford’s star quarterback, he went on to play college ball at State U and run a camp that Thorp worked at during summers. Fa/58-Su/61, Su/64.
Billy Bunkin. His sister Effie arrives in Wi64/65. 12/63-Sp/66, Wi64/65, Su/72.
Woody Willis. A brainy student who has never played sports devises a formula that he believes allows him to hit any pitch. His supreme confidence, not his formula per se, leads him to have an unheard of perfect batting average. Sp/64.
Joel Frost. Wi67/68, Wi 68/69, Wi69/70, Su/71, Su/78?.
Joe Sharky. Star outfielder went on to the minor leagues. He performed well until eyesight problems led to a declining batting average. Thorp suggested glasses and his career was back on track until he lost a finger in a career ending farm accident. Sp/71, Sp/73, Su/74, Su/77, Su/79.
Jerry Pulver. Wi72/73, Wi73/74, Wi74/75.
Luke Bunkin. Billy’s cousin. Su/73, Fa/73.
Jackie Hill. Attempts to become Milford’s first female pitcher. Sp/75.
Andy Tabor. Mark Tabor’s son tries out for football. Fa/75, Fa/76.
Clyde Bean. African American student and his partner in mayhem Ernie Fenton. 12/76-.Wi78/79, Su/80.
Ernie Fenton. 12/76- Wi78/79, Su/80.
Mickey Barnett. Mentally retarded student. Fa/78.
Laura Patton. Pregnant by basketball player Terry Turner, the two break up and she ultimately miscarries. Wi78/79, Fa/79.
Dean Denton. After quitting ballet, Denton joins the football team. Rumors that he might be gay lead to both macho coach Mark Tabor and some of the players to react negatively to him. A Milford player tells the defensive line of an opposing team of the rumors and they purposely injure Denton. Fa/80.
April Warner. Extremely intelligent student who is conned by Bobby Loft into doing his homework. Ultimately April finds a far more suitable boy friend in Chip Wilder. Wi80/81-Sp/81.
Charlie Carton. Star football and basketball player Charlie Carton is a loner because of his severe stuttering problem. Bobby Loft attempts to isolate him because of it. Fa/81-Wi81/82.
Larry Cutter. Talented Milford pitcher. Sp/82, Sp/83, Su/84, Sp/87..
Ozzie Beacon. African American student and talented catcher of the Milford baseball team. He and Thorp help shape Larry Cutter’s pitching talent and both boys are scouted by the pros. Sp/82-Su/82.
Arnie Wilcox. Quarterback of the Milford football team who struggles under the pressure that his father, “Win or Else” Wilcox—president of the school booster club—places on him. Fa/82-Fa/84.
Kim Cross. Troubled by her parents’ separation, Kim initially brushes off the attentions of Arnie Wilcox, but the two ultimately begin to date. She ends up being a pawn in her parents’ custody dispute. Wi82/83-Wi83/84.
Bubba Joe Tilwell. Su/83, Fa/83, Sp/84, Fa/84.
Chip Hunter?
Tommy Chin and Sally Chong. Sp/86-Su/86.
Nancy Fallon. Cheerleader with powers of ESP. Wi86/87.
Abby Andrews. Well behaved daughter of assistant coach Tod Andrews. c/88.
Bitsy Twill. Initially a bad girl, she matures into a girl of good spirit and character. Sp/88-c6/92, …10/25/08.
Wally Lamb. Sp/89-Sp/92…10/25/08..
Chip Jordan. Sp/89-Sp/90.
Binky Peel. Sp/92-Sp/95.
Mickey Scagg. Wi/94-Wi/97.
Jarvis White. Ultimately is caught using steroids. Sp/98-7/01.
Marty DeJong. x/02-x/xx, 7/09-8/09.
Ted Pearce. Milford basketball star who secretly was homeless. In college, it is later revealed that Ted is majoring in social work and recreation management and helps fun a camp for poor children during the summer. He offers Marty DeJong the opportunity of working with him and thus refind meaning in his life. 12/05-x/xx, 7/09-8/09.
Kyle Gordon.
Melissa ------. Pregnant by Kyle.
Brent Raptor. Talented football player who struggles with his weight and a demeaning mother.
Von . Returns, helps Marty with golf debts. x/xx-c4/05?, 8/06-9/06.
Jimmy Hughes. Drafted by the Detroit Tigers. x/xx-8/08.
Bill Ritter. One-legged boy whom Thorp teaches to box. 9/06-12/06, 7/07-12/07.
Cully Vale. A boy with a secret, Cully accidentally killed another boy while they were playing at professional wrestling moves. 9/07-12/07.
Jamarr “the Ghost” Gaddis.
“Slim” Chance.
Cortez Beecher.
Bellini “Lini” Tintoretto. Though never explicitly identified as gay Lini clearly is. c1/11.
Brody Abro. Boy diagnosed with Asperger’s who becomes a Milford punter.
Notable Antagonists, Rivals and Adversaries:
Arnold Brett. New high school principal who has an old grudge to settle with Gil Thorp. His maltreatment almost drives Thorp out of Milford, but when Brett comes down with a terminal illness he apologizes before he dies. c9/96-8/97.
Bobby Loft. Arrogant and irresponsible young athlete. Among other reprehensible behaviors, he mocks a fellow athlete who stutters. His attitude ultimately leads to him losing a college scholarship. Wi79/80-4/82.
Dr. Melinda Schmidt. Marty Moon’s sister and new counselor at Milford. Schmidt allows her brother’s animosity towards Thorp to seriously impair her judgment. She falsely accuses Thorp of putting too much pressure on Brent Raptor. 8/03-10/03..
Lenny Hull. Troubled student who one summer was skimming money off the till at the Snack Shack and next summer sexually harassing a girl at the same establishment. He almost got caught up in steroids scandal but ultimately reformed and became a stand up guy. Su/90, Fa/90, Su/91, Fa/91.
Marty Moon. Full name Marty Munenhausen. Play-by-play sports announcer and radio personality. When he first arrives in town, Marty is surprised to meet an old college sweetheart, Holly Dodds. He immediately tries to romance her away from Thorp. Moon is often critical of Thorp’s coaching and is generally unscrupulous in revealing sensitive student information over the airwaves, a practice that has gotten him into trouble with his employers on more than one occasion. Initially Moon sports only chin hair, but later grows a fuller goatee. After Holly leaves town, he attempts to woo Peaches McClure on more than one occasion. 8/66-6/13+
Ransom Tate. Unscrupulous tattoo artist who claims to hail from Australia who uses student insecurities to fuel his tattoo business. Has an attractive assistant named Kitten. Thorp exposes him as plain old Rupert Hall of Dayton, Ohio. 12/11-3/12.
Tod Andrews. Originally an assistant coach to Thorp, Andrews takes a job as head coach in the 1990s at rival Oakwood High. He proves to be a formidable and often irritating rival coach.
Steve “Win or Else” Wilcox. Milford booster club president who thinks poorly of Thorp and often seeks to undermine him. This is in part due to a winless football season upon his adopting this position and his perception that Thorp underplays his son Arnie. When he attempts to make a player’s struggle with depression public (he feels Tilwell is getting the publicity his son deserves), even Marty Moon tells him where to go. Soon afterwards Wilcox quits the booster club. Fa/82-Fa/84.
Zobah. Religious cult leader who influences Joe Sharky into thinking that his pursuit of success in professional sports is vain glory and thus evil. Thorp exposes Zobah as a fraud. Sp/73..
Newspapers: Chicago Tribune, Detroit Free Press
Sightings: 120 papers in 1984
Book Collections:
Active: 9/8/58-5/13+
Writers: Jack Berrill 1958-96, Jerry and Chad Jenkins 1996-2004, Neal Rubin 2004-13+
Artists: Jack Berrill 1958-93, Warren Satler, 1993- , Frank Bolle, Ray Burns -2000, Frank McLaughlin 2000-08, Frank Bolle 2008, Rod Whigham 2008-13+
The Heart of JULIET JONES
Maiden Name: Juliet Jones
Origins:
Attributes and Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: After the death of her fiancé, Johnny Edge, the day before their wedding, Julie buys out a struggling hat store to try and find a new focus. After operating out of the Jones household to save money, in 1956 Julie opens Juliet Jones Hat Shop in downtown Devon, after developing a national reputation in design. In 1958, Julie wins an improbably campaign against Devon’s incumbent mayor to take on the office herself. Unfortunately Julie develops amnesia after a bump on the head that same year. Jones and Cantrell marry on 10/18/70.
Friends and Allies:
Eve Jones.
Howard “Pop” Jones. Originally the owner a paint business, Pop later works as the bookkeeper at a construction company.
Dr. Chet Davis. Handsome, dark-haired physician in the town of Devon, an early romantic interest of Juliet. 3/53-x/53d, 9/53-1/54d, 11/54?, 3/55d, 8/55d, 1/56d.
Gig Holley. Algebra teacher at the school where Eve attends. Holley initially competes with Dr. Davis for Julie’s affections, then falls for Eve, then tries again with Julie. When Holley next appears in the narrative he is married to a wealthy woman named Laura. x/53-xx d, 5/57-8/57d.
“Shorty” Hale. Given name, Aubrey Hale, III, son of the owner of the Devon Department Store, where Eve takes a job. Eve is initially put off by the romantic attentions of the young man she nicknames Shorty, showing interest in the stuffed shirt but ambitious Hardy Cole, who runs the lingerie department. Eve ultimately becomes friends with Shorty but the romantic sparks never seem to quite take fire. 3/55-8/55d, 1/56d, 12/56d, 1/59d.
Miss Parky. The smart-talking, but sympathetic older lady who works with Eve and is friendly with Shorty Hale. 3/55-8/55d.
Johnny Edge. An architectural engineer with a poet heart and a poet’s lack of concern for practicality. Edge nonetheless falls for Julie’s small town pragmatism and the two are engaged to marry. Edge tragically dies in a construction accident after Julie and he have resolved the last of their interpersonal difficulties. 8/55-12/55d.
Larry “the Body” Hone. Well built young man obsessed with building his body. The Body is desired by most of the girls of Devon, but Eve struggles with whether she’d more attracted to him or Andy, his older and more humble, police officer, brother. 5/56-9/56d
Steve Nabjic. Struggling writer and “combination janitor, bouncer and rental agent” at the big city apartment building Eve moves into when she decides to move to the big city. 1/57-5/57d.
Maggi Mellet. Literary agent with whom Eve obtains a job as a typist when she decides to move to the big city. 1/57-4/57d, 8/57-11/57d, (off-panel 8/58d).
Billy Carmichel. Nephew of Athena Marmon, once the queen of New York society. Billy becomes infatuated with Eve while she is taking dictation of Athena’s memoirs. 9/57-11/57d, 7/58-8/58.
Governor Mayo Millson. 9/59-1/60d.
Owen Cantrell. Criminal lawyer and romantic interest, later husband, of Jones. After a few years of happy marriage, Cantrell is murdered in 1985.
Notable Adversaries:
Carroll Wyngate. A criminal at heart, Carroll gains Pop’s trust which allow him and his conwoman wife, Zelma, to rob the Devon Construction firm where Pop works at gunpoint. 9/56-12/56d.
Henri Glover. Julie’s chief rival in the hat business, an unscrupulous Frenchman who is also arrogant and pretentious. He goes out of business as a result of Julie’s success and she moves her home business into the storefront he used to occupy. 2/56-5/56d.
J. Stanley Hatch. Devon’s corrupt mayor whom Julie runs against in an uphill campaign. Julie wins the election when his handsome crony exposes his illegal tactics. 12/57-4/58d.
Mavis Maybank. Elderly nurse who cares for Pop after a heart attack. The two soon become engaged, largely because Mavis thinks Pop has a healthy stash of money tucked away. The girls are suspicious and when Mavis learns otherwise she leaves town. Mavis has a lazy, would be musician son named Leo who hopes to live off her. x/54-3/55d.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
INVISIBLE SCARLET O’NEIL
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Most of the time Scarlet only uses her powers of invisibility to intervene in relatively risk free domestic situations. Occasionally, however, she faces more serious threats, some of which are noted below.
Friends and Allies:
Notable Adversaries:
Amy McTwist. A haglike witch who is assisted in her efforts by her brutish female assistant, Lulu. Famous Funnies …122-123.
Hattie the Hag. An evil “Apple Mary,” Hattie pickpockets customers while they are buying apples from her cart. Scarlet rescues her when she is accidentally knocked unconscious. Famous Funnies 133-135?
Hershel Mandy. Inventor of a chocolate candy that can add five pounds per piece, Hershel attempts to fatten up Scarlet so that his girl friend, Brenda Bright, can win a beauty contest in which Scarlet has been invited to participate. Famous Funnies 83-85.
Ivan Itch and Comrade Iltz. The handsome Ivan is an identical twin won over to foreign espionage by Iltz. Ivan adopts the identity of his soldier brother in order to pursue an act of sabotage. Iltz, for his part, is a short fellow who goes about in a black cape and dark framed glasses as he plots his next scheme. Famous Funnies 90-92…
Mournful Bagly. Homocidal hypnotist, short with a long nose and an unruly mop of black hair. Escapes an insane asylum and is able to place Scarlet and her invisible powers under his hypnotic spell. Restored to sanity by a blow to the head, his former business partner having committed suicide out of guilt. Famous Funnies 126-128.
Snead Wormly. Corrupt county treasurer in cahoots with the mayor and police chief to foreclose on the homes of innocent couples all to increase the price of land when a defense plant that only he knows about gets built. Famous Funnies 119-121.
Sightings: Famous Funnies 82 (4/41)-167
Original Chroniclers
Active:
JANE ARDEN
Original Identity: Jane Arden
Origin:
Abilities: Excellent reporter and physically agile.
Appearance: Attractive and fit black haired woman.
Modus Operandi: Singularly interested in crime reporting, particularly exposing cons and scams. In 1939, she was among the first to travel to Europe to cover unfolding developments there. Back home, she also occasionally exposed foreign spies and espionage rings. After the war, she returned primarily to exposes. She showed particular interest in uncovering ways that men took advantage of women in their criminal schemes. While not disinterested in romance, she rarely became preoccupied with romance or relationships with men, remaining the epitome of the career girl.
Friends and Allies:
Ed. Jane’s editor.
Inspector Murphy. Squash-nosed police official who frequently sought out Jane’s help in solving cases and was there to arrest the criminals that Jane successfully exposed.
Jim Porter. High ranking agent of the Treasury Department who frequently called upon Jane’s help in the late 1930s.
Martha Blanton. Jane’s wealthy and attractive debutante friend
Tim. Cocky but not overly competent male reporter on staff.
Honey Chile. Pretty but naïve office receptionist.
Tubby. Former boxer whose chubby appearance and soft face belies his former profession. Now a newsboy with a crush on Honey Chile. Tubby was originally a character in a separate newspaper comic strip about two young boxers called Slim and Tubby. When that strip was cancelled, Tubby later migrated to Jane’s newspaper office.
Notable Adversaries:
Bill Flint. Secret Nazi sympathizer who feigned friendship with Jane and assisted a German agent in America. Flint was skilled as disguises. x/43-5/44.
Blazes Smith. Editor of rival paper, who earned his nickname for angrily exclaiming “Blazes” when frustrated or angry, which he often is. Blazes variously wants to hire Jane or put her temporarily out of action. He’s capable of pursuing these ends to a criminal degree, including kidnapping, drugging her, and placing a female spy as her roommate. 1/47-4/47, 11/47-3/48.
Breezy. A perfume smuggler and knockoff peddler, Breezy also charms Honey Chile into inadvertently assisting him. 9/47-11/47.
Dr. Marvel. Scam artist who provides sugar pills as weight loss remedies and, if weight loss doesn’t occur, convinces them that they are precisely the right weight. c1946-47 (Jane Arden 1)
Flame Rand. Ambitious female reporter who gets her start under the shady auspices of Blazes Smith who, along with Hi Calbur, develop a scheme to help Flame steal scoops from Jane. 11/47-3/48
Hi Calbur. Reporter for Blazes. A womanizer who Jane easily sees through. 1/47-4/47, 11/47-3/48
Japhet Squires and Evie. Charmingly portly, older con-man who calls his beautiful young blonde associate extravagant terms of endearment to help persuade her to use her ample pick-pocketing skills to further his criminal goals. 10/48-1/49.
The Man with the Scar. Renowned jewel thief, rarely seen, whose only identifying characteristic is a scar that goes up his left cheek from his mouth. It takes Jane going undercover in the world of high end thieves and fences to discover the scar is only a disguise that allows the otherwise non-descript thief to easily blend in. One of Jane’s more extended adventures, lasting several months. c1939 (Feature Comics 24-29)
Sue. Jane’s pretty blonde cousin, sneaky and competitive, first takes a job as a rival reporter, later works on the same paper with Jane in a generally more supportive fashion. c1937 (Feature Funnies 2-9)
Trigger. Trigger-happy gunman whose trail Jane covered to negative effect. Now seeking revenge, Trigger’s criminal associates include men nicknamed Dumpy and Shifty. 12/44-3/45.
Sightings: St. Paul Pioneer Press, Feature Funnies 1-20, Feature Comics 21-31, Crack Comics 1-25, Pageant of Comics 2, Jane Arden 1-2
Original Chroniclers
Active:
JOE PALOOKA
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Joe Palooka is a 16-year old youth who catches the eye of boxing coach Knobby Walsh in 1930. After training and several bouts, Joe defeats the corrupt heavyweight champ. During much of 1935, Joe boxes his way across Europe when a boxing commission makes it temporarily illegal for him to box in the United States. In 1938, Joe joins the French Foreign Legion (Smokey joins with him) after Ann rejects him based on a misunderstanding that suggested infidelity on his part. In November 1940, Joe decides to enlist again, this time in the U.S. Army and gradually becomes far more articulate. Joe has many combat adventures in Europe thereafter. After the war, Joe looks forward to being reunited with Anne Howe but she is apparently lost in a plane crash on her way back from Europe in the summer of 1946. But Anne actually has amnesia. The two are finally reunited and finally married on June 24th, 1949. Joe and Ann soon have two children, . Palooka is not portrayed in the narrative as fighting between 1955 and at least 1965.
Friends and Allies:
Knobby Walsh. Initially owner of a habadashery and Joe’s first employer, later his manager. Knobby is perennially attracted to fortune hunters and women otherwise not good for him..
Mrs. Palooka. Joe’s elderly mother.
Mr. Palooka. Joe’s father, a worn coal miner.
Steve Palooka. Joe’s younger brother who grows up to be the middleweight champion of the world.
Rosie Palooka. Joe’s younger sister, just a girl in the beginning of a narrative, a young woman by the end of it.
Anne Howe Palooka. Wealthy heiress of a cheese company, Anne Howe is Joe’s long suffering sweetheart and fiancé who finally marries Joe in on June 24th, 1949. They subsequently have two children, (as retold in Joe Palooka 44).
Mr. Howe. Anne’s wealthy father, owner of a cheese manufacturing empire.
Mrs. Howe. Anne’s snooty, high society mother.
Joannie Palooka. Joe and Anne’s daughter. x/5x-
Buddy Palooka. Joe and Anne’s young son. x/5x-
Smokey Johnson. Originally an stereotypically subservient African American valet, Johnson gradually emerges as a more serious figure, a sparring partner, trainer and friend. …5/34-x/4x.
General Scallopini. Foreign minister of Hangoveria and a liaison to the country’s dictator. Scallopini is short, bald, pudgy and sports a handlebar mustache. The general is a wily figure who ultimately proves loyal to Joe, who has travelled to Hangoeria for a bout, and the country’s troubled king. 6/34-9/34.
Sheik Ibe-ben-Abou. Good-hearted rogue who is the leader of a hidden city in the Saharan desert of North Africa. One of his men, the brutish Assassin fought Joe in a boxing match during their first encounter. Joe visited there once as a member of the French Foreign Legion and later as a soldier during World War II. 4/38-7/38, 4/43-6/43.
Angela Billingsly. Beautiful dark-haired woman who grows close to Joe during their mutual captivity to North Africa. Angela probably came the closest to providing an actual threat to Joe’s relationship with Ann. 4/38-8/38.
Jean Bateese. French-Canadian boxer who once fought Joe Palooka and now is a trusted friend. Beaten badly by Ruffy Balonki when trying to gather intelligence about his boxing style. He is often described as the Canadian Heavyweight Champion.
Jerry Leemy. Joe’s GI buddy and later business associate after the war. Jerry and Humphrey open a chain of Humphreyburger restaurants.
Humphrey Pennyworth. Gentle but powerful overweight blacksmith that Knobby decides is going to be his next big thing. Humphrey fights and beats both Batise and Balonki before losing to Palooka in a title bout. Opens a series of successful restaurants with Jerry Leemy. x/4x-x/5x.
Prunella Pennyworth. Humphrey’s thin and homely sister.
Dr. Anthony Hunter. Famous physician who falls in love with Anne while she has
amnesia. Joe Palooka 32-33.
Donnie. Loveable young ward of Knobby.
Little Max. Mute sidekick of Joe’s. Remains a boy of no more than nine throughout the narrative.
Notable Adversaries:
Big Leviticus. Hillbilly brawler who crossed paths with Joe several times, always with chaotic results. Originally created by Al Capp and served as a prototype for Li’l Abner. Joe Palooka 39. 10/29/33-11/33s, 2/34-3/34s, 5/34d, x/xx-x/xx, 1/9/43, 11/14/48, 3/63-4/63, others.
Bimmellman. Physically powerful, white-haired Nazi who sports a monocle, Bimmellman is a former Luftwaffe pilot and extremely wealthy gesellshaft industrialist.
He also has a doctoral degree, presumably in physics. Bimmelman was the primary funder of Adolf Hitler and after his death in World War II, the Nazi considered himself “the fuehrer’s heir” and the new fuehrer, interested in conquering the world himself. Bimmellman is first allied with a Dutch Nazi named Drooten and the vicious Schteeger. Of the three, Bimmellman is the only one to escape. Disguised with his hair and beard dyed black, Bimmellman seeks to have Palooka assassinated in the United States. Dr. B. possesses scientific secrets of the atomic bomb, cosmic rays, and other advanced destructive technology. Joe Palooka 9-10, 12-15. 4/45-10/45d, 1/46-7/46d.
Chu-Chu Perez. “The Venezuelan Sensation,” a cocky, aggressive boxer who enjoys knocking out his sparring partners on a whim with whichever fist his trainer picks. His contract is picked up by gangster, Marvin Bonessa. Joe Palooka 31
Drooten. Dutch Nazi of a rubber plantation in the Malay region of the East Indies. Drooten is married to a beautiful, but sadistic Japanese woman and allies with two German Nazis who have fled the collapse of Hitler’s regime in the fatherland. Though never seen, it appears Hitler himself is attempting to reach the plantation to regroup. Joe Palooka 9-10,. 4/45-10/45d.
Eustice Pinkney-Grimes. Arrogant, haughty English boxer who is both strong and technically proficient. Nearly defeated Joe in their two matches in Boston and London respectively. Joe Palooka 40-42, 58-xx. 1949, c1951,
Fredric DeLan. Arrogant actor who Joe fights while playing himself in Hollywood. Joe Palooka 18-19. 11/37-12/37d.
Jack McSwatt. The ill-tempered heavyweight champion whom Joe defeats to replace him.
Jeb Alltrash. Treacherous Arab sheik who frames Sheik Ibe-ben-Abou for the crimes he has committed across North Africa. Joe Palooka 22.
Jess Maber. Western ne’er do well who kidnaps Anne during the period that she has amnesia. c x/46-x/47d, Joe Palooka 25-27.
Joy Allure. Attractive blonde actress who Knobby falls for and helps obtain the part of Ann Howe in a Hollywood version of Joe’s life that Joe himself is starring in. Joy is spied kissing another actor on the movie, Frederic deLan, and to cover herself, tells Knobby that Joe may tell him lies due to his jealous attachment to her. Knobby proceeds to tell Ann, who proceeds to break things off with Joe. Originally Sally Grebbs, Joy ends up storming off the set before the picture is completed and leaves Knobby for an independent film producer. 9/37-2/38.
Marvin Bonessa. Nightclub racketeer who frames Knobby for murder after he foolishly flirts with his girl friend, Judy Fowler. Joe Palooka 29-32.
Motabussa. African chief who dresses elegantly and speaks with an English accent. Smokey takes on the powerfully built Motabussa in a boxing match in which Motabussa soon loses all semblance of civilized behavior. 5/35-6/35d.
Phantom Dill. A slow-moving but vicious powerhouse, Dill attempts to crush Joe’s hand when they shook hands at their weigh in, but Joe saw what he was trying and outdid his grip. Of his bout with Palooka, Dill said, “I’ll bust that sissy wide open!” 6/37-9/37d.
Phineas Sott. Nicknamed “Fainty” Phineas for his tendency to cry foul during his boxing matches, Sott takes the heavyweight title from Joe by underhanded means. 11/34-1/35d…
Ruffy Balonki. Joe Palooka 50-51.
Schteeger. A leader of the Nazi race hatred movement, Schteeger is described as a mass murderer who has ordered the death of millions. Schteeger handles matters of brutality and torture in the alliance he enjoys with Drooten and Bimmellman, fellow Nazis operating in the Dutch East Indies in the closing months of World War II. Joe Palooka 9-10. 4/45-10/45d.
Van Cortridge Smythe. Arrogant and wealthy Ivy Leaguer turned pro boxer. Joe literally bumps into Symythe coming back from Europe on a cruise ship and engenders instant animosity. During his weigh in with Joe, Smythe declares, “I’ll annex Palooka’s title and his girl, too!” This is enrages Joe so much that he knocks him out on the spot, dislocating his jaw in the process. In so doing, their match is called off and Joe fails to get the funds he planned on using to marry Ann. 8/35-11/35d.
V.V. Weidebottom. Off and on again United States congressman, Weidebottom is a conman and scoundrel. Sporting a large belly and thick white mustache and hair, Weidebottom loses an election for his seat in Congress, only to be reappointed when his opponent unexpectedly dies. In the fall of 1936, out of office again and short of money, he agrees to serve as Joe’s manager “in name only” when Knobby Walsh is indefinitely suspended from boxing for questionable behavior. Weidebottom promptly betrays Walsh and makes decisions for Joe that only profit him. When Joe finally frees himself of the schemer, Weidebottom becomes the manager of a new boxer. In a brief 1938 narrative, Palooka and Walsh help the young boxer realize that his manager is stealing from him and help him recover his funds. Once again in Congress, Weidebottom visits the troops in the early forties. Joe Palooka 3. x/xx-x/xx, 12/34s, 1/36s, 6/36-8/36d, 10/36-4/37d, 1/38-2/38s, x/4x.
Sightings:
1949: 665 U.S. newspapers, 125 foreign.
Chroniclers:
Ham Fisher (w) 4/30-x/55
Joe Leff (w) x/55-x/59
Morris Weiss (w) x/62-x/70
Ham Fisher (a) 4/30-x/55
Joe Leff (a) x/55-x/59
Tony DiPreta (a) x/59-11/84
Active: 4/19/30-11/24/84
JOHNNY HAZARD
1944-1977
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Favorite shocked expression: “Sufferin’ Susie!”
Friends and Allies:
Brandy. Beautiful blonde war correspondent and later adventurous peacetime journalist. Brandy is one of two enduring romantic interests for Johnny. 6/44-8/47(ds), 4/48-12/48(d), 1/52-6/52(s), 2/69-5/69(d), 3/70-6/70(d).
The Admiral. With an Abe Lincoln beard. The Admiral decides to marry Fluff Randall, the sister of their buddy Bounce in May 1946, effectively spelling the end of his role as Johnny’s partner in adventures. 6/44-1/47(ds).
Side-Pocket Sam. The diminutive Hardhat works for Sam, in later appearances. 10/45-11/45(d), 7/46-11/46(d), 4/47(d), 4/48(d)
“Blitz” Martin. 11/46-5/47(d), 9/51-1/52(s), 6/52-11/52(s)
Cut-Out Keeley. Johnny’s inept, short and not overly brave co-pilot.1/48-5/49(s), 7/57-2/58(s).
Lisbeth “Liz” Manning. Vice-President of World-Wide Airlines and initially a romantic interest, her status as Hazard’s boss ultimately comes between them. By 1968, Manning is a United States congresswoman. Later, in 1975, Manning has become the head of an international firm called Zeron, Ltd. 8/47-5/49(s), 11/52-5/54(s), 8/68-10/68(s), 4/75-6/75(d).
Baroness Flame. Fearless hunter and collector, her red hair earned her the name Flame. Early in her career, the Baroness was more ruthless and obsessed with capturing prehistoric species she knew existed outside the ken of conventional science. 5/49-6/51(s), 7/52-11/52(s), 5/54-10/54(s), 11/56-3/57(s), 1977(s).
Paradise. AKA, “woman of a thousand faces,” a mistress of disguise and ace government operative. 8/50-1/51(d), 4/52-8/52(d), 9/54-12/54(d).
“Snap” Hunter. Top globe-trotting photo journalist known for the acrobatic effort he makes to get the best shot, Hunter becomes Hazard’s best friend and ultimately fellow agent of WING. 1/55-11/66(d), 1/69-6/69(s), 6/73-12/73(d).
Kitty Hawkes. Top pilot and (for a time) fellow employee with Hazard at Falcon Aircraft. Johnny falls in love with the brown-haired Kitty and the two are very serious for a time. 3/56-12/57(d), 3/62-5/62(d).
“Authentic” Logan. Director of major motion pictures and Hazard’s friend. 6/61-9/61(s), 5/62-8/62(d), 9/76-1/77(s).
Mr. Alpha. The gray-haired head of W.I.N.G. (World Intelligence Network Guardian) and Hazard’s espionage boss from 1966 onward. WING’s headquarters are within a huge, perpetually airborne plane of cutting edge technology. Alpha’s origins are tied to an older Western espionage agency, all of whose top operatives had alphabet-inspired codenames. 10/66-77.
Trimble Cathcart. Mr. Alpha’s inept nephew, Cathcart fancies himself a writer and master of the criminal expose. Alpha often asks Hazard to look after him. 8/68-10/68(d), 2/69-5/69(d), 6/72-7/72(d).
Notable Adversaries:
Bucket-Head. Tibetan bandit …11/48-12/48(d).
Baron DeBris. Self-styled sea “pirate extraordinaire,” DeBris is homely, with a long, thin, protruding mustache. He smokes cigarettes from a holder and fancies himself something of a ladies’ man. 10/46-1/47(s), 12/48-5/49(s).
CLUTCH. Global organization of criminals. 1/67-4/67(d), 10/67-12/67(d).
Countess Destina. 11/52-1/53
Dr. Chameleon. 8/71-11/71(d).
General Mariwana. 1944
Herr Umlaut. 5/52-8/52(d)
Lady Mist. 8/46-10/46(d), 4/47-8/47(d).
Madame Cobra and CLAW. The head of an all-female gang of international criminals. 11/66-1/67(d), 4/67-5/67(d).
Mr. Doll. 5/50-10/50(d)
Orchid. Orchid teams up with Sable in 1945 and again in1951. His last and perhaps greatest scheme was executed in 1969, when he returned from apparent death to brainwash Johnny’s best friend, Snap Hunter, into trying to kill him. 12/45-9/46(s), 8/47-11/47(d), 2/51-4/51(d), 10/54-2/55(s), 1/69-6/69(s).
Renard the Fox. A corrupt physician with hypnotic powers. 1/46-5/46(d).
Sable. Sable has a beauty mark on her forehead and may be Hindu. She teams up with the Orchid in 1945 and again in1951. 12/45-9/46(s), 3/51-7/51(d).
Sequin. 3/59-7/59(d), 12/59-3/60(d).
Tabriz. Attractive Arab woman is the leader of a band of desert marauders. 7/51-11/51(d).
Velvet. Attractive woman fond of leopard skin coats and hats, and her pudgy, beret-wearing boss, Grob. 5/49-10/50(d)
Ventro the Great. And his seemingly sentient dummy, Voco. 1/50-4/50 (d).
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
JUDGE PARKER
1952-2014+
Given name: Alan Parker
Origin:
Attributes:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: From 12/06 to 5/08, Alan Parker isn’t seen in his own narrative, but summons Sam Driver in June 2008 to ask him to represent him in negotiating an advance on a crime novel he’s written, The Chambers Affair. The book is ultimately published to significant success and, by 2012, Driver is called upon to assist in making arrangements for its development into a movie. In retirement, Alan Parker is increasingly a curmudgeon and expresses cynicism about marriage despite an attractive and attentive younger wife.
Friends, Relatives and Allies:
Ann Parker. The Judge’s daughter who often is engaged in ill-advised romances. In 1967 Ann is torn between the attentions of a penniless playboy named Preston Palmer and a struggling young attorney named Dave Williams. 11/52-x/xx, 1/56-x/xx, 10/60-x/xx, x/65-x/xx, 3/67-x/xx..
Randy Parker. Alan Parker’s son and ultimately a judge himself. Originally, shy and sweet, Randy returns from his first year in college in the summer of 1959 over confident and a would be ladies’ man. Randy can be over protective of his older sister, due to her poor choice in men. Randy himself is a light-hearted youth, more than capable of making impetuous choices of his own. Randy ultimately attends law school and becomes an attorney like his father. He is little seen in the narrative from his father’s marriage in 1968 until 1993, when he joins Sam Driver’s law firm. In October 2005, Randy is persuaded to pursue a judgeship in an upcoming elections. The story of his election campaign is told sporadically during the Fall of 2006 and 2007. Giving up his business partnership with Sam Driver after his election victory, Randy is sworn in by his father during Alan’s retirement party in February, 2009. He presides over his first case that April. 5/59-x/59, 2/68, 10/93-present.
Lila. The Parker’s cook and housemother.
Margaret. Judge Parker’s loyal and gray-haired secretary.
Katherine Parker. The Judge’s second wife. The two marry on February 11, 1968.
Jeep. Katherine’s precocious young niece who frequently stays with her Aunt. Little seen after 1968.
Sam Driver. An attorney who often does legal legwork on cases with which Alan Parker become involved. Confident and sometimes cocky, Driver is somewhat domesticated by his romance and later marriage to Abbey Spencer and his co-parenting of her adoptive daughters. As his business grew, Driver took on Parker’s adult son and fellow attorney, Randy Parker. When Randy wins an election to become a judge himself, Driver takes on a new partner, Steve Shannon. 2/18/68-4/14+
Gloria Sanchez. Sam’s attractive, long-time secretary who later falls in love with Driver’s new business partner, Steve Shannon. 3/68-
Abbey Spencer. Wealthy and strong-willed resident of Spencer Farms, a beautiful ranch the Spencer family has overseen for generations. Abbey raises Arabian horses there. She involves Sam Driver in the case of a friend and the two are romantically entangled thereafter. Abbey adopts two girls, Neddy and Sophie, that had been squatting in her ranch. Her oldest friend is Trudi St. James. 8/6/69-4/14+
Trudi St. James. Abbey’s oldest friend who lives in San Francisco and owns a winery with her brother, Keith. Trudi often finds herself in trouble, and has poor taste in men. She once tried to kiss Sam despite her friendship with Abbey. 12/91-x/92, 1/96-x/xx, 5/04-1/05, 6/07-11/07.
Keith St. James. Trudi’s overly protective, short-tempered and often ill advised brother. Keith has shown a romantic interest in Abbey in the past. 1/92-x/92, 1/96-x/xx, 5/04-1/05, 6/07-11/07.
Hope Barton. Aspiring congresswoman and wife to Sy Barton, a best-selling author. Her campaign is undermined by operatives of Preston Langford, the rival candidate. x/92-11/92.
Ezra Barton. Kindly grandfather of Neddy and Sophie, who takes care of the girls after the death of their father and then their mother. Ezra is forced to sell their house to pay for Sophie’s medical bills. Thereafter, the three are homeless and squat on Abbey Spencer’s property until they are discovered. Ezra agrees to have his family stay at the Spencer guest house only if he and the girls work for their room and board. Ezra dies of a heart attack while working at the farm. 11/92-3/93.
Neddy Barton Spencer. Neddy, her sister Sophie and her grandfather were all squatting on Abbey Spencer’s ranch. She was only 14 when she first meets Abbey and initially resents Abbey’s attempts to better shape her future. It soon emerges that Neddy and Sophie are actually wealthy in their own right, having trust funds that were hidden from them by their often manipulative aunt, Rachel Cabot. Neddy has had two significant romances, one with Mark Duncan, the son of one of Abbey’s ranch hands, and later Bob Willard, the doorman at Rachel Cabot’s exclusive club. A talented artist, Neddy travels to Paris to attend art school in 2007 and returns two years later with an aspiring designer in tow. 11/92-5/07, 4/10-10/10.
Sophie Barton Spencer. Younger sister of Neddy, Sophie initially walks with a crutch due to injury that bankrupted her grandfather, Ezra. She is only nine when adopted by Abbey after Ezra’s death. Sophie emerges as a highly intelligent child prodigy, with insights far beyond her years. As she grows older, Sophie often champions social causes, but also tries out to become a cheerleader in 20xx. 11/92-present.
Mark Duncan. Neddy’s longtime boyfriend, the two become involved from when she and Sophie were squatting on Spencer Farms, where Mark lived with his ranch hand father. Added complications to their relationship occur in 1999 when Mark moves to Boston to attend Harvard. 12/92-5/93, 8/93-10/93, 4/94-3/95…, 7/99-8/00.
Cory Duncan. Mark’s father and longtime ranch hand at Spencer Farms. 12/92-3/93, scattered appearances thereafter.
Mimi Doubleday. Engaged to be married to Randy Parker when she first enters the narrative, Randy brings her to his parents for help with her family. Mimi is the daughter of E. Tanner Doubleday, the recently deceased founder of Eon, a multi-million dollar Scientology like cult. Mimi’s brother, Helmuth, orders her return to Eon, via whatever means necessary. Unseen for years, the two break up when Randy refuses to join Eon as a condition for their marriage. 10/93-4/94, 9/05-10/05, 2/06, 5/06-6/06.
Horace Riley. Wealthy owner of Riley Amalgamated, Riley is an old friend of the Parkers and, as it turns out, an old flame of Rachel Cabot. Rachel’s hopes of rekindling their romance are dashed when he marries a far younger woman. On the plump side, with a bushy mustache, Riley also is a power player in politics. In 2005, Horace encourages Randy to run for Alan’s judge seat in when his father retires. When Randy does decide to run a year later, Horace is disappointed when the younger Parker doesn’t ask him to run his campaign but helps him behind the scenes nonetheless. 2/98-6/98, 9/05-10/05, 8/06-10/06.
Cal Reynolds. Old fraternity buddy of Alan’s, now a special operative complete with black eyepatch who works for the Attorney General’s office. Cal enlists Judge Parker’s aid in stemming the tide of human trafficking, which led to the judge getting kidnapping by “the General.” 9/00-1/01.
Alexis Sanchez. Gloria’s glamorous older sister who is drawn to wealthy men, most recently a suave Argentine businessman named Sergio Francesco. 10/01-3/02, 11/02.
April Bower. Originally working as a temporary assistant at Driver and Parker’s law office, April remains there until 2006, postponing her plans to accept a job at the CIA for several weeks. April is woefully over qualified for the role at the office, being fluent in four languages: , and did her Master’s thesis on the economics of the European Union. During this time, April falls in love with Randy Parker and he with her despite the fact that he’s engaged to Mimi Doubleday when they first meet. leaves the agency to become a CIA operative. From the start, she has shown romantic interest in the elusive Randy Parker and the pair ultimately become engaged. 4/04-5/04, 1/05, 9/05-5/06, …, 2/09-3/09, .
Bob Willard. Handsome and good-humored doorman at the country club on Cabot Island. Neddy falls in love with him despite her Aunt Rachel’s objections. Bob’s father was an alcoholic who committed suicide after Rachel cut him out of their highly successful real estate business. Bob’s mother is understandably concerned when she learns her son is dating Rachel Cabot’s niece but is won over by Neddy’s good nature. Neddy is going to forgo her plans to attend art school in Paris to stay with Bob, but Sam convinces the young man to persuade Neddy to follow her dreams instead. 7/04-12/04, 11/05-4/06.
Cedric Hart. Muscular and physically adept, Cedric is a handsome, bespectacled 30-something butler from Canada who temporarily works for elderly Parisian resident Rachel Cabot and therefore assists her guests, Abbey and Neddy Spencer. For a time, Cedric’s beautiful wife Angela stalks Neddy, who she fears will seduce her husband. Cedric always works for very wealthy clients and there appears to be far more to his story than appears on the surface. 1/07-5/07.
Steve Shannon. Decorated war hero and attorney who lost both his legs in Afghanistan but is able to walk with prosthetics. He is drawn to Sam’s sympathetic secretary, Gloria, and she to him. As Driver puts it, “Handsome, talented, accomplished, war hero, single…, what’s not to like?” 12/07-1/08-
Rocky Ledge and Godiva Danube. Country western star and his beautiful wife who has adopted 12 children from around the world. 5/09-2/10.
Julian “Jules” Edgemont. Young shoe designer with whom Neddy falls in love in Paris and out of love once they return to the States. Sam assists him with legal issues related to establishing a business. 4/10-10/10.
Avery Blackstone. Hollywood big wig whom Sam approaches about helming the movie adaptation of Alan Parker’s novel. Blackstone has an attractive dark-haired daughter named Peaches. 5/12-11/12.
Notable Adversaries:
Caesar. Sinister and mostly behind the scenes mastermind behind a scheme to control the world’s water supply. 7/07-10/07.
Casandra Canabar. Dark-haired beauty who heads a bogus peace movement. She charms many a male acolyte, called brothers, including Randy Parker. 5/66-x/66.
Dixie Julep. Former exotic dancer with severe anger management problems. With the help of Driver’s investigations, it emerges that Dixie murdered her lover, Dewey Cheatham, coincidentally the intended publisher of Alan Parker’s novel. 9/08-1/09.
The General. Mastermind behind a human trafficking operation, but nonetheless a cog in a wider multi-national criminal business cartel. 8/00-1/01.
Helmuth Doubleday. Head of Eon, who is willing to resort to kidnapping his own sister, Mimi, to keep her from leaving or threatening the cult-like self-improvement empire. Helmuth himself is under the negative influence of his paramour and administrative aid, Dellas, who is actually siphoning millions off the company without Helmuth’s knowledge. 11/93-3/94.
Maurice Xavier Faron. International jetsetter who romances Trudi St. James, hoping to make her his third wife to access her fortune. Faron dabbles in Arabian horses, an interst he shares with Abbey, but whose purchase he uses for money laundering to cover up his dealings with European heroin cartel. 6/04-12/04.
Max Sparrow. Slick if short New York gangster who has considerable success charming the ladies, despite an obvious lack of breeding. He charms Sandra Deare into assisting him in various schemes, ultimately escaping consequences when Sandra refusal to testify against him results in a jury finding him not guilty on an attempted murder charge. 6/63-12/63.
Rachel Cabot. The extremely wealthy and elderly aunt of Neddy and Sophie, the older sister to their mother, Victoria, whom they barely remember. Rachel lives in a mansion with her subservient son, “Biff” or and his hard-drinking but attractive trophy wife, Allison. Rachel often attempts to control her nieces and wrest them away from Abbey. Rachel lives on Cabot Island, near Puget Sound, and dominates affairs in the upper class community nestled there. In 2004, she interferes with Neddy’s romance with Bob Willard, the son of a former business partner who she likely cheated. In 2007, she shows a softer side in hosting Abbey and Neddy in Paris, but nonetheless pretends to have cancer for sympathy when she is actually suffering from dementia. During this visit she also reveals a 28-year long affair with her chauffeur and butler, Groves. 5/93-10/93, 12/97-6/98, 5/04-1/05, 9/05, 12/06-2/07, 5/07.
Reggie and Celeste Black. Randy Parker’s unscrupulous political opponent for the judgeship. His campaign is ultimately undone by his vicious, alcoholic wife. 8/06-12/06.
“Rusty” Duncan. Went to law school with Sam and the two were apparently involved. Since Mary “Red” O’Riley as Sam knew her and “Rusty” as she is known now has become unscrupulous. Attorney for Caesar, Rusty butts head with Sam Driver over a scheme to buy to a winery which, unknown to its owners, siblings Keith and Trudi St. James, rest on top of a vast water table. Rusty is drawn to Driver and kisses him to seal the business deal drafted in his client’s favor. 7/07-11/07.
Sandra Deare. The trouble-making niece of Martha Deare. She returns infatuated with a New York gangster named Max Sparrow. Her machinations allow Sparrow to escape an attempted murder charge but she ultimately can’t avoid the consequences of her involvement in a fur heist. x/xx-x/xx, 5/63-12/63.
Theresa Delgado. AKA Detective Melanie Chavez and Mary Cortez, a deadly hitwoman wanted by Interpol. When Judge Parker is apparently targeted for assassination, Delgado poses as a detective who “investigates” her only hit attempt. Ultimately her disguise is discovered by Sam Driver, including her true target, Katherine Parker. Abducting Driver, for whom she has fallen for, she reveals her true identity and affection, before jumping off a bridge to her apparent death. But Delgado resurfaces when she is hired to kill Randy Parker. Driver once again intervenes, this time to save his friend. Once again declaring her love for Sam, she never repents and escapes at the end of her failed mission, hoping to escape the wrath of the man who hired her. 6/97-11/97, 10/03-4/04.
Sightings: 11/24/52-present
Chroniclers
Nicholas P. Dallis (w) 11/52-x/90
Woody Wilson (w) x/90-4/14+
Dan Heilman (a) 11/52-x/65
Harold LeDoux (a) x/65-5/06
Eduardo Barreto (a) 5/06-2/10
Mike Manley (a) 3/10-4/14+
Active:
JUNGLE JIM
1934-1954
Original Identity: Jim Bradley
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Kolu.
Notable Adversaries:
Lilli de Vrille.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
KERRY DRAKE
1943-1983+
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance: Otherwise virile and youthful, Kerry has white hair.
Modus Operandi: Kerry begins his career as a special investigator for the District Attorney. Kerry is due to marry Sandy, his faithful secretary in 1953, but she is killed by a criminal couple, Bulldozer and Trinket. After their eventual capture, Kerry’s taste for battling bizarre criminals seems at an end. More conventional crooks are the ticket for some time. Kerry meets an attractive police officer’s widow named Mindy in 1957 and finds love again. The two are married a year later. Mindy gives birth to quadruplets in circa August 1967.
Friends and Allies:
Sandy Burns. Kerry’s secretary who is devoted to his work and secretly in love with him. Kerry finally begins to romance Sandy in the late forties. Her shocking murder by Bulldozer and Trinket profoundly impacts Kerry. 10/43-x/53.
Firetop. Red-haired copy boy at Kerry’s office, especially involved in the Mother Whistler case. 10/43-10/44.
Barr Mallory. The district attorney, Kerry’s boss. 10/43- .
Gabby O’Toole. A talented, if stout and short in stature investigator called in to assist Kerry in his cases. 12/44-10/45… .
Cricket McCall. Crickett is first seen innocently harboring the fugitive Angel Puss, thinking he is a famous actor. Later, complication ensue when her boy friend starts smoking marijuana and dies from a hold-up he attempts while under the influence. Crickett appears occasionally thereafter. 10/45-1/46, 2/49-5/49, x/55-x/56, 8/66-10/66, 2/71-x/71.
GeeGee String. Burlesque dancer who first runs afoul of the law by harboring the criminal Kid Gloves and later becomes involved with Algy Wedmore, whom she ultimately marries. 3/46-8/46, 4/48.
Algernon “Algy” Wedmore, III. Eccentric millionaire with a history of multiple wives and an equal number of divorces. Ultimately marries GeeGee 5/46-8/46, 1/48-4/48, 3/52-5/52.
Julep Frost. A Southern belle turned private detective, Julip goes undercover as a hatcheck girl who spies on her boss, “Keys” West, a dope smuggler and, later, gets involved with a disc jockey known as D.D.T. 7/47-1/48, c5/49-c8/49..
Tennessee Lane. A moody actress whom Kerry assists on two occasions. 8/49-11/49, 2/51-5/51.
Rebel Smith. Attractive brunette with an eye patch. c1/53-x/53.
Dude Cravette. Kerry’s cigar-smoking first partner as a newly appointed police detective, Dude is seriously injured in 1955 when shot in duty. Married, his wife kept a vigil at his bedside. Dude decides to leave police work in 1961 to become an insurance investigator, explicitly to insure he would be around to raise his children and not leave his wife a widow. c12/53-1/61.
Jack Bryson. Kerry’s temporary new partner who has a bad attitude, believing Kerry climbed the ladder without difficulty. x/55-x/xx.
Rocky Mount. Young punk who Kerry realizes is homeless and befriends. Rocky gets a job as a soda jerk and enjoys a romance with Crickett McCall. x/55-8/55.
Mindy Malone. Old high school friends, Kerry and Mindy run into each other after many years. Mindy is married to a detective named Frank Malone. Frank becomes Kerry’s partner at Mindy’s request, an ill advised decision perhaps as Frank is killed on a stake-out in July while Kerry is making a phone call. After Frank’s death, they become close. Kerry asks her to marry him in January 1958, but she turns him down never wanting to marry another detective. He asks again in April and she is agrees. They marry in May of 1958 and have quadruplets in 1967. 6/2/57-
Johnny Colt. New police recruit, Johnny Colt is handsome, fit, a bit full of himself and a charmer. Yet Drake sees his substance, an Army vet who served in Okinawa and has the discipline to hone his body and master karate. As a result, Drake asks for him as his new partner to replace the departing Dude Cravette. Colt proves worthy of Drake’s faith in him. Before long, Johnny settles into a steady relationship with the equally attractive and charismatic Saranade Carter. 1/22/61-5/71…
Saranade Carter. Attractive blonde detective who works under Drake and is romantically involved with Johnny Colt.. …10/63-5/67…
Skinny McKinney. Romantically involved with Jill. …7/64-12/64…
Asia. Beautiful dark-haired princess, infatuated with Drake. Returns for the wedding of Wanda van Allen and Garrie (sp?). x/65-6/65, 1982.
David “Lefty” Drake. Kerry’s younger, private detective brother, “Lefty” is single, something of a ladies man and considerably more hip than Kerry. early/67-6/83.
Dooley Jasper. Runaway and orphan caught by Lefty trying to rob his apartment. Dooley turns out to have some artistic talent and is informally adopted by Steve and Mindy. In 1970 he enjoys an infatuation with an attractive art model named Tory Tiffin. late/68-x/83.
Jimmy Ellis. Mindy’s brother, romantically involved with Jo K. Jones. x/69-x/xx.
Judy Clinton. Daughter of a wealthy father who was once a major underworld figure, Judy is a college student who falls in love with and ultimately marries Johnny Colt. x/xx-x/xx, x/71-8/71.
Happy Stuart. An attractive blonde-haired woman in her twenties, Happy becomes Kerry’s partner after Johnny Colt leaves the force and marries Judy Clinton. Drake is initially skeptical of having a female partner but soon gains respect for Stuart. 8/71-5/77.
The Baroness. AKA Rorie, mysterious European beauty who Lefty falls for, but leaves him, due to her belief in an ancient curse of her family. x/75-6/75.
Notable Adversaries:
Angel-Puss. His associate is a bald man named Dice. 8/45-10/45.
Bearface.
Bonbon Baker. Beautiful forger and con woman. 10/56-12/56..
Bootsie Belmont. Extremely spoiled, selfish and nasty young heiress who lives with her millionaire grandfather. Lefty takes her over his knew and spanks her in 1970. Her irresponsible behavior created a violent romantic triangle with a man named Shiek and his flamenco dancer lover and later caused the death of her fiancé, one Brian Turner? as well as starting a… 2/67-4/67, 11/70-1/71, 10/73?-x/74?, 6/77?.
Bottleneck. Long necked son of Mother Whistler. 10/44-1/45.
Bulldozer and Trinket. Bulldozer and Trinket Brown, A former circus strongman and his midget wife with whom he can hide in his large valise. An attractive woman, Midget enjoys an occasional evening dress when not posing as a child and becomes frustrated when Bulldozer treats her as one. Bulldozer and Trinket are most notable for killing Sandy Burns, whom they tie up in a car and then roll the car into heavy traffic. Drake is only able to obtain satisfaction in a second encounter with the villains. 5/53-8/53, 8/54-10/54.
Bullseye.
Charm Jones. Beautiful villain with a toothy criminal brother named Bunny. x/56?-x/57.
Cozy Caresse. Originally a burlesque dancer at the Gaiety Theater and the moll of Dr. Zero, Cozy later shows up as the money hungry wife of Meatball, though finds herself attracted to his ruggedly virile henchman, Mossy. She survives the deaths of all three men. 8/44-10/44, 11/46-2/47.
Cueball. late/72-x/xx.
Deadpan. 5/49-8/49.
Dr. Prey. Owl-faced villain. 11/46-
Dr. Zero. Owner of Avon Bookstore, Dr. Zero has a hobby of collecting deadly poisons. He is assisted by his moll, a good-hearted burlesque dancer named Cozy Caresse. Kerry Drake 4, 6/44-10/44.
Feedbag. Short and bald, with puffy lips, Feedbag Foster’s interest in crime is only exceeded by his preoccupation with excellent cuisine. His gang consists of his attractive sister, Georgie, and the criminal chef he met in prison, Pierre. When Pierre, screws up badly, Feedbag was torn over whether to kill him, lamenting: “I hate to rub out a swell chef! “ 11/48-1/49.
“Fingers” Nelson. Strangler with notably crazed, beady eyes. Kerry Drake 1, 10/43-12/43.
Frisco. Born Francesca Cicero, Frisco is the sister of the late Tony Cicero, bootleg king of the twenties. A large, powerful woman with short hair and cat-like eyes, Frisco wears a tailored jacket, vest and tie with a conservative skirt and appears to be a lesbian. She calls Satin, a female member of her gang, “Babe.” Vicious and merciless, Frisco later kills Satin’s boy friend, Pearly. Kerry Drake 3, 3/44-6/44.
Giggles. Somewhat pudgy murderer who giggles at the thought of the mayhem he is about to act upon. In his first encounter with Drake, Giggles has a sexy associate named Sequin. 6/61-…, x/64?..
The Goat. x/xx-2/64.
Highbrow. He is assisted by a lovely con-woman named Smoky. Highbrow is killed, but Smoky survives. 1/48-4/48.
Horseshoe. x/52-12/52.
Keys West.
Kid Gloves. His female associate is Ecstasy Martin. x/46-12/46.
Lucious Lucias. Born Luke Loretto, this powerfully built wrestler puts his hair up in curlers and wrestles under the effeminate guise of Lucious Lucias. Lucious is having an affair with Gamble Billyuns, and the pair covet her husband’s wealth. 9/67-11/67….
Madam Adam. Eve Adam, the widow of Adam, this deadly brunette deals in international crime. The sexy brunette is often seen eating an apple. In her second encounter with Drake she disguises herself with a platinum blonde wig and goes by the name Taboo. In her fourth appearance, Madam Adam primarily tangles with Lefty Drake. 1/65-3/65, 6/65-9/65, 4/68-6/68, 7/75-10/75.
Meatball. In the business of raising and selling marijuana, Meatball is extremely overweight. He has a handsome, if extremely hirsute henchman named Mossy and a moll named Cozy Caresse. Kerry Drake 9-10.
Mister Goliath. Stocky, goateed stage performer and mentalist who possesses actual extra sensory powers. Assisted by an attractive blonde-haired woman named Pussycat. 9/65-12/65.
Mother Whistler. Old crone who makes her chicken ranch a safehouse for criminals on the run. She frequently whistles and has four equally corrupt sons, the most successful of whom is named Bottleneck. Another is named Sparrow. Whistler later goes after Vixen Vargo, when she kills another of her sons named Punky after he attempts to blackmail her on behalf of his mother. 8/44-12/44, c3/47-5/47.
Mr. Gimmick. Lives in a mansion wired with many of his electronic innovations. 3/52-5/52.
Nicotine. Chain-smoking head of protection racket. c10/50-c2/51.
“Nine Lives” Katt. Handsome criminal with a hook for one hand who calls his female associates “kittens.” 2/68-4/68.
No Face. Actor Victor Apollo, his face covered by bandages and sun-glasses that glow, as Sandy put it, “Two burning eyes! A slit of a mouth! And nothing else!” He sustained his injuries in a car wreck after catching his wife and another actor in an embrace. He comes back as No Face seeking revenge. Kerry Drake 2, 12/43-3/44.
Profile Preen. His thuggish associate is nicknamed Hardtack. 4/48-
Scratchy Grimes. Unkempt, scraggly bearded hippie interested in fostering leftist demonstrations, all in the service of his Red Chinese masters. 4/66-7/66.
Shuteye. His associate is the beautiful Roulette. Kerry Drake 7-8, 4/45-8/45.
Squirrel. Born Frankie Cicero, Frisco’s brother, “a punch drunk palooka” whose buck teeth and cauliflower ears make him resemble his namesake. He is killed by Dr. Zero. Kerry Drake 4, 6/44-7/44.
Stitches. When escaping from Drake five years earlier, the racketeer had to jump through a glass window, permanently scarring his face with stitches. He is bald with a black goatee, but little of his nose remains and his eyes bulge from their sockets without eyelids, giving his face a skull-like appearance—albeit a skull with ears, a goatee and prominent stitches. 1/45-4/45.
Storm Diebold and Ermine. “The one-eyed monster from West Berlin,” Diebold is a bald headed macho spy who is handsome in spite of the scar running across his face over one eye—often seen with a sky mask over his face in the wintry setting. His lover is Ermine, a platinum “bottle blonde” (per Seranade) who is fond of spotted animal print-wearing associate, Ermine. They wrapped Drake up like a mummy and left him to die. Later, when their scheme goes awry they run afoul of the Apparatus, the secret organization they’ve been working for. c12/65 or1/66-4/66.
Torso. Kerry Drake 13, c5/46-c8/46.
True Blue. Handsome master of disguise. x/77-5/77.
Vixen Vargo. Obsessed with wearing “V” monograms on her outfits. Kerry Drake 16-18, c3/47-5/47..
Whitey Snow. White-haired villain who dresses entirely in white, his associates are named Glorious and Sampson. 12/79-2/80..
Wooly Wilde. 2/49-5/49.
Yo-Yo. c12/49-3/50 (Kerry Drake 33).
1943 Fingers, No Face
1944 Frisco, Squirrel, Dr. Zero, Mother Whistler, Bottleneck
1945 Stiches, Shuteye, Angel-Puss
1946 Torso, Dr. Prey, Kid Gloves
1947 Meatball, Vixen Vargo, Mother Whistler
1948 Highbrow, Profile Preen, Feedbag
1949 Wooly Wilde, Deadpan
1950 Yo-Yo, Nicotine
1951
1952 Mr. Gimmick, Horseshoe
1953 Bulldozer
1954 Bulldozer
1955
1956 BonBon Baker
1957 Charm Jones
1958
1959
1960
1961 Giggles
1962
1963
1964 The Goat, Bugg Skaler, Giggles?
1965 Madam Adam, Asia, Madam Adam, Goliath
1966 Storm Diebold, Scratchy Grimes
1967 Bootsie Belmont, Lucious Lucias
1968 “Nine Lives” Katt, Madam Adam
1969
1970 Bootsie Belmont
1971
1972 Cue Ball
1973 Bootsie Belmont
1974
1975 Madam Adam
1976
1977 True Blue, Bootsie Belmont
1978
1979
1980 Whitey Snow
1981
1982
1983
Sightings: St. Paul Pioneer Press; Kerry Drake 1-33, 1-2
Original Chroniclers
Active: 10/4/43-6/83
KING of the ROYAL MOUNTED
1935-1955
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Pilot Laroux.
Betty Blake.
Kid Blake.
Wolftooth. Native American who secretly worked undercover as a member of the Shark’s gang in alliance with the Mounted Police. 1940. Reprinted in Red Ryder 22-25.
Aurora. Raven-haired mystery girl who assisted in King in a struggle between oil men and Eskimos and was later kidnapped for her trouble. 1941. Reprinted in Red Ryder 39-41, others.
Notable Adversaries:
The Black Bat.
The Firebug. White haired and white goateed arsonist who sought vengeance for… . 1941. Reprinted in Red Ryder 31-33.
The Glowing Ghost. Dressed in a black cloak and flat, wide brimmed hat, the Glowing Ghost only appeared at night wearing a skull mask that glowed in the moon light, truly a striking figure. 1942? Reprinted in Red Ryder 60-63.
The Shark. Pearl smuggler and leader of the Shark Gang, the Shark has a pirate-like appearance with a hoop earring, black and white striped and naval officer cap. 1940. Reprinted in Red Ryder 22-25.
Also a guy in a submarine, a murderous acrobat, lady Robin Hood
Original Chroniclers
Active: 2/35-3/55
LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE
1924-1974, 1979-2010
Original Identity: Annie, last name unknown.
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. For most of 1930 Warbucks is desperately attempting to find a shipwrecked Annie. The pair is reunited that October, but Warbucks is left penniless in 1931 through the machinations of J. J. Shark. That May, Daddy is left blind after swerving to avoid hitting a child while driving truck. With the assistance of Flophouse Bill, who serves as Warbuck’s eyes, Daddy defeats Shark and ultimately a surgery performed by Dr. Lens restores his sight right before Christmas. Warbucks is presumed dead in the summer of 1944, done in by fever contracted in the jungle. But a year later Warbucks returns from the apparent dead. While he is often missing, he is never portrayed as clearly dead in the future. Warbucks returns to his childhood home of Supine in 1956. Details of his youth are also revealed when his “cousin” Uncle Wendell befriends Annie in an extended sequence. Oliver enjoys his first romance in decades with the lovely Angela Pease. Though not without her own complication, Angela is the first truly good woman Warbucks ever falls for. 9/24-10/24, 6/25-12/25, 7/26-8/26, 10/26-1/27, 9/27-10/27, x/xx-x/xx?, 3/30, 6/30-9/31, 11/31-8/32, 11/33-6/34, 10/34-9/35, 1/37, 2/37-7/37, 4/39-8/39, … 2/41-11/41…, 5/42, 6/43-8/43, 7/44, 8/45-9/45, … 2/48-4/48, … 5/51-5/61, x/52, x/54, 3/55-6/55, 4/57-5/57, 3/58-5/58, 9/59-11/59, …2/60, 12/61-4/62, 1/64-4/64, 3/65-5/65, 9/66-11/66, 8/67-9/67, c7/68, 1/69-4/69? (impersonator?),, 8/69-1/70, 4/70-5/70…, 1/71, 4/71, 8/71- , 5/72-7/72, 10/72-12/72,
Sandy. Annie’s faithful and constant canine companion who readily risks his life to defend Annie, sometimes at great physical cost to himself. 1/25, 4/25--x/xx.
The Silos. Friendly farm couple that takes Annie under their wing after she is on the run for the first time. When with Daddy Warbucks, she frequently spends Thanksgivings or sometimes Christmas with them in the earlier years of the narrative. 2/25-6/25, 11/25, 11/26-1/27, 12/28-4/29, 11/30.
Mrs. Pewter. Kindly older woman who takes Annie under her wing for a time. 11/27-5/28, 7/28-8/28.
PeeWee the Elephant. A circus animal who befriends Annie and with who she is later reunited when he is a stunt animal movie and still later when he is performing in a carnival. x/xx-x/xx, 11/35-12/35, x/62-x/62.
Jack Pepper. The first of Warbucks old adventuring associates who befriends Annie and later hears from Warbucks looking for his young charge. 8/29-11/29, 1/30, 3/30, 6/30, 11/30.
Willie the Bear. Friendly lost bear cub adopted by Annie until she stumbles upon Willie’s mother in a zoo. Willie and Sandy get along famously. 12/29-2/31.
Captain Spike Marlin. Old and white-bearded sea captain who befriends an on-the-run Annie by harboring her on his boat. Marlin and Annie are shipwrecked soon after. Marlin, rewarded by Warbucks for protecting Annie, is put in charge of Warbucks’ shipping company in the Orient. 6/30-1/31, 8/31, 3/32-4/32.
Maw Green. Runs the boarding house that Daddy lives in with Annie when he loses his fortune. Warbucks later sees that she gets an anonymous windfall that she manages well and lives a comfortable life thereafter. Maw Green holds conservative political views and isn’t afraid to say them. While she fades from the Annie narrative, she is the star of a short feature at the bottom of Little Orphan Annie Sunday pages from 193x to 19xx. She is last referenced by Annie in September of 1934 while reading a book on fairies that Maw Green gave her. 2/31-6/31, 8/32.
Jake. Jewish shopkeeper who becomes a successful businessman. Daddy’s second wife, Trixie, becomes incensed when Daddy invests a good deal of money in establishing a partnership with Jake in running a prominent department store. With Wun Wey and Flop-House Bill, Jake is portrayed as being among Warbucks’ best friends for several years in the early thirties. 3/31-9/31, 11/31-12/31, 5/32-6/32, 8/32, 12/33, 5/34, 10/34-11/34.
Flop-House Bill. Dwarf and one of Daddy Warbucks’ best friends during the early thirties. Described as having “been a cripple all of his life,” Bill owns a lucrative chain of flophouses. He is loyal and faithful to both Warbucks and Annie 6/31-9/31, 11/3-3/32, 5/32, 8/32, 5/34, 10/34-11/34.
Doc Lens. Physician who befriends Annie while she is on the run and also performs surgery that restores a blinded Warbuck’s vision. 9/31-12/31, 2/32-3/32.
Wun Wey. Wealthy Chinese merchant descended from a powerful family of mandarins, Wun Wey as educated at Oxford and speaks at least eight languages fluidly. He has been a loyal and powerful friend to Warbucks ever since Daddy “did what (Wey) chose to consider a favor for his family.” Wey is very fond of Annie as well and his wide circle of contacts provides him with rich intelligence, as does his uncanny sense of when someone is lying to him. It is gradually revealed that Wun Wey is the “all powerful” head of pan-national society of Chinese loyal only to him. He was captured by a rival Chinese warlord in 1935, but in 1937 it was revealed that the Asp had rescued him. In 1939, he joins Punjab, the Asp and Puck as four soldiers of fortune assisting Warbucks in his monumental battle against Axel. 1/32-3/32, 5/32-6/32, 8/32, 11/32-12/32, 12/33, 5/34, 9/34-11/34, 9/35, (3/37), 5/39-7/39, (7/43), or c44, c1/60.
“Uncle” Dan Ballad. Ballad is a blind violinist with long gray hair who has been reduced to playing on street corners when he is befriended by Annie who adds her voice to his music. The two attain some performance success before Ballad learns he is actually a titled lord and returns to England. 7/33-12/33.
Henry Morgan. “One of the best friends I ever had,” per Warbucks. Morgan and Warbucks shared adventures in Burma. When the two are reunited, Morgan is accompanied by his servant, Punjab. 2/35-9/35.
Punjab. South Asian turbaned giant with mystical powers. When first seen in 1935, Punjab was a servant of Henry Morgan, but thereafter is clearly the most trusted associate of Warbucks and operates out of Warbucks’ Singapore office. Asked to protect Annie from the very start, Punjab gives Annie a dragon whistle that can summon him to her side from anyplace on the globe. Besides having the power to transport himself across thousands of miles, he is also able to send (and retrieve, if he so desires) any person to the land of the genie, a troubling place to any who must dwell there. In 2008, the Asp and Punjab were blown up and presumed killed by Warbuck’s arch enemy, the disembodied Xaxos. 2/35-9/35, 4/37, 5/37, 4/39-8/39, 3/41-11/41…, 5/42, 6/43-7/43, 6/44-7/44, 12/45-1/46, …2/48-4/48, 5/51-6/61, x/52, 6/53-7/53, x/54, 3/55-4/55, 4/58-5/58, 2/62-4/62, 2/64-3/64, 9/66-10/66, 7/67-9/67, 1/69-4/69?, 8/69-12/69, 4/70-9/70, 1/71- 6/72-7/72, 10/72-12/72, -3/08.
Professor Ezra Eon. Extremely eccentric inventor and chemist who creates the wonder substance Eonite that, besides being indestructible, could solve all of the world’s energy problems. He is killed by a greedy mob. 3/35-8/35, 9/99-x/xx.
Jack Boot. Kindly shoemaker who befriends Annie, but who also harbors a dark secret from his past. x/xx-10/36.
The Asp. Burmese assassin and bodyguard in the employ of Oliver Warbucks. Also known in his country as the Grim Reaper. His original name may have been Yen Jing Sher, which is Chinese for asp. In 2008, the Asp and Punjab were blown up and presumed killed by Warbuck’s arch enemy, the disembodied Xaxos. 2/37-6/37, 5/39-8/39, 3/41-…11/41…, 5/42, (7/43), 7/44, 12/45-1/46, 5/51-6/51, x/52, x/54, 3/55-4/55, 4/58-5/58, 3/70-4/70…3/72-6/72, -2/00, -3/08.
Mr. Am. In their first encounter, Mr. Am travelled in a submarine-like craft shaped in the image of a sea serpent. In 2006 and 2007, Mr. Am is variously known as Mr. Was and Mr. Is. When asked why he called himself by different names, his answers tended towards the esoteric and mystical, but he also admitted he had a hard time remembering the reasons having lived so long. 4/37-7/37, c8/81-11/81, 2/84-3/84, 7/88-8/88, c9/91-3/92…4/06, 12/06-2/07, 8/07-10/07, 7/09-8/09.
Blinkey. Blind undercover agent who poses a blind, beggarwoman named Blinkey. After rescuing Annie from a gang attack, he is killed by the man he was trying to bring down, “Snorty” Smith. 1/37.
Abigail Alden. Generous, if poor, widow who is befriended by Annie and a man who served under her late sea captain husband, Shanghai Peg. It ultimately unfolds that her husband was killed by Uriah Gudge, who stole his fortune. 12/37-12/38.
Rose Chance. Attractive young woman who, along with her infant son, was rescued by Annie from a snow drift after having been deserted by her husband, Ace Chance. 12/37-12/38.
Jack Smith. Owner of a trucking line, Jack finds common ground with Annie, a fellow orphan, which helps him open his heart to love with Rose Chance. 1/38-11/38.
Shanghai Peg. Large gray-haired man who served under Captain Caleb Alden, Abigail’s late husband. Along with Annie and Jack, he is key to bringing down Uriah Gudge. 2/38-10/38.
“Tuck” Buckles. Morose World War I veteran with a bum leg who joins Warbucks’ allies to rescue Annie from the clutches of her kidnapper, Axel. Tuck’s expertise in explosives proves very useful. After Annie’s successful rescue, Warbucks hires Tuck as a globe-trotting employee so long as he marries. Tuck obliges by proposing to Dona Dolores, just as Daddy intended. 1/39-7/39.
Dona Dolores. Beautiful Latina woman who pretends to be in the employ of the evil Axel but actually her parents were killed by Axel as part of a foreign revolution Axel engineered. She seeks vengeance for her people. When Axel is defeated, Dona has the option to stay at the hacienda but she opts to marry the brave and loyal Tuck and seek a life elsewhere. 4/39-7/39.
Nick Gatt. 11/39-6/40…
Sam. 2/41-
Bull.
Dr. Zee.
X Panda. Cigar-smoking midget who is just Annie’s size. 5/42-x/42.
Junior Commandos. When Annie leaves the Commandos in January 1943 for a new adventure, she leaves Loretta in change as a colonel and Red Madigan is promoted to a captain. Soon enough they’re at Annie’s side again, helping her in her struggle against the bogus Malcolm Mitt. 6/42-1/43, 3/43-x/43.
Malcolm Mitt. Large birded, bald author who owns an American built castle. In March, the German spy posing as Mitt is exposed when the original arrives. 1/43-7/43.
Kansk. Initially describing himself only as “an observer” or a “stranger,” Annie’s mysterious defender ultimately identifies himself as Kansk, which Annie notes is the name of a city from Axel’s homeland. It appears that Kansk is a physically adept as well as clever freedom fighter from Russia who is able to reduce his old enemy to a dazed and amnesic state. Thereafter Kansk becomes the leader of what’s left of Axel’s gang, thereafter, spouting conservative vigilante wisdom, a sort of Russian Warbucks without the money. 7/48-8/48.
Big Monster. A former gangster turned legit businessman, his adolescent son—nicknamed Little Monster by his peers—takes after his former criminal ways, heading a gang of toughs who harasses Annie and her friends. When Annie is critically injured, it is a blood transfusion from Big Monster that saves her life. 9/48-11/48.
Gypsy Belle. Large old gypsy with wild gray hair who lives in a deserted rock quarry and has a crystal ball with which she can catch glimpses of the future. She befriends Annie, giving her a golden whistle and magic gem. When Annie discovers a fortune, Gypsy Belle muses, “There can be danger and pain in wealth, when it is popular to believe wealth is sin. Look out, my little one. Look out!” Annie’s new wealth is subsequently stolen from her. 1/49-4/49.
Funjab. Punjab’s somewhat rebellious nephew and eighth grade assistant. Like his uncle, Funjab wears a turban and can apparently teleport himself and others. Annie first meets Funjab (who is roughly her age and height) when he appears rather than Punjab when she blows her magical green dragon whistle. In his second appearance, Funjab transports Seeress Khan-Khan from Baghdad to help Warbucks. In 1955, Funjab assists his uncle and Warbucks in their battle against the Duke de Sangre. Another of Punjab’s nephews, Punjee appears in 1995. 6/49-x/49, 6/50-7/50, 3/55-4/55.
Dan Drift. Lazy husband and father who proudly declares that he has “never worked a day in my life. A man who’s good and knows he’s good, never has to worry. No siree! Bound to land on top!” Unlike many such men in the narrative, Dan’s luck continues to hold and his wife Daisy and eight daughters (Lily, Iris, Poppy, Rose, Aster, Lilac, Pansy and Tulip) all manage to live modestly but well. 12/49-4/50.
Seeress Khan-Khan. An attractive young woman who wears a white veil and head covering, the Seeress Khan-Khan is one of many allies of Warbucks who possesses mystical abilities. Residing in Baghdad, the Seeress has powers far-exceeding normal hypnotism. She can look in a man’s eyes and know all of his secrets and can compel him to tell them, as she did with the evil Axel. The Seeress can also place a man into a catatonic state. Seeress Khan-Khan is apparently a close associate of Punjab and enjoys a motherly relationship with his nephew, Funjab. Punjab tells Daddy that “she sees even your life as an open book. That is why she works for you, sahib.” 6/50-7/50.
The Healer. Benevolent gray-bearded figure who has an apparently mystical ability to heal people. He is also an associate of Punjab. 6/53-7/53.
Leprechaun. Feisty magical creature known simply as Leprechaun, he is short and
dressed in his traditional green. 6/55-8/55.
Collar John. Tall, strapping and handsome parson who was an army colonel in his earlier life. 4/56-8/56.
Billy Biline. Handsome, crusading reporter who charmingly flirts with Annie to her embarrassment and slight pleasure. Billy’s target is Al Atilla. 9/58-11/58.
Don Levon. Blind novelist who outwits his housekeeper and her daughter’s effort to murder him. 1/58-3/58.
T. Tiddlewink Tiger. Large, well-dressed man with a questionable background but who can nonetheless state, “I fear no harm because my heart is pure.” He has a gun concealed within his cane that he is not afraid to use. When Annie asks if he has other hidden weapons, he explains, “A person can know too much! Often in this world, it’s what we can forget that is best for everyone.” 12/58-2/59.
Dan Drive and Marlene. Handsome and fit Drive is engaged to the blind Marlene. Both serve as protectors of Annie during one of her many separations from Daddy. In her final appearance, a pregnant Marlene undergoes a procedure that restores her sight. Warbucks is so impressed by Dan that he offers him a partnership and informs him that he will in essence become his adopted son and heir. This is a distinction unmatched by any of Annie’s previous or subsequent benefactors. 9/60-6/61, 12/61-2/62.
Elwood. Intelligent and clothed carnival chimpanzee who is Annie’s companion for several months and later is befriended by Lily Hu She. 3/62-10/62, 4/63
Lily Hu She. A self-styled “Oriental mystic” from Singapore, Lily Hu She accepts a job at a carnival at which Annie has been working, only to find it out of business. She takes Annie under her wing and becomes the rare, larger than life female figure in her life. Lily Hu has genuine powers of E.S.P. and can discern further truths through the use of her crystal ball. She also seems to have a special affinity with animals. Among her minor accomplishments is discerning Annie’s until then unknown birthday as February 29th. On one occasion Lily rescues Annie from a swamp and sees to her reunion with Warbucks. She is an attractive woman who wears a long white gown with a floral print on the bosom. Lily admires the character of and appears attracted to Hairy Wolf. 11/62-4/63, 12/63-2/64, 8/66-9/66, 7/68-x/68.
Primrose. Older Native American woman who has an almost supernatural knowledge of healing herbs and rituals capable of dispelling evil spirits causing Annie’s illness. Primrose’s son is Hairy Wolf.4/63-6/63.
Hairy Wolf. College educated Native American and former major in the military. He was an associate of an “India Indian” named Punjab during the war. He is Primrose’s son and has a nephew Annie’s age named Tom-Tom. Once he secures the vast mineral rights that was trying to cheat him out of, he makes a business contract with Warbucks and becomes a millionaire himself. 5/63-10/63, 1/64.
Mr. Omega. Full name, Alpha Omega. Despite his name, this goateed, middle-aged man has no apparent mystical powers. He is, however, very wise and always carries around with him a stack of books and is fond of quoting from them. 7/68-9/68.
Om Hi. 5/69, 1/70.
Bald Ego. Bald monk dressed only in a loin cloth who resides on a mystical mountain and knows the secret of turning invisible. General Runamoka describes him as a “trickster, sly master of black magic.” 10/69-12/69.
Goldswinger. Powerful jungle man clad only in a loincloth who sports a long, blond beard. Goldswinger is pursued by the peg-legged Cap’n Ahab who blames him for his misfortune. 1/71-4/71.
Honest Tom. Initially anything but, Honest Tom is originally mentored in evil ways by Professor Creepy but is ultimately redeemed. He is white but sports an over-sized Afro and bookish glasses. 11/71-2/72.
“Uncle” Wendell Warbucks. Daddy’s cousin who Annie takes to calling Uncle. The two cousins, Daddy’s “oldest friend” with whom he was raised, schooled and shared hopes and dreams, returns after the two had not seen each other for forty years. Oliver had gone to make his fortune in the world, while Wendell turned inward into the world of books. Only recently has he began to wonder if his life is lacking and he asks if Oliver will let Annie stay with him for awhile so he can show her the wonders of the world. Wendell is an ideological balance to Oliver, believing that money and profits mean nothing if the spirit isn’t renewed. That Oliver might agree with, but Wendell endorses communing with Mother Nature as the ultimate restorer, while Oliver would likely endorse hard work and adventure. 5/72-10/72.
Abu Kaf-tan. 12/79-3/80, x/95-x/95.
Professor Eon. Brother of Ezra Eon. After a long absence, Annie rescues Eon from captivity where he has been reduced to a monosyllabic state, known only as Fuzzy. 5/81…, 12/82-x/83, x/84-x/84, 2/86-3/86, x/86-x/87, x/89-10/89, 6/95-9/95, 9/99-2/00.
F1DO. Intelligent robot, an invention of Professor Eon’s who often comes to the aid of Annie in a pinch. 12/82-6/83, x/86-x/87, 10/88-1/89, 1/00-2/00.
Angela Pease. Beautiful blonde-haired woman whose politics of peace and avoidance of conflict put her at odds with the interventionist strategies of Oliver Warbucks. The two are nonetheless drawn to each other. Angela is Mark Pease’s sister and the abusive Brander King’s estranged wife. She kills him in 1995 in an act of self-defense. 5/81-8/81, 7/83-11/83, x/89-3/90, … 1/95-5/95.
Mark Pease. Well meaning political activist who often uses extreme ends. 9/81-11/81, x/89-x/89.
Hucky Flynn. 3/80-6/80, 6/85-9/85, x/91-x/92, 5/99-9/99,
Snawky. 4/84-8/84, x/90-7/90, 12/99-1/00.
Amity Dodson. 9/85-1/86, 8/90-12/90, 11/99.
Dermot McDermot. Originally appears as the costumed and masked outlaw, the Stinger, Dermot is actually just a brilliant, misunderstood teen-ager who soon becomes good friends with Annie. After his first appearance, he never again adopts the identity of the Stinger. 4/87-7/87, 2/88-4/88, …7/96…, 9/99-2/00.
Minnie Fleck. Older, but still beautiful psychic who is often called upon the police to help them solve cases. Upon reading Oliver Warbucks’ palm, she exclaims, “My, my, you’re not the nicest guy in the world, are you?” Minnie is the mother of a dark-haired beauty named Sondra, the romantic interest of Garth Gustavus, better known as G. G., a brief tutor of Annie’s. When Warbucks is again separated from Annie, Minnie attempts to use her psychic powers to help him find her. 11/93-5/94.
Jack B. Knimble. Youthful gun runner who is nonetheless overly anxious and a friend to Annie. 4/94-9/94.
Punjee. Handsome and brooding adolescent nephew of Punjab. Punjee blushes when Annie comments that he’s handsome. He explains that as a member of the cult of protectors of the sacred sword, he is not allowed to marry. Punjee is close friends with Jim Redfoot, with whom he shares a special bond. …1/96-7/96…, 1/99-5/99.
Jim Redfoot. Handsome Native American man who helps Annie and Taffy find her escaped gorilla, Taffy. Redfoot shares a special bond with Punjee as they both have “ancient souls” as he puts it. Redfoot meets and begins assisting Oliver Warbucks, who once again shows a keen eye for men of courage and integrity. 4/96-10/96...
Amelia Santiago. Excellent pilot and adventuress who befriends Annie for an extended period of time. …4/01-
Constance Gale. Lounge singer and good-hearted opportunist. She was an associate of the murderous Bonefay, attempted to seduce Warbucks and ended up going off with a shady character named Dessinay. 6/01-10/01, 10/02-12/02, 6/06-9/06.
Tom Short. Boy inventor of short stature. His most notable inventions were his luxurious blimps, Red Rover and later Red Raven. 6/01-8/01, 10/02-2/03, 5/03-6/03, 12/03-1/04, 4/04-7/04, 5/06-10/06, 5/07-6/07, 10/09.
Daddy Warbuck’s Double. …8/02-3/04, 12/08-1/09..
Colonel Cleveland Grover. Dismissed from government service, the Colonel or Camel as he is later known sometimes works for Warbucks and sometimes works on his own. He and the adventurous and often troublesome journalist share a romantic connection. 7/08-8/08.
Freddie the Sheik. A short. mustachioed fellow that Warbucks and the American government installed as the figurehead leader of the strategically key country of Ratznestistan. Warbucks, Grover, the Asp and Punjab have all served in his cabinet at various times. Freddie ultimately tired of his role, first seeking a vacation and finally stepping down as President. He has not been heard from since. 8/02?-9/02, 12/02- , 7/03?-11/03?, 1/05-4/05, 2/07-3/07.
Agent Shuter. Homely FBI agent who also works for Warbucks.
Dessinay. Bandy Dessinay is a Belgian soldier of fortune and old friend and occasional rival of Oliver Warbucks. 11/05-12/05, 5/06-9/06, 11/08-2/09.
Dr. Valentin. In Annie’s time, a high ranking member of Les Societe des Argonautes, explorers of ancient mysteries and a key believer in the existence of Atlantis. In ancient Atlantis, Vah-la-tan the Roamer was a leading scientist, inventor of a time machine and the right hand man of Mr. Was, an alternative persona of Mr. Am. 11/06-2/07, 8/07-1/07,
Notable Adversaries:
Al Attila. Hood whose private police force controls the town of Futile Springs. Annie is only saved when she unknowingly assists the mother of an even bigger gangster. 9/58-11/58.
Anson Vail. Warlock son of the famous and secretly sexually deviant Hollywood director, Enver Drood. Vail talked to his pet iguana who he believed to be the Martian Iguana Queen. In his final days, he believed he was the Iguana Queen and began to dress in drag. In the moments after he fell off a cliff and was buried, the blurry image of a space ship could be seen in the sky. 10/04-1/05.
Atropa. Mysterious female figure whose face is entirely in shadows, obscured by an Arab head scarf and headdress. Atropa has forces nearly the equal to Warbucks’, including a powerful bodyguard named Sahara who nearly beats Punjab in hand-to-hand combat and a sinister Arab chieftain. Atropa sends Warbucks into a months long stupor by exposing him to the scent of the mysterious madragora plant, whose leaves take the shape of a female face. In his stupor, all Warbucks can do is repeat the word, “Madragora.” 10/72-12/72.
Auntie Acid. Seemingly, kind grandmother figure is actually a serial killer who locks Annie in an attic when she discovers her secret and attempts to kill all concerned in a massive fire when the authorities catch on. The ghosts of her victims inform Annie that the presumed dead Warbucks is not one of them. c9/54-c12/54.
Axel. Axel returns after the war, now clearly a Russian communist. Daddy believes he has his subdued and travels to Africa, leaving Annie at his mercy and soon on the run again. When Axel finally catches up to her, Annie is only saved by the intervention of a mysterious stranger from Axel’s homeland named Kansk. The stranger cleverly sets up Axel’s butchers—Peter and Pola Petard—to attack their boss thinking that it is Kansk. Axel is left dazed and amnesic. 11/38-1/39, 3/39-8/39, 2/40-6/40, 3/48-5/48, 7/48-8/48.
The Blue Circle. 1/03, , 8/07-11/07, 3/09-4/09, 8/09-12/09+
Bonefay. 7/01, 10/02-11/02.
Boris and Libby Bleek. Con-man and his wife who pretend to be Annie’s biological parents, believing it will bring them financial reward due to her association with Warbucks. Libby’s heart is melted by Annie, but Boris proves to be a wicked scoundrel, especially after Warbucks loses his financial empire that March. He attempts to use Annie in a jewel smuggling scheme once he is back to needing to generate revenue on his own. He ultimately heads up “the Ghost Gang” in committing various robberies before being apprehended. Mrs. Bleek, innocent in terms of these later crimes, is allowed to escape. 1/34-11/34.
Boris Sirob. Formidable, bearded criminal from whom Warbucks himself hid. Per Warbucks himself: “Sirob’s boys are the worst robbers and murderers on earth… He has tie-ups with politics, world politics, a crooked premier or two, a few war lords. He’s smooth and most efficient… plenty dangerous.” Ultimately, Mr. Am is the one to dispatch them, turning Sirob and his men into a group of clamoring monkeys! 3/37-6/37.
Brander King. Handsome schemer who shares criminal associations with many and varied associates, including Stella Han. He marries Angela Pease, of whom he is domestically abusive. Angela ends up killing him in self-defense. 7/83-11/83, 11/86-2/87, 12/89-2/90, 1/95-3/95.
Bronko Denton and Big Bull. 4/01-6/01, 9/01-10/01, 6/04-7/04.
Capt. Blitz. Nazi officer in a wheelchair, still interested in furthering the goals of the Third Reich long after the end of the war. He succeeds in getting his submarine into Boston Harbor but fails in his attempted acts of sabotage. 6/73-8/73.
Count DeTour. Foreign pretender who romances Mrs. Warbucks at the same time as seeking the destruction of Oliver Warbucks’ South American business interests. Mrs. Warbucks and Count DeTour runaway together. x/25-c12/25.
“Doctor” Lontel and Miss Redda. A fraudulent psychiatrist and his assistant involved in a lucrative body disposal scheme which they burn up in an electric furnace in the basement of an inherited mansion. They work in the service of a man named Dandy involved in insurance fraud who pays the pair $10,000 for each body. Annie manages to escape their grasp but is unlucky enough to encounter them the following year. 7/51-10/51, c3/52-5/52
Dr. Ludwig Frost. 1/03-2/03, 5/03.
Dr. No-No. Physician who plotted to make Warbucks increasingly weak while supposedly treating him. Tamara, a beautiful “defector” who wins Warbuck’s sympathies, is actually one of his minions. 4/71-8/71.
Dr. Obadiah Wot. 6/84-8/84, 11/87-1/88.
Dr. Zzyx. Communist agent who wears a pointed wizard’s hat with stars and planets. 2/69-5/69.
Duke de Sangre. European aristocrat who had his “Storybook Castle” transported stone by stone and rebuilt in America. In a lower dungeon he kept Daddy Warbucks chained and imprisoned. 2/55-4/55.
General Runamoka. Traitorous female general of the Asian nation of Urania, a uranium rich country run by King Boola-Boola. Attractive in full military regalia, Runamoka wears her black hair in a beehive and wields a mean whip. 9/69-12/69.
Iron Mike Anvil. Head of a narcotics racket. 2/72-5/72.
Ivan. Powerful Russian communist leader who attempts to assassinate Warbucks by blowing up his plane. When Seeress Khan-Khan sees a lifetime of actions in his eyes, she declares, “You have sent a million souls to horrible death, other millions into hopeless slavery.” In response, Ivan boldly declares that women find powerful men such as he attractive. The Seeress forces him into confessing his crimes and then places him into a catatonic state. 5/50-7/50.
J. Gordon Slugg. Warbucks’ evil financial counterpart, Slugg has financial reserves exceeding 100 million dollars. Warbucks describes him as “vicious, unscrupulous, an octopus,” a big business man “who gives legitimate businessmen a bad name.” Slugg is physically confident, willing to grab a hired killer who disappoints him by the throat. Slugg and Warbucks clash when the former attempts to gain control over the production of Eonite in order to achieve total global dominance. He is ultimately dispatched to the land of the genii by Punjab. 6/35-8/35.
J. J. Shark. Rival businessman who is responsible for behind the scenes manipulations leading to Oliver Warbucks going broke during the Great Depression. x/31-x/31.
Li’l Pushan. Though small in stature, a deadly foreign agent who paradoxically wears baby clothes but talks in a very tough manner and smokes cigars. Involved in trying to either steal or destroy the secret of Daddy Warbuck’s invisible ship, the Nathan Hale. 5/70-7/70.
Ma Licious. Large woman who wears her dark hair up in a bun. She shows no compassion to her employees, firing one woman after 30 years on the job and six months before her pension. She is assisted by Miss Tomaine, a cook. 10/56-12/56.
Miss Asthma. Cruel matron of the orphanage that Annie was brought to as a very young child. Annie is returned to her orphanage in 1928, where she ultimately deserts her charges when her orphanage catches fire. Still later, in 1934, Miss Asthma reappears in the narrative, bribed by the Bleaks to corroborate the story that they are Annie’s parents. 8/24, 10/24-11/24, 8/28-11/28, 1/34-2/34.
“Mother” Magree. Widely known as “the Washington hostess with the mostest,” Magree is actually a cross-dressing man who runs one of the most successful information gathering services for foreign powers in the world. A vicious spy, Magree thinks nothing of striking Annie so hard that she flies across the room. 8/70-9/70…
Mrs. Bleating-Hart. Selfish and hypocritical social worker who takes Annie into her home after Oliver Warbucks apparent death. When she dies mysteriously, Annie is blamed for her death and ultimately stands trial. x/44-c1/45.
Mrs. Warbucks. Oliver’s first wife, a snooty woman who takes Annie home from the orphanage on a “trial” basis. After she sees how quickly her husband bonds with her, Mrs. Warbucks returns Annie to the orphanage as soon as “Daddy” leaves on his first (of many) business trips. When next seen in 1926, Mrs. Warbucks—returned from a humiliating stay in Europe—sees the error of her ways and shows genuine concern for an injured Annie. In October 1937, Daddy informs Annie that Mrs. Warbucks was lost during an ocean storm when their yacht started taking on water. She is never seen again. 8/24-10/24, 8/25-11/25, 9/26-1/37, (10/37).
Peter La Planta. Born Bill Slagg, a ne’er-do-well, aspiring actor and singer and ex-husband and father to Peg Slagg and her son. La Planta is always seeking a fast buck and comes back after failing in the world of entertainment to try to make an easy buck, first by taking advantage of Peg’s friendship with Warbucks and later by selling war munitions secrets to a foreign power. Warbucks saves La Planta when he stumbles and falls into some factory gears in May of 1941. His smashed skull reveals a longstanding neurological condition that likely contributed to his amoral turn. He reforms, becomes head of Warbuck’s factory and remarries Peg. c7/40-x/40, 4/41-7/41, 10/41-11/41….
Phineas P. Pinchpenny. Richest man in the small town of Cosmic City, Pinchpenny holds the mortgage on the house of the Futiles, a poor family who has taken Annie in. While he voices concern about the poor, it is all talk and he is vindictive in seeking the fall of any who defy him. His selfish and arrogant son, Elmer, injures Sandy badly in a hit-and-run accident. When his father chastises him, Elmer reveals that he knows his father crippled August “Limpy” Pincher, the police chief’s son, five years earlier in his own hit-and-run accident. Both Pinchpennys are arrested when their attempted murder of Annie and Sandy comes to light. 8/32-7/33.
Professor Creepy. Sinister appearing villain with a wild, unkempt black beard and balding skull who gleefully mentors Honest Tom in criminal ways. 11/71-2/72.
Rose Redips and Sadie. Sour-faced housekeeper and her voluptuous blonde daughter who attempt to seduce and then murder a blind novelist for his fortune. 1/58-3/58.
Rune. Hired by Daddy Warbucks to be Annie’s tutor, the raven-haired and black-garbed Rune is actually an immortal evil wizard of primordial power, a longtime enemy of Mr. Am. 12/83-3/84, 6/88-7/88.
Senator Overdale. The rather lecherous Overdale maintained an amorous interest in Amelia Santiago, who at one time had been his private pilot. In 2009, Overdale is found dead in his car from an apparent suicide. It soon becomes clear he was eliminated by the Blue Circle, with whom he may have had criminal connections and in any case “knew too much.” x/xx-4/01, 6/02-7/02, 6/04-7/04, 10/09.
Shaddo. 2/85-5/85.
Skip Smith. A master of disguise and assassin. Skip is an agent for fire and despite his willingness to do illegal and nefarious acts for money, he retains a soft spot for Annie. He last poses as Guy Forgeron, supposedly a French scientist, to allow Stella Han access to the revolutionary Verreal technology. 10/80-1/81, 2/83-6/83, x/96-3/96, 9/99-2/00.
Stella Han. AKA Steel Hand, evil niece of the Asp. Han initially associates herself with “Croesus” and his Pan-Continental Alliance, which seeks to rule the world. Like her uncle, she is adept at martial arts. She is last seen being shot into space, accompanied by the Asp who wishes to insure humanity is free of her machinations. 8/82-10/82, 1/86-6/86, 11/86-3/87, 1/98-4/98, 1/00-2/00.
Trixie Tinkle Warbucks. A former actress who has put on weight, Trixie Tinkle is her stage name. Fond of the good life and expensive jewelry, Trixie pretends to also be fond of children as she seduces the normally savvy Warbucks. The two announce their elopement in February and Trixie begins to alienate Daddy from his male friends, including Wun Wey, Jake and Flop-House Bill. She later attempts to rid herself of Annie and Sandy and failing seeks a legal separation as a way to be free of domesticity but keep her hands on Warbuck’s fortune. These manipulations take their toll and Warbucks’ doctor suggest the two take a world cruise. Trixie is never seen again, nor does Daddy explain her disappearance when he returns without her in late 1933 despite the considerable curiosity of many. 1/32-8/32
Uriah Gudge. Villainous banker who holds the mortgage on Abigail Alden’s house. A large, lumbering man, it is later revealed that Gudge killed Abigail’s husband and stole his financial properties, thus becoming the single most powerful man in town. He disappears under mysterious circumstances, as Shanghai Peg—an associate of Abigail’s husband, fulfills his goal of avenging his old friend’s death. 12/37-4/38, 8/38-10/38.
Wolf Gnaf. Corrupt lawyer who has committed murder more than once to achieve his aims. His bald head is his most noteworthy aspect. He has killed two generations of the Sundown family in order to steal their land and attempts to kill a third. 9/57-12/57.
Xaxos. ?, 1/02-4/02, 4/07-5/07, 1/08-3/08, 6/09-7/09.
Sightings:
The Complete Little Orphan Annie, volumes 4-5
Chroniclers:
Harold Gray (w) 8/24-7/68
Elliot Caplin (w) 7/68-2/74
David Lettick (w) 2/74-4/74
Leonard Starr (w) 12/79-2/00
Jay Maeder (w) 6/00-6/10
Harold Gray (a) 8/24-7/68
Philip “Tex” Blaisdell (a) 7/68-2/74
David Lettick (a) 2/74-4/74
Leonard Starr (a) 12/79-2/00
xxx (a) 6/00-x/01
Alan Kupperberg (a) x/01-x/04
Ted Slampyak (a) x/04-6/10
Active: 8/5/24-
LONE RANGER
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Notable Adversaries:
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active: Sundays 9/11/38-9/5/71
MANDRAKE
1934-2013
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: In 1965, a mountain top mansion is given to Mandrake as a gift by a foreign leader whom he’d helped the year before. Equipped with state of the art defenses, electronic surveillance and weaponry, Mandrake names his new home Xanadu. Mandrake and his friends frequently lounge at Xanadu’s swimming pool. Hojo is the hero’s private chef.
Friends and Allies:
Lothar.
Narda. Mandrake and Narda are finally married in 1998.
Theron. Mandrake’s mentor who is later revealed to be Mandrake’s father.
Lenore. Mandrake’s sister.
Magnon. Emperor of worlds. First appeared in Mandrake’s world in 1956 and appears every few years thereafter. 12/56-6/57, x/xx-x/xx, x/xx-x/xx, 9/83-1/84s, 12/90-1/91, 9/91-10/91s.
Jed Bart. AKA Jed Carr, assistant chief of Inter-Intel, a world-wide espionage outfit, and personal friend of Mandrake from 1965 until 1976, when Hojo leadership role is revealed.
Hojo. Mandrake’s private chef at Xanadu. Also a master martial artist. Hojo first joined Mandrakes staff in 1967. He was revealed to be the secret head of Inter-Intel in 1976.
Karma. African princess, Karma is Lothar’s fourth cousin and girl friend. Upon moving to the United States in 1970, she first becomes an agent of Inter-Intel but later settles into the role of a successful model. Karma has a brother who is a rock star named Willy , first seen in .
Professor Alberto. Eccentric inventor who devised an anti-gravity belt, among other devices. 2/83-9/83.
Captain Jon. World explorer and longtime friend of Mandrake, Jon is the captain of a sea-faring vessel named the Kraken. He takes Mandrake, Narda, Lothar, and Karma on a world cruise in which they encounter the actual Kraken, monstrous roks, and bogus sirens. 11/86-6/90, 12/90-1/91s.
Notable Adversaries:
Aleena the Enchantress. Beautiful fellow student of Mandrake’s at the College of Magic. Aleena uses her magic primarily to enchant men. She has had multiple marriages and has her sights set at landing Mandrake himself. 9/73-1/74d, 4/80-12/80d, 9/86-1/87d.
The Brass Monkey. The Clay Camel’s daughter, also amazingly adept at disguise. Following the custom of her father, she leaves her namesake at the scene of her crimes. She believed her father had died of pneumonia, a scenario later proved false. 12/46-3/47d.
The Clay Camel. AKA Saki and Oswald, a master of disguise, the Clay Camel leaves a small clay camel at the scene of his crimes. The Clay Camel has an attractive daughter named the Brass Monkey. 6/35-11/35d, 3/36-7/36d, 5/55-7/55d, 9/70-3/71d, 11/90-1/91d, 6/96-7/96d, 4/00-8/00d.
The Cobra. Assisted by Udd in the 1960s. 6/34-11/34d, 4/37-9/37d, 8/65-4/66s, 1/67-6/67d, 11/69-3/70d, 12/71-4/72d, 8/74-1/75d, 8/84-2/85d, 10/89-3/90d, 4/92-12/92d, 10/95-2/96d.
The Deleter. Alien assassin for hire, one of a profession of Deleters. Mandrake earns the enmity of the Deleters when he prevents one of their kills. Later, one of their group is sent to “delete” Mandrake permanently when they are hired to do so. 10/03-2/04d, 11/06-3/07d.
Derek. Mandrake’s evil brother. Derek has a good son named Eric. 12/48-4/49d, 7/51-9/51d, 8/63-12/63d, 2/76-6/76d, 3/02-5/02d.
Dr. Robot. 5/73-9/73d.
Dr. Xoz. Master of all scents. 10/72-1/73d.
The 8. International criminal organization comprised of eight world leaders and one head, the Octon, a hooded figure who only communicates via televideo. Ultimately the Octon is revealed to be none other than the Cobra. 8/65-2/66d, 9/66-1/67d, 1/68-5/68d, 7/69-11/69, 7/72-10/72d, 9/76-12/76d, 8/77-12/77d, 12/80-3/81d, 2/86-5/86, 9/87-1/88d, 7/89-10/89d, 12/90-4/91d, 4/92-12/92d.
Ekardnam. Criminal magician who operates in a mirror universe in which everything is the opposite from our own. He assisted by Rahtol and Adran, evil opposites of Lothar and Narda. In Mandrake’s third struggle with Ekardnam, Karma also meets her evil opposite. 10/44-12/44d, 8/64-1/65d, 11/91-4/92d.
Goliath. Three-story high super computer that holds all of man’s knowledge. 9/61-1/62d.
The Kraken. The legendary sea monster is encountered by Mandrake. 2/87-7/87.
The Mole. 8/64-3/65s, 12/71-3/72d.
The Ratmen of Rodencia. 1/73-5/73d, 11/80-7/81s.
Segrid. Prince and later king of Montaign. Lacking scruples or moral fortitude, Narda’s brother has a gambling problem that forces him to make deals with unscrupulous men. More than once he has been willing to offer his sister’s hand in marriage to a political villain in order to further his own situation. Despite his shortcomings, Segrid ultimately becomes the king of Montaign. 11/34-2/35d, 9/38-12/38d, 5/39-9/39d, 3/47-8/47d.
The Snarf of Karff. Alligator-headed ruler of one of the worlds under Magnon’s dominion, the Snarf comes to earth to strike up trade relations, but his ignorance of earth customs plus his wildly superior technology creates chaos for earth leaders, including President George H. W. Bush. 3/91-10/91s.
Sightings: -12/29/02s, -8/30/13d
Original Chroniclers
Active:
Mary Perkins, ON STAGE
1957-
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Their romance is thwarted for some months when Peter is falsely imprisoned while on assignment in Turkey. Pete and Mary are finally married on 12/13/59 in Switzerland.
Friends and Allies:
Peter Fletcher. Ace photographer for View Magazine and ultimately Mary’s husband. 8/57-1/58 …
Daisy. A down on her luck, former Follies girl is hired by Mary to be her maid and housekeeper. 6/60-
Nat Blessing. Mary is successful enough to warrant an agent. 9/62-
Johnny Q. Originally a rival for Mary’s affections, Johnny ultimately becomes a loyal friend. 1958, 1/60-2/60, 4/61-6/61, 1/64-4/64, 67, 1/72-4/72.
Maximus. 2/59-4/59, 11/61-1/62, 6/65-9/65
Constance Heath. Mary’s first acting coach. 2/57-5/57, 2/65-6/65
Mike O’Hare. Theatrical director fond of casting Mary in his plays whenever he can. , 1961, 1962
Major Grigori Volkov. 10/64-2/65, 66-67,.
Notable Adversaries:
Anya Kapek. AKA “the Black Nurse.” Originally claimed to be Pete’s first wife while he was suffering from memory lapses. Kapek later returned to try and kill Mary by tampering with her car, seeing her as the only obstacle to having Pete for her own. 12/59-2/60, 3/63-6/63,
Morgana D’Alexius. An adventurer and millionaire, Morgana sets her sights on Pete, unfazed by his marital status. 2/62-5/62, 10/64-2/65
Sightings: 2/10/57-12/79?
Original Chroniclers
Active:
MARY WORTH
Other Identities: “Apple” Mary
Origin: After Mary Worth, a wealthy widow, loses her home due to an ill-advised business deal by her son, she is forced to look after herself and her crippled grandson, Dennie. She does so, during the peak of the Great Depression, by selling apples from a car, earning her the nickname, Apple Mary.
Attributes:
Appearance: Initially a rather frumpy looking gray-haired woman who looks to be in her sixties, Mary becomes more up-to-date in her clothing and hairstyle choices as her fortunes improve.
Modus Operandi:
Apple Mary is befriended in this by a good-hearted but rather foolish fellow named Bill Biff. In 1936, Apple Mary is reunited with her amnesiac son, Slim. She informally adopts a cute little toddler named Sunny the following year. Due to successful treatments, Dennie no longer has to use crutches after 1938.
Mary’s fortune’s gradually improve and she begins running a boarding house in Boonsville, thus losing her Apple Mary nickname forever. Unfortunately, the boarding house is destroyed when a cyclone levels Boonsville. Mary is undaunted. As she comforts Dennie, she opines: “Human beings are like steel blades, my child! They must go through fire to be tempered, and must be ground before they become really useful! There’s work to be done here … among the storm victims! I’ll worry about our future when I get time.”
Mary increasingly wanders across the United States, leaving Dennie and Sunny in an increasingly mature Bill’s capable hands. Her first venture after the cyclone is serving as a grey lady, where she meets Angel Varden for the first time. Between 1940 and 1953, Mary has recurrent encounters with Varden, John Blackston, a politician on the rise, and “Brick” Bricker, a tough talking gal with a heart of gold. The years 1955 through 1961 see Mary reunited with both her son and grandson after a decade’s absence and sees them achieve successful romances of their own. The last Dennie is seen is after the birth of his first son. Thereafter, Mary never again plays the role of great grandmother.
With 1965, Mary meets Frank Crawford, a school principal, his wife Anne and their daughter Jennifer. Stories increasingly revolve around students in Crawford’s high school, allowing the narrative to explore timely stories and conflicts of the youth of the day. Karen Cooper is a rare breed in American comics, an unmarried, pregnant teen-age girl. She later finds happiness in college.
In 197x, Mary bought a condominium in Santa Royale, California in a complex named Charterstone. There she has become far less nomadic and much more involved in the lives of her neighbors and their children. In 1980 she meets Toby and Ian Cameron. Toby quickly becomes Mary’s best friend and confidante and has served that role ever since. Mary subsequently meets Wilbur Weston in 1993 and later his daughter, Dawn. She also meets and begins her long and rather chaste romance with Dr. Jeff Cory in 1996. They often involves themselves in the romances of his physician children, Drew and Adrian.
Jeff Cory has asked Mary to marry him repeatedly and Mary has always declined. She begins to share details from her impoverished childhood in March 2008 and speaks of her late husband Jack for the first time in August 2013. For a time, Mary ghost writes Wilbur Weston’s “Ask Wendy” advice column, relinquishing the task in 2013.
Friends and Allies:
Dennie Worth. Apple Mary’s plucky young crippled grandson, Dennie receives corrective surgery in 19xx that allows him to walk normally. He is an adolescent when Mary leaves him in the care of Bill Biff in 1944. Dennie is told seen in the narrative again until 1955 when he reemerges a Korean War hero and a handsome young businessman working for a department store. He ultimately meets and falls in love with September Smith and reencounters his ne’er do well father in 1961. At this time, September has just given birth making Mary a great grandmother. Perhaps understandably, Dennie is rarely seen in the narrative after that. x/32-x/44, 3/55-6/55, c6/59, 8/61-x/61, 6/63, (ref 12/63, 4/66).
Bill Biff.
Stanford “Slim” Worth. Dennie finds a man with amnesia and brings him to his grandmother. Mary keeps a secret about the man, who is ultimately revealed to be Mary’s long lost son and the father Dennie never knew. As he recovers parts of his memory, he recalls a wife who cheated him out of money. Slim is only an occasional presence in the strip. While he recovers his memory, he suffers from a perennial lack of character. He comes close to redeeming himself in his later years, though his relations with Mary and his now married and adult son remain ambivalent. Finally, in 1963, with a stable love named Muriel, a stable job with Muriel’s father and a redeemed and tested character, Mary releases his inheritance to him. 11/36-4/37, 11/40-2/41, 8/61-1/62…, 5/63-8/63.
Sunny. Sp or Su/37.
Leona Stockpool. 11/39-11/40, 3/42-6/42, c4/48.
John Blackston. Special prosecutor, then governor and finally senator with presidential aspirations, Blackstone is on the fast track. He loves Leona, but their relationship is challenged by his political situations. 3/40-11/40. 3/42-6/42, c4/48,
Tom Kane. Crusading reporter and a loyal friend to Mary, Kane is unsuccessfully romanced by Angel Varden. x/41-3/42.
Flame Darcy. 7/45-10/45, 4/46.
Betty “Brick” Bricker. 7/46-10/46, 1/47-9/47, 10/48-2/49, 8/49, 1/50, 6/52-9/52, 1/53.
“Drum” Greenwood. Mary and Drum’s personality’s clash when they first meet. The rather arrogant though handsome older man declares that he is “Drummond Greenwood the First.” Mary declares, “I don’t care if you’re Henry the Eighth,” and even threatens to call the police on him. Soon enough, the two have fallen in love and it is a case of amnesia that ultimately thwarts an upcoming marriage. 5/49-8/49, (ref 1/50), c3/50-5/50.
Marcia and Vic Devore. A married dance act, their faltering romance is rescued by Mary, whom Marcia comes to consider a surrogate mother. 1/54-3/55.
September Smith. Fashion designer for a department store chain, an elegant, smart-talking young woman that up and department store middle manager Dennie Worth falls in love with and, in June 1955, marries. 3/55-6/55, .
Frank Crawford. Superintendent of schools in Jennings, Ohio, Frank and his wife soon become Mary’s best friends, whom she frequently visits for the next 13 years. Frank harbors a secret from his wife in 1974, deals with the repercussions of a pregnant student named Karen Cooper in 1976, and wins a million dollars on the lottery in 1978. Frank promptly retires from the school system and go off to explore the world, no longer to be seen in the narrative. c/65- , 8/78-x/78.
Anne Crawford. Anne calls on famous former classmate, Angel Varden, for a fundraiser in 1969, sustains serious injuries in a car accident in 1973 and needs to handle the return of an old college sweetheart in 1976. She disappears with Frank after his 1978 windfall. c/65 , 8/78-x/78.
Jennifer Crawford. Emotionally expressive only daughter of Frank and Anne Crawford.
Ultimately falls in love and marries Gatewood Cobb. Later the two experience marital difficulties when Jennifer struggles with only be known as Gatewood Cobb’s wife.8/65-9/65, 8/73, 10/77
Gatewood Cobb. Famous artist who falls in love with and marries Jennifer Crawford. 9/65-10/65, 2/66, 10/77.
Karen Cooper. Senior in school who contemplates dropping out of school due to her becoming pregnant. Karen ultimately gives up her child for adoption. Later, in college, Karen has a romance with a young man named Szymkowski, who is a paraplegic. 9/76-x/76, 8/77-10/77.
Dr. Ian Cameron. A professor of English literature, Ian can be pompous and a snob but has a generous heart beneath it all. overweight, he is white haired and has a beard without a mustache. He is fond of swimming in the condo pool, prompting his snarky sister-in-law to refer to him as a beached whale. 3/80-
Victoria “Toby” Cameron. Ian’s much younger second wife, Toby is an attractive blonde-haired woman who paints miniatures. She earlier on had to struggle with Ian’s alcoholism. 3/80-
Wilbur Weston. A divorced, syndicated newspaper columnist, Wilbur writes the “Ask Wendy” column. He moved into the Charterstone complex in May 1993, quickly becoming a Platonic friend to his neighbor, Mary. He is often involved in the troubled relationships and conflicts of his daughter Dawn. Wilbur is seduced by Toby Cameron’s manipulative sister, Elizabeth Hoag in 2001. His subsequent fledgling romance with Iris Beedie in 2004 is strained by her drug-addicted son, Tommy. In early 2010, Wilbur struggles with the possibility that Kurt Evans, the son of his college sweetheart, might actually be his child as well. In 2013, Iris breaks off their relationship and Wilbur resumes writing “Ask Wendy” from Mary. 4/93-10/93, 10/94-1/95, 8/96-9/96, …x/98-11/98, 5/01-6/02, 5/03-6/03, 10/03, 2/04, 7/04-x/04…11/09-3/10, 1/11-3/11, 5/12-8/12, 9/13-10/13.
Dawn Weston. Wilbur’s daughter, a college student. Dawn lost a significant amount of weight but remains romantically insecure. She lives with her father in Charterstone and is rather unlucky in life and love. Dawn has a brief romance with Sammy, the grandson of Sam Lyons, in 1996. After painful break-ups with Forrest Hills in 2004 and Drew Cory in 2007, Dawn becomes addicted to the internet. In 2012, Dawn goes on an ill-fated cruise with her father and later attracts the attention of one-armed man who is drawn to her due to her resemblance to his late sister. 6/93-10/93, 3/96- 5/96, 8/96-9/96, x/98-11/98, 5/01-6/02, 5/03-2/04, 7/04-x/04… 7/07-10/07, 12/09-3/10, 1/11-3/11, 5/12-12/12.
Bill and Sonia Corey. Couple suffering marital adjustments, Sonia having become the high earning breadwinner, and Bill giving up his teaching to become a stay-at-home father to Joshua. Mary helps in watching the youth, who responds to her because of Mary’s resemblance to his grandmother. At the end of the narrative, Bill’s father, a man with a mustache and a money earning scheme appears. No apparent relation to Jefferson Cory. 3/94-9/94.
Peter Whitlock. Arrogant graduate student who moves into Charterstone but then needs to have a roommate to make ends meet. His fiancée, Claire is none too pleased when the “Bill” he writes about turns out to be Billy Saxman, a female student. Blond-haired with glasses, Peter disdains mundane social interactions, and puts on academic airs, but is a typical male in that he can’t cook and microwaves all of his frozen dinners. Willow smoothes out many of his rough edges and the two are engaged. They marry after futher complications in 1997. 2/95-10/95, 1/97-7/97, 8/97?-x/98, 11/98-12/98.
Billy “Willow” Saxman. Tomboy college student from Alaska with progressive ideals, Willow initially clashes with, then rooms with and ultimately falls in live with Peter Whitlock. The two move to Alaska after they become engaged. They come back into Mary’s life when the two are in an auto accident and are brought to the hospital where Mary is volunteering. They are ultimately married and have blond twins, Pat and Mike. The Whitlocks live on the estate of Minerva Monroe. 4/95-10/95, 1/97-8/97, 8/97?-x/98, 11/98-12/98, 6/00-7/00, 9/00.
“Straight Arrow” Sam Lyons. Lyons is a crew-cut sporting businessman who views business as the ethical practice of war in which one man seeks the surrender of another. Macho and chauvinistic, Lyons is very fit for being a grandfather and owns a gym. He ultimately falls for a high-powered business woman named Helen Dover. 9/95-8/96.
Dr. Jefferson Cory. Widower and a former chief of staff at a major metropolitan hospital, Jeff Cory retired once his two children, Drew and Adrian, graduated from medical school. Cory initially clashes with Mary when he meets her in 1996 at the hospital where she has begun volunteering. “Do you know who I am?” Dr. Cory roars when Mary treats him like any other hospital visitor. “Have a seat,” Mary caustically advises, “Maybe they will find a relative who can refresh your memory!” With a meeting like that, it was inevitable the two would become romantically involved. Soon enough, Jeff is proposing to Mary and she is demurring, with neither a firm yes or an actual rejection. In June 2006, Dr. Jeff leaves for Cambodia to help repair cleft palette’s in Southeast Asian children. When Jeff falls seriously ill, Mary travels to Vietnam to in January 2007 to take care of him and accompany Jeff back to the states. In June 2008, Jeff and Mary’s relationship almost breaks off over the way Mary’s preoccupation with the troubles of others interferes with their own plans. 10/96-present.
Dr. Drew Cory. Jeff’s physician son. Drew, something of a ladies man, romances both Dawn Weston and Vera Shields in 2007. Vera’s ultimate rejection of him leaves Drew heartbroken and he readily accepts Mary’s advice to go to Vietnam in 2008 to further his father’s medical mission there in hopes of redeeming himself. When Drew returns from Vietnam in 2011 to attend his sister’s wedding reception (he missed the event itself) he remains in the states and becomes the object of an obsessive female admirer. 12/96-2/97, 4/97-x/97, 1/00-6/00, 6/02-8/02 … 11/06, 2/07, 6/07-10/07, 1/08-3/08, 1/11, 3/11-7/11.
Dr. Adrian Cory. Jeff’s physician daughter who wears her black hair in a practical, short cut. Adrian finally finds love in 2009 with a police detective, Scott Hewlett, whom she meets when he arrests her conman fiancé, Edward Covice. Hewlett falls hardest first and proposes to Adrian, who only after he is wounded in action. Mary assists in her wedding planning which is marred by her best friend who thinks Scott is socially beneath her. 12/96-1/97, x/xx-x/xx, 3/00-4/00 … 11/06, 2/07, 2/09-5/09, 8/09-11/09, 10/10-1/11.
Minerva “Minnie” Monroe. A gun-touting, tough talking older woman, Monroe comes into Mary’s orbit when Minnie is treated in the emergency room by Drew Cory and he calls his father, Minnie’s regular doctor, while he’s on a date with Mary. Willow and Peter Whitlock come to live at her ranch and their two twins are born there. Minnie next becomes ensnarled with a state attorney named Sylvia Kenwood who challenges her plans for a planned community based on environmental concerns. Minnie is ready to take up her rifle against the tree-huggers, though the two ultimately become fast friends. 12/96, 4/97-7/97, x/xx-x/xx, 11/98-12/98, 7/00-4/01.
Alexa Bennett. Investigative reporter who explores the background of Alan Fulton, a judge running for political office. Fulton turns out to be the father Alexa believed abandoned her and her mother. 7/97-2/98.
Forrest “Woody” Hills. When he first appears, Woody is a graduate student in psychology who pretends to be interested in Liz Hoag at the behest of Dawn Weston to prevent her from making Dawn’s father a fourth husband. After graduating and becoming a professor, Woody and Dawn begin to date but his temper and then his history of severe mental illness ultimately derail their romance. His sister Bev, who helped Dawn and Woody in their first scheme, takes Woody back home to reside in the safety of their wealthy paper mill mogul family. 9/01-6/02, 6/03-2/04.
Iris Beedie. Originally a writing student of Cameron’s, Iris is invited by her professor to attend a party at Charterstone and she moves into apartment 2-A shortly thereafter. She soon strikes up a romance with Wilbur Weston, but Tommy, her drug-addicted son causes her and other residents significant stress. Wilbur helps her through these stressful times and two begin dating off and on. She ultimately ends her relationship with Wilbur off panel in 2013 and moves out of Charterstone to be closer to her son who has only recently been released from prison. 6/04-11/04, 10/06-11/06, 3/10, 3/11, x/14-.
Ella Byrd. 90-year old resident of Charterstone who gives Mary a run for her money as the complex’s best advice giver. Ella appears to have a near psychic sense about people and urges Mary to heed her troubled dreams about Jeff Cory who is then overseas. Ella leaves the complex to her a younger relative. 10/06-12/06, 2/07-3/07.
Vera Shields. Reclusive young woman who comes from wealth but now finds herself needing to work. She is ultimately reconciled with her brother, Von, with whom she had struggled for their father’s affections before he died. Vera is subsequently romanced by Drew Cory, not knowing he has also been dating Dawn Weston. Her ultimate rejection of Drew for a new beau send the handsome physician into a crisis of confidence and conscience. 3/07-10/07, 1/08-2/08.
Scott Hewlett. Handsome, blond-haired police detective who successfully woos physician Adrian Cory after arresting her then current fiancé for fraud. Scott is badly injured during a drug bust in 2009, but ultimately recovers and marries Adrian. 4/09-5/09, 8/09-11/09, 11/10-1/11.
Dr. Mike Roberts. Handsome, middle-aged psychiatrist and a professional associate of the Cory family. Mary sets him up on a blind date with a financial planner named Jenna Thomas, a new friend living at the Charterstone complex. 6/10-9/10.
Ken Kensington. 11/13-x/14.
Notable Adversaries:
Aldo Kelrast. Senior who had lost his wife and becomes obsessed with Mary after she shows him some kindness. A heavy drinker, he dies when he accidentally drives his car off a cliff. Aldo’s sinister intentions were contrasted with his benign appearance which some have said resembled Captain Kangaroo. 7/06-9/06.
Angel Varden. Selfish actress who pursues her own desires often at the cost of others’ and ultimately her own happiness. She and Brick fight for the same man in her final appearance. Years later, in 1969, Mary’s path crosses Angel’s again when it emerges that Anne Crawford is an old classmate of Angel’s. The aging starlet remains as temperamental and self-absorbed as ever. 10/41-1/42, 10/42-1/43, 10/48-2/49, 2/69-x/69.
Colonel Canfield. Con man and card shark who romances Mary. 1/42-3/42.
Corabelle Berkey. Pleasingly plump, grandmotherly figure who offers to clean the apartments of her fellow Charterstone residents at an extremely reasonable price. Only Mary is suspicious of her overly sweet bromides. It emerges that Corabelle is actually a con woman who uses her access to others’ homes to gain access to computer passwords and ultimately to embezzle thousands of dollars from Cameron, Toby, Wilbur and other residents until she is apprehended by the police. The anti-Mary Worth? 9/94-2/95.
Dudley Ford. Self-professed computer genius and ladies’ man, “Dud” seemingly befriends his neighbors in Charterstone, all the while engaging in identity theft and ultimately infecting the military’s computer system with a destructive virus. In the process, Dawn Weston becomes infatuated with his confidence and muscular physique, but is disillusioned when he beats up her boyfriend, Sammy.The war-hating son of a brigadier general, Ford boasts he will never see jail time because he did the military a service by exposing its weaknesses and he will plea bargain in exchange for explaining to them how he did it. 4/98-11/98.
Edward Covice. Posing as Ted Confey, Covice scams Adrian Cory, becoming engaged to her only to claim financial reversals and a need for some financial assistance. Covice confirms Jeff Cory’s suspicions, turning out to be a bigamist. Dark-haired with a trim mustache, Covice had conned several women in the past. He was ultimately arrested and charged with “fraud, bigamy, forgery, (and) tampering with public records.” 2/09-4/09.
Edwin Penwhistle. Homocidal conman who romances wealthy women, marries them and then kills them for the life insurance policy he takes out on them. Mary almost falls into his trap but his warned of Penwhistle’s evil intentions by the police just in time.
Elizabeth “Liz” Hoag. Toby’s manipulative, thrice married older sister who regularly insults Cameron’s age and weight. Cameron and Dawn join forces to prevent the dark-haired siren from seducing a clueless Wilbur Weston. 4/01-6/02.
Goldie Diggs. Beautiful black-haired con woman and “widow” interested in Bill for a recently acquired fortune. After Bill marries her, Goldie’s husband is revealed to be still alive and in on the plot. 6/37-8/37.
Meg Chester. AKA Second Story Maggie, an English conwoman who attempts to romance and ultimately defraud Drew Cory out of five thousand dollars, all the while successfully robbing wealthy residents of precious jewels. Her “father”, Terry Chester, posing as a butler to a wealthy family, turns out to actually be her husband. 12/99-5/00.
Mr. Craftee. A corrupt businessman, Craftee tricks Mary out of her land, which had a rich reserve of oil in it. 2/35.
Mr. Looter. Politically connected criminal businessman who frames Mary for selling illegal goods and sees her arrested, her apple business appearing to be a cover. Even her former friendship with the mayor is not enough to save her. 1936.
Nora Wolvenson. Ambitious career woman who is willing to have a questionable relationship with her boss and lie about a male rival to get ahead. In general, her behavior strains her friendship with fellow Charterstone resident Mary Worth. Nora ultimately sees the error in her ways and gives up her position as vice president in the company. 1/12-4/12.
The River Gang. Waterfront criminals Dennie assists the police in rounding up. 1936.
Tommy Beedie. When Tommy is released from prison after serving time for drug possession, he returns to live with his mother, Iris Beedie, causing trouble for her blossoming romance with Wilbur Weston. Iris is shocked when her son is arrested for dealing meth and nearly causing a fatal overdose in a fellow student. In 2006, Tommy is visited by his estranged mother in prison, where he displays an improved attitude and informs he has found religion. In July 2013, Wilbur informs Mary that Tommy has been released from prison and his mother has moved out of Santa Royale to be closer to his halfway house. 8/04-11/04, 11/06, (ref 7/13), x/14-.
Long Newspaper Runs:
Comic Book Reprints:
Active: 1932-2014+
Writers: Martha Orr, Alan Saunders, John Saunders x/79-1/04, Karen Moy 1/04-14+
Artists: Martha Orr, Kenneth Ernst, Joe Giella
MICKEY MOUSE
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Minnie Mouse.
Pluto. Mickey’s dog. 7/31-
Clarabell Cow. 11/31-1/32, 4/40-8/40,
Dippy Dawg/Goofy. 10/33-
Uncle Mortimer. Minnie’s uncle who owns a ranch out West. 1/33-6/33s, 4/34-7/34d, 5/37-10/37s.
Donald Duck. 2/35s, c3/35d.
Dr. Einmug.
Eega Beeva 9/47-7/50.
Notable Adversaries:
The Bat. The masked villain is revealed to be Don Juilio. 5/34-7/34.
Dr. Vultur. 10/35-1/36.
Eli Squinch. 8/34-10/34, 6/35-9/35.
The Iron Mask. Overthrows the dictator of Mousepotamia with the help of Cinderalla’s rodent friends, Gus and Jaq. 7/50-10/50.
Peg-Leg Pete. Initially a henchman of Sylvester Shyster and later an associate of Eli Squinch, Peg-Leg Pete schemes independently from 1935 on and becomes Mickey’s arch villain. 4/30-x/30, 1/32-5/32, c5/32-11/32, c2/33-6/33, c10/34-12/34, 6/35-9/35d, 8/35-11/35s, c3/36-8/36, 12/36-4/37, c4/40-8/40, 10/41-1/42, c7/43-10/43, c8/44-11/44, c1/49-3/49, c4/52-c10/52,
The Phantom Blot. 6/39-9/39.
Sylvester Shyster. c4/30-9/30, 1/32-5/32, c5/32-11/32, c2/33-6/33, c10/34-12/34, 10/41-1/42, c10/42-1/42, c1950.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
MISS FURY
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Francine. Marla’s maid and later Darron’s nanny.
Cappy. Marla’s loyal doorman.
Peri-Purr. Marla’s pet long-haired white cat. Fiercely loyal, Peri-Purr will attach someone who is threatening Marla.
Dan Carey. Two-fisted New York detective who knows Marla’s secret but never lets on that he knows. By 1943, Carey is a Marine and later a captain. 4/41-7/43, x/44- 8/44, 7/46-12/46, 6/49-8/49, x/50
Gary Hale. Marla’s fiancé who is tricked into marrying the Baroness. Later joins the American Air Corps. A jealous Dr. Dimon arranges for a lethal plane crash. x/xx-x/42, 5/44-8/44.
Era. A Brazilian dancer who leads a group of guerilla fighters against General Bruno. c7/42, early/44, 12/46-4/47…
Albino Joe. Equally at ease half naked in a loincloth or an elegantly tailored suit, the muscular Albino Joe is a Brazilian Indian who was educated as a criminologist at Harvard. A friend to both Dan Carey and Marla. 1942, 5/45-4/47
“Fingers” Martin. Former shady customer gone straight, most visually notable for his unibrow, Martin holds great affection and loyalty for Marla. c7/42-c7/43, 5/44-6/44, 1/46-5/46.
Darron, aka Gary Hale, Jr. The child of Hale and the Baroness, his father doesn’t know of his existence and his mother is disinterested in raising him. As such he is dispassionately raised by Dr. Saraf as the only parent he has ever really known. He is ultimately adopted by Marla. 10/44-
Notable Adversaries:
Baroness Erica Von Kampf. A swastika branded on her forehead, despite plastic surgery, reappears when she is stressed. 5/41-x/41, x/42-4/42, x/44-12/44, 3/49-5/49.
Dr. Dimon Saraf. Handsome Portuguese discredited physician who has had alliance with both the Nazis and General Bruno. He is obsessively in love with the Baroness and has served as the only parent Gary Hale, Jr. ever knew prior to his adoption. Inventor of flesh-eating acid he was willing to use on his foster son to obtain his inheritance. 6/44-3/45.
Edred Alaric Thebold and Karlun Karvun. Handsome and jaded young men actually some two hundred years old. 12/46-6/47.
General Bruno. Bruno soon loses an arm but none of his fierce cunning. 5/41-x/41, 5/42-x/42, c5/43-c6/43, x/44-4/44, 7/47-9/47, 3/49-6/49, 9/49-x/50, x/51.
Whiffy, aka Monsieur Charles Villon. Known by his gangster associates as Whiffy, due to his excessive use of perfume, this effete, overweight figure deals in smuggled jewels and valuable paintings stolen and smuggled out of Germany during the final months of its regime. He insists on his upscale associates calling him Sharles, noting French has no ugly “ch” sounds in its language. Villon is portrayed as queer and escaped both Nazi and Allied forces in drag and does so again in his conflict with former criminal allies. 6/45-5/46.
Sightings: Chicago Sun, Milwaukee Journal, Tacoma Ledger-News Tribune
Original Chroniclers
Active: 4/6/41-9/7/47, 3/6/49-12/23/51
3.6.49 327
5.29.49 339
8.21.49 351
MYRA NORTH, Special Nurse
1936-1941
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Jack Lane. Insurance investigator and Myra’s boy friend. 2/36-x/xx.
Lew Wen. Secret agent of the Chinese government and associate of Lane and Myra. 3/36-12/36…
Fenlin. Bald, gaunt, and mute, Fenlin’s face is frozen in a permanent eerie expression. He dresses in a sinister black overcoat. hat and dark sun-glasses. Myra only later learns that his expression is the result an inadequate plastic surgery after his face . Though emaciated, Fenlin is nonetheless physically powerful. 9/36-11/36
M.
Dr. Jim Jason. Physician and initially a rival of Lane’s for Myra’s affection, he later saves Lane’s life and falls in love with a daughter of a millionaire named Kay Arnold. x/37-x/37, 1/38-3/38d.
Notable Adversaries:
2X. Attempting the murder of a Major Gilder, the mysterious 2X turns out to be the wealthy actor Val Eliford. 11/38-1/39d.
Evil Eye. Aka, the Professor, posing as a conjurer hiding in the woods, he is actually a criminal named “Doc” Mestal. He wears a black fez, and glasses, one pitch black, the other clear. Locals believe his glance can cause bad luck.3/38-5/38d.
Hyster. 2/36-8/36d, 12/36-x/37d, Crackajack Funnies 29..
The Invisible Man. Crackajack Funnies 30-33.
Number One. Masked mastermind who secretly is Eric Cardell. He is assisted by the lovely but deadly Tania. 6/38-8/38d.
Professor Zero. See Red Ryder 3, Crackajack Funnies 29.
The Spider. “A mercenary aviator for several warring nations, an international trouble maker, a ‘bad man with out a country.’” The Spider appears to be a Mexican descent, sporting a five o’clock shadow and Western-style kerchief. He pilots a jet black plane called the Bullet and most recently has focused on air thefts. 9/38-10/38d.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active: Dailies 2/10/36-3/25/39, Sundays 6/12/36-8/31/41
PHANTOM
1936-2011+
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Originally located in India, the nation of Bangala inexplicably is said to be located in Africa by the 1960s. The Phantom marries Diana Palmer in late 1977 or early 1978, with Diana giving birth to twins in June, 1979.
Friends and Allies:
Diana Palmer. An adventuress and heiress whose money is about to run out, due to her charitable efforts on behalf of a children’s hospital her father started. She and the Phantom immediately take to one another, though aren’t married until 1977. In the 1970s, Diana begins to work for the United Nations. 2/36-present.
Guran. Chief of the Bandar Pygmies.
The Girl Phantom. Julie Walker, twin sister of the Phantom of 1870, adopts when the guise of the Ghost who Walks when her brother isn’t available. She appears in subsequent comic books but not the comic strip. 7/52-10/52s.
Rex King. An infant foundling on the doorstep of two missionaries who soon died, the boy was rescued, nurtured and subsequently raised by the Phantom. He was given the name of Rex King because there was something royal in his appearance. In 1969, it was discovered that Rex was actually the lost heir of a kingdom named Baronkhan located in the Misty Mountains. 5/66-11/66s, 1/68-5/68d, x/69-10/69d, 1/82-9/82d, 2/89-8/89d, 12/96-3/97d, 4/05-9/05s.
Kit and Heloise. The Phantom and Diana’s twins, born on June 5th, 1979.
The Jungle Patrol. Led by Colonel Worabu, the Jungle Patrol is a quasi official militia formed by the Phantom out of a band of pirates he defeated in 1952. Now the Jungle Patrol is replenished by recruiting new members from thousands of applicants. The Colonel receives his orders from “the Unknown Commander,” who is actually the Phantom.
Dr. Bjorn Axel. In 1955, a white physician came to Bangalla during colonial rule to start a jungle hospital but finds no support with its white rulers. In the middle of the night, he summoned to come into the jungle where he delivers the infant who will grow up to be the 21st Phantom. The thankful Phantom promises to provide funding for Axel’s hospital thereafter. 6/90-10/90.
President Luaga. Luaga first came to the attention of the Phantom in 1962 when he helped Diana in her capacity as a nurse with an epidemic that was spreading through his people in Bangalla. Later that year he ran for (and won) the new office of president of his country. He has a named . Luaga is formidable in almost every aspect of his person: “a scientist, scholar and althlete with a 10th degree black belt in karate. His political rival is the corrupt and unscrupulous Colonel General Bababu.
Old Man Mozz. Elder of the Bandar tribe, Mozz is the storyteller and keeper of wisdom of his people.
Devil. Offspring of a fierce wolfpack leader named Stan, Devil is the Phantom’s pet wolf.
Hero. Phantom’s white stallion, adopted by the Phantom as his steed in 1965.
Mandrake. Attends the wedding of the Phantom in 1977/78. The Phantom shows up at Mandrake’s nuptials a few years later.
Notable Adversaries:
Babo Bababu. Ambitious and unscrupulous general of the Bangalla army, Bababu first came to the attention of the Phantom when he ran a corrupt electoral campaign against the worthy Luaga. Frequently sent into exile for his illegal activities, Bababu frequently returns, often in cahoots with another overreaching political leader in the region. Bababu is portrayed as overweight and prone to shortcuts, the opposite of the extremely fit and accomplished Luaga in every way. Much to his chagrin, Bababu’s daughter Lila falls in love with and marries Luaga’s on Lon. 10/62-1/63d, 5/68-7/68d, 9/79-2/80d, 12/84-5/85d, 7/86-4/87d. c/91s, 12/94-9/95s.
Captain Amazon. A formidable pirate queen.
The Countess. The first leader of the Sky Band, a group of female aviators and air pirates. Intrigued by the Phantom’s prowess, the blonde Countess ultimately falls for him, though never relinquishes her evil plans. She ultimately takes poison rather than be captured. 1/37-3/37.
Danglor. Internationally renown bank robber. 1/57-4/57s.
Eric Sahara. Aka, the Nomad. c3/11-9/11s, 9/11-4/12s.
General Tara. Sadistic tyrant of the kingdom of Tarakimo. More than willing to torture his enemies if its suits his purpose. Tara is white.8/77-10/77d, 4/78-9/78.
Gooroo. The villain behind G’s Jungle Muggers and the Return of G’s mob. 11/80-4/81d, 9/81-1/82d.
Hydra. Evil organization. Later appears in Fantomen comic books in . 7/68-10/68.
The Python. Wambesi terrorist and murderer, Chatu, aka the Python, is willing to go to any lengths, including releasing the ebola virus on innocent populations, to achieve his ends. His most personally insidious plot involves faking Diana’s death to demoralize the Phantom. Well-built, Chatu is bald and wears army fatigues. He has emerged as the 21sts Phantom’s arch enemy. 4/03-9/03s, 5/06-9/06d, 9/08-12/08d, 8/09-12/09d, 12/10-5/11d, 3/11-9/11s.
Rune Noble. Head of Shadow Security, a group of mercenaries hired to kill the Phantom. c3/11-9/11s, 9/11-4/12s.
Sala and the Sky Band. Sala, a dangerous beauty with short dark hair, is first seen as the apparent paramour of Kabai Singh. It later emerges she is only spying on the Brotherhood for the Sky Band, a rival piracy group. When next seen, Sala is working for the Baroness, head of the all-female aviators. After the death of the Baroness, Sala emerges as the leader of the Sky Band who do battle with the Phantom one more time. From the beginning, Sala is romantically drawn to the Phantom. 6/36-11/36d, 1/37-3/37d, 3/41-2/42s.
The Singh Brotherhood. Prince Achmed Singh is the first agent of the brotherhood to encounter the 21st Phantom. Shortly thereafter he reports to his uncle Kabai Singh. 3/36-11/36d, 2/54-6/54s, 12/94-4/95d, 7/01-11/01d, 9/07-3/08s..
The Thuggees. 8/49-2/50ds, 5/90-8/91s.
The Vultures. Evil group who have been the enemies of the Phantoms since the sixth incaraton. Later appears in Fantomen comic books in . 7/71-11/71.d
The Witchmen. The Witchmen attack Dr. Axel because his “evil medicine” reduces the people’s belief and fear in them. 8/55-10/55d, 10/59-1/60d, (led by a masked Hougan) 1/72-4/72d, 7/90-10/90.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
PRINCE VALIANT
Original Identity:
Origin: When King Aquar is driven out of Thune by the tyrant Sligon, he takes his wife and young son to Britain for refuge. There, Prince Valiant grows into a hot-tempered young man who challenges the squire of a knight in battle. Endearing himself to the knights of the Round Table, Val is taken under Sir Gawain’s wing.
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Valiant is made a knight by King Arthur after he… Val marries Aleta in the 2/10/46 installment of the narrative.
Family
Aguar. Val’s father, king of Thune. 2/37-4/37, 11/38-4/39, intermittently thereafter.
Aleta. Queen of the Misty Isles and later, Val’s wife, Aleta is first seen by Val in a dream suggesting some enchantment is at work. 2/41-12/41. c8/44-
Helene. Aleta’s younger sister. c1/54-4/54, 5/76-10/76.
Arn. Eldest son of Val and Aleta. Falls in love with and marries Maeve. First seen as a babe, 8/47.
Karen. Twin daughter of Val and Aleta. Falls in love with and marries Vanni. First seen in the narrative, 10/51.
Valeta. Twin daughter of Val and Aleta. First seen in the narrative, 10/51.
Galan. Middle son of Val and Aleta. In January, 1961 of the narrative, Galan is born and that April is christened. 11/74-12/74, -11/04.
Nathan. Youngest son of Val and Aleta. With 2001, Nathan—though still just a boy—becomes his father’s squire and they share an extended adventure together. 9/95-10/95, 11/04-
Friends and Allies:
Sir Launcelot. The first knight that Val meets who inspires him to become a knight. Launcelot’s love for Guinevere is only alluded to in 19xx in the narrative. 5/37, 10/38, 1/39, others.
Sir Gawain. Womanizing knight and Valiant’s mentor, the two share many adventures together in Val’s younger years. 5/37-11/37, 2/38-3/38, 10/39, 12/39, 5/40-11/40, others.
King Arthur. 6/37-
Guinevere. 6/37-
Merlin. Full name, Merlin Ambroseus. Merlin is last seen for decades being led into limbo by Nimue. He is seen briefly many years later, blind and infirm, revealing… 6/37-12/58, 12/83.
Ilene. Val’s first love who dies in a shipwreck. 10/37-11/37, 2/38, 7/38-8/38.
Prince Arn of Ord. A rival for Maid Ilene’s affections, Arn ends up giving Val his Singing Sword. 5/38-9/38, 12/48-1/49..
Sir Tristam. Knight of the roundtable and one of Valiant’s early battle companions along with Gawain, most notably against the Huns. He leaves his friends to reunite with the unavailable Isolde. Val and Gawain seek him out years later, only to learn he has been murdered by Isolde’s jealous husband. 10/38, 1//39, 10/39, 12/39, 5/40-11/40, 5/44-6/44.
Sir Kay. 1/39, others.
Slith. Youthful thief who is befriended by Valiant after Slith unsuccessfully attempts to rob him. Slith is loyal and charming in his way, falling in love with and ultimately marrying the messenger, Hulta. 7/39-10/39, 2/40-4/40.
Hulta. “Male” messenger who turns out to be a beautiful, golden-haired woman in disguise. It emerges that she is the daughter of a warrior, the only survivor of a tribe wiped out by the Huns. She adopted male dress to join Valiant’s group to achieve vengeance on the Huns. Once revealed as a girl, she is able to pursue her attraction to Slith. 12/39-4/40.
Boltar. Overweight, feisty Viking pirate who becomes a fast friend of Val’s, described as “a lovable old scoundrel.” Boltar shares many seafaring adventures with Valiant. He marries Aleta’s Native American handmaiden, Tillicum in 1952. 12/41-3/42, 8/42, … 12/49-3/50, 11/51-2/52, 10/52-11/52, 8/60-.
Gundar Hal. A crippled ship builder. 1/44, 1/47-4/48, 3/56-5/56, 8/60-x/xx, others.
Katwin. Tall, red-haired woman of formidable prowess who Val and Aleta meet outside of Paris and hire as her hand maid and to watches over the children as a governess. She leaves Val and Aleta’s family when she marries Captain Helge Hakkon, who loses an arm in his rescue of his beloved. 4/46-2/69.
Tillicum. Native American nurse to Aleta’s children, first cares for Arn. 8/47, scattered appearances thereafter. She marries Boltar in 1952. 11/51-2/52, 10/52-11/52.
Geoffrey. Overly bold adolescent is adopted by the round table knights and becomes a squire. In later years, he will become the historian of Val’s heroic deeds and righteous rule. 6/49-1/50, 12/74-1/75
Rufus Regan. x/50, 4/52-8/52
Alfred. A “merry steward” who is devoted to a white knight named Sir William Vernon of Lydney but who accompanies Valiant for some time. 11/56-10/57.
Helge Hakkon. 9/68-2/69.
Lydia. Daughter of Haakon the Sea Rover who becomes Arn’s fiancée. Lydia tragically dies in a snow slide. c4/73-11/78.
Hatha. The son of Tillicum and Boltar, first seen as an infant 3/53. Later appears as a young Viking who attacks Val and his family, not knowing who they are. 12/72-3/73.
The Wanderer. Mysterious female figure who appears to various individuals and makes prophecies In 1980, the narrative reveals the Wanderer’s beauty was locked away in a casket by a wizard because as a young woman she had mocked a lad who was in love with her. 1/81-3/81, …2/90, 3/91, 9/95, 8/97…
Maeve. A beautiful huntress that Arn encounters after being cast adrift. The two fall in love and ultimately marry, though their romance is complicated by the discovery that Maeve’s father is actually Modred. The two are finally married on Valentine’s Day (1987 in the narrative. Arthur declares their first child shall be heir to his throne. 8/81, 11/81, x/86-2/87.
Yuan Chen. Poor Chinese scholars whose travels take him to Camelot where he becomes Galan’s teacher. 8/82-10/82, 3/87-7/88, 2/89-c3/89, c2/01-3/03.
Vanni. An Italian young man, Giovanni or Vanni for short rescues Karen disguised as a boy. This is the beginning of a romance between the two. Yanni searches for his father, who turns out to be Prester John. Vanni flees China to escape an arranged marriage to a Chinese princess. As told in 1991, Karen and Vanni are finally reunited and agree to marry. 11/88-2/89, c3/89-7/89, 3/91-6/91, and regularly thereafter. There marriage finally takes place in the narrative in January, 1994.
Hildegarde. Wandering physician trained in Sicily is a extremely skilled healer and becomes a key ally of Camelot. 6/91-8/91 …12/93-1/94, 4/03
Cormac. High priest of the Druids, Mordred’s son, Cormac knows both Roman and barbaric martial skills. For all of that, he’s rather shy. As told in October, 1992, Cormac realizes his true parentage to his great distress. 12/91-x/xx.
Ethelbert.
Cordelia.
Skymir. Dark-bearded, Norse chieftain who initially holds Val and Nathan hostage but soon becomes their fierce ally. After Val and he help Makeda regain her throne, he stays in Ab’Saba, seeking a life of ease. 12/05-6/08.
Makeda. African princess of the wealthy and highly developed kingdom of Ab’Saba. 9/06-6/08.
Notable Adversaries:
Alaric. Political leader and behind the scenes manipulator of much that happens in medieval Europe. Even Modred is said to fear him. Alaric appears to meet his end when he is down to his last ally, his blindly subservient Slug, whom he proceeds to insult. Slug cuts a rope, seeing to an apparently fatal fall, then cuts his own rope to show his “loyalty” to his master. Alaric manages to escape even this seemingly certain death, returning to… c5/92-9/92, c11/92-12/92, c5/93, 5/94-9/94, 11/96-c7/97.
Ajax. A villainous steward planted years ago in Queen Aleta’s court to undermine it. Ajax does this by feeding information to raiding pirates. It emerges only with his exposure that he has been serving the Emperor Justinian all along. 10/94-12/94.
Angor Wrack. White-haired pirate and so-called “sea king.” Angor attempts to steal Valiant’s singing sword and temporarily succeeds in making him a galley slave on his ship. The two ultimately become friends. 1/41-10/41.
Attila the Hun. After seeing to the sacking of Rome, Attila meets his death in battle with Valiant and his allies. The menace of his Huns, however, persists. 5/39-7/39.
Brogut. Bald Pict warrior with a circular facial tattoo and scar hailing from the Raven Clan, Brogut also is missing a hand. Even though Val rescues him, Brogut ultimately betrays him in hopes of securing a dragon’s heart all for himself. 1/05-10/05.
The Daughter of D . Is this beautiful dark-haired maniac an actual vampire or simply mad? All anyone knows is that she appears to die in the fire she set to consume her enemies. x/42-x/42.
Dionseus. The cowardly and treacherous husband of Aleta’s sister, Helene. c1/54-4/54, 5/76-c7/76.
El Muluk, the Vulture. Barbary coast villain who abducts Aleta and the twins and takes them to his castle harem. c10/68-11/68.
Emperor Justinian. Justinian’s reemergence as a threat is presaged by the activities of the spy, Ajax, that he planted in Queen Aleta’s court. He is driven to reckless and evil action by the death of his beloved wife, Theodora, and is only dissuaded from taking action against Camelot when Valiant summons her ghost to speak to him from beyond the grave. 9/81-11/82, 12/94-3/95, (1/01-6/02), 3/03.
Emperor Valentinian III. Roman leader during its period of declined, described as behaving “like a bloated, poisonous toad,” which fit both his character and his appearance. 9/40-10/40.
Guy Haakon. c1/42-x/42.
Horridus. Barbarian leader who takes Aleta captive and seeks to isolate Camelot from any trade with other European powers. Horridus uses guile and terror as his two most effective tools. 8/03-5/04.
Horrit. Ugly old witch who prophesizes that Valiant will have many adventures but never find true peace. 3/37-4/37, 11/38.
Kalla Khan. Little seen leader of the Huns. He appears to have been Atilla’s leader and set Karnak the Ferocious on Valiant’s trail. 10/39, 3/40.
Modred. In July, 1991, Modred is portrayed to sneaking into Camelot to see the christening of his granddaughter Ingrid, Maeve’s child. As told in 1993, Modred meets his son Cormac for the first time and attempts to corrupt him. 1/39 (not as villain), 10/46, 9/56-10/56, 8/63-10/63, 11/64, 6/66-10/66, 11/67, 6/80-8/80, 4/81-7/81, 7/84-11/84, 9/85-10/86, 9/89, 12/89-1/90, 6/91-7/91, 8/92-9/92(fb), 12/92-c4/93.
Morgana LeFay. Dark-haired sorceress who is the of Arthur. 3/38-4/38, 9/70-10/70.
Piscaro. Elegantly dressed despot whom Valiant overthrows. 11/39-12/39.
Sherif Ben El Rasch. c5/54-9/54.
Sligon. The once vigorous chieftain who drove Aguar and his family out of Thune and ruled in his place. By the time Aguar is able to muster King Arthur’s forces on his behalf, Sligon has become sick in body and in mind and voluntarily abdicates rather than face Aquar in battle. He leaves his wife and daughter behind as he goes into exile. 2/39.
Tourien. Rival king of Cornwall. 7/48-11/48.
Sightings:
Chroniclers:
Hal Foster. 1-1788.
John Cullen Murphy. 1760-3502. x/71- -
Mark Schultz. (w) 11/04-
Gary Gianni. 3503-pr. 3/04-
Active:
RED RYDER
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Little Beaver.
The Duchess. Red’s aunt and owner of a ranch in Painted Valley, the Duchess is tough talking and soft-hearted, has broad shouldered and perpetually wear pants.
Sheriff Newt.
Beth Wilder. Black-haired beauty and local romantic interest for Red.
Po-ko. Navajo girl and same-age friend to Little Beaver.
White Fawn. Lovely Indian maiden who agrees to rescue Ryder from her tribe in exchange for him marrying her. When her grandfather, the chief, attempts to stop the wedding, she agrees to return to her people if she can choose her own brave for a husband. While Ryder feels trapped into the marriage, he looks oddly wistful when she leaves him at the altar. 1939. Reprinted in Crackajack Funnies 18-19.
Denver Donnelly. Feisty and haughty, but ultimately good-hearted red-haired daughter of a local rancher, sparks fly but nothing comes from the attraction Ryder and she share. 1942. Reprinted in Red Ryder 24-25.
Notable Adversaries:
Ace Hanlon. 11/38-39, c8+/40, 1941, 11/50-c1/52, others. Reprinted in Crackajack Funnies 9-12, 14-15, 30- , Red Ryder 34-35.
Banjo Bill.
Donna Ringo.
One-Eye. One-eyed outlaw who teamed with Ace Hanlon, after the two escaped from prison together. Hanlon let One-Eye take the fall for him and escaped without helping his so-called ally. 194xx, 1941. Reprinted in Red Ryder 34-35.
Stella Stair. 1944. Reprinted in Red Ryder 36-37.
Threefinger. Wanted outlaw adopts the identity of a dead U.S. marshal and becomes sheriff of a town on the look out for him. He is ultimately betrayed my his previously corrupt sister, Rose. 4/40-6/40.
Werewolf of Wolf Creek Canyon. Facially disfigured killer of “superhuman strength,” the wolf’s head-wearing madman lost his mind when half of his face was shot off. who wears a wolf’s head mask. Ryder rescues his wife, after he kidnapped her. 9/39-11/39.
Yaqui Joe. Mexican leader of a gang of killers who terrorize border ranches. 8/39-9/39.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active: 11/6/38-12/26/64?, dailies 3/27/39-12/26/64
REX MORGAN, M.D.
1954-present
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Rex proposes to June in March 1995 after an adventure in which he is stuck in boonies for a matter of weeks and which helps him realize his priorities. The two are married in late 1996 and June gives birth to their daughter Sarah in the Spring of 2000. June realizes she’s pregnant with their second child in April 2013. .
Friends, Relatives and Allies:
June Gale. Morgan’s nurse and long-suffering romantic interest.
Sarah Morgan. Rex and June’s daughter.
Karen . Attractive, wealthy widow with a daughter, Heidi, who has cerebral palsy. Initially interested in Rex but ends up with Cory. c10/54-2/55.
Cory . Handsome suitor of June’s who suffers from epilepsy. He had a long-standing friendship with Karen and ends up proposing to her instead. 11/54-2/55.
Melissa Claridge. 5/78, 1/00-6/00, 11/01-5/02, 8/12, 2/13, others.
Dr. Keith Cavell. Globe-trotting surgeon whose restless spirit has led him to provide medical services from Africa to Vietnam. Cavell is also an inveterate womanizer, falling hardest for Ginny, a nurse at Morgan’s office. Cavell fills in for Brice Adam during his leave in 1978. …11/62-3/63, 5/65-8/65, 7/68-11/68, 5/75-11/75, 9/78-2/79, others, x/93-11/93, 7/94-1/95, others?
Ginny. Pretty, 23-year old blonde nurse who fills in for June during a leave of absence. Keith Cavell falls in love with her and proposes marriage. Ginny leaves Morgan’s practice to care for her ill mother. 7/68-11/68, x/xx.
Brice Adam. Handsome young, brown-haired doctor who joins Morgan’s practice, he is more impetuous than his older colleague. c7/70-8/77…9/78?
Heidi Claridge. Melissa’s nieces, an attractive young woman who is also a compulsive liar. The extent of her deceptions leads her aunt to slap her across the face. x/71-11/71.
Connie Bell. Young nurse hired to assist June in Morgan’s office, but clearly infatuated with her boss. 5/78-9/78.
Dr. Rita Carson. Attractive psychiatrist who is romanced by Keith, hiding the fact of her epilepsy from him for fear of rejection. The two ultimately become engaged, but she wants to wait to get married. 9/78-2/79.
Berna Holt. Sixty-something woman who decides to revitalize her life by going back to work as Rex and June’s office manager and also to finish her college degree after over forty years. The latter sets her into conflict with Dr. Cavell who doesn’t approve of her resulting irregular hours. Berna becomes a reliable figure in the lives of Rex and June, attending their wedding and seeing to it that Melissa doesn’t intervene with June during the delivery of her daughter. 11/93-pr
Dexter Holt. Sixty-something brother of Berna, who is far less ambitious than his sister. She encourages him to take a cooking class, and June has Rex join him. 11/93-6/94, x/xx-x/xx, sporadic thereafter.
Chef Tito. Noted chef who teaches cooking classes as his financial situation worsens. He He ultimately becomes romantically involved with Berna Holt. x/93-x/94, 5/01, others.
Becka Hanson. Rex’s nurse. Storyline hinting at her uncertain marriage with physician Peter is told in 2009. c12/95-x/96, x/xx-x/xx, 9/99-1/00, 6/09-12/09.
Peter Hanson. Handsome young doctor beginning his residency and husband to Becka. Peter is accused of sexual harassment when first seen in the narrative. c12/95-x/96, x/xx-x/xx, 6/09-12/09.
Heather Gray Avery. Sarah’s nanny. 3/00-8/00, 11/02, 2/03-3/03
Milton Avery. 6/03-9/03, x/xx-x/xx, 8/07-9/07, 4/13-x/13.
Niki. Niki is a tow-haired teen-ager who first appears in the narrative snatching June’s purse. It soon emerges he is a likeable young man whose mother is a meth addict and is part of a meth lab. Niki stays with the Morgans while his mother gets drug treatment and Sarah develops a crush on him. Rex begins going on camping trips with Niki through the Big Brother program, trips that are always eventful. Niki’s first crush is on Kelly, Summer Knight’s Goth daughter. 9/06-3/07, 7/07, 9/07-3/08, 8/11-12/11.
Brook. June’s younger and feistier cousin. Brook stays with the Morgan and has a tumultuous if engaging relationship with Tony Toots, a young man with a scruffy goatee who is hiding in June’s basement. 12/09-7/10.
Summer Knight. Office associate of Rex and June, interested in electronic medical records. Summer has blonde hair, a ponytail and glasses. She looks younger than her age and has a rebellious teen-age daughter named Kelly. 6/11-x/11.
Junior Claridge. c10/12-2/13.
Honey Combs. Given name, Valerie. Former exotic dancer taking care of another dancer named Delores who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Befriended by Melissa Claridge’s nephew, Junior. 10/12-2/13.
Notable Patients:
Eric and Derek Remington. 2/58-6/58.
Jack Benton. College freshman whose mental stability is hurt by his use of LSD. 11/66-3/67.
Senator Wesley Thorne. A contender for the presidency, Thorne’s abuse of steroids leads to his increasingly erratic temper. He ultimately withdraws his bid for the nomination once he accepts his problem. 2/68-7/68.
Paul Brant. Handsome, blond-haired boxer who some assume is stupid but actually has an undiagnosed 50% hearing loss. His trainer is an older African American man named Roxy. Babs Van Kirk is an attractive young woman who buys his contract. 8/80-x/81.
Notable Antagonists:
Baru. Brains behind schemes to have his henchwoman Shiela marry men and then kill them for their insurance money. c1/53-2/53.
Hugh Avery. Arrogant son of Milton Avery who attempts to take over his father’s corporation when Milton is presumed lost after a plane crash over the Atlantic. Hugh is bitter because he says he only saw his father twice a year, spending the rest of his time in boarding schools. 4/07-9/07.
Karl Lamon. Hitman and former boy friend of Ginny, Morgan’s nurse. Jealous of Ginny’s emerging relationship with Keith, Lamon becomes increasingly dangerous. It is ultimately revealed that he has killed some 27 men, including two of Ginny’s former boy friends. 7/68-11/68.
Landos. Hypnotist who encourages in his clients an unhealthy emotional dependency on him. 12/53-2/54.
Nancy Willobee. Emotionally unstable psychology professor who attempts to seduce Rex, all the while maintaining a contentious relationship with her students. 10/67-2/68.
Nero. Sleazy owner of an adult night club who gets his best dancer, Jeanie Tang, hooked on heroin. 12/63-4/64.
The Professor. Charlatan who pedals bogus cures at high prices. 3/55-5/55.
Roy Jason. Unscrupulous attorney who tells everyone his wife Kay has a drinking problem in order to gain advantage in divorce proceedings. In the meantime, he is having an affair with a younger woman named Denise. He physically abuses both women and ultimately kills and is arrested for the murder of Denise. 2/79-9/79.
Dr. Bernard Van Bean. In actuality Professor Burrigard, a con-man posing as a romance advisor all to set up an elaborate blackmail scheme. 3/63-7/63.
Dr. Sindoo. Foreign-born medical charlatan who provides false hope to family members of the mentally ill, all the while abusing his own psychiatrically disturbed brother. 5/62-7/63.
“Spider” Webb. Given name Lonne. Shaved head with the slight suggestion of a Mohawk, Spider is a bad-tempered punk who romances and then attempts to sexually assault Summer Knight’s daughter, Kelly. 7/11-11/11.
Willie Rodell. International playboy and ruthless businessman who initially shows only his softer side to June, whom he hopes to marry. Before all is over, June learns he drove one business associate to suicide and was actively undermining the health of another. (referenced 3/69), 8/69-1/70.
Sightings:
Chroniclers
Nolan (a) 6/00-4/14+
Active:
RIP KIRBY
1946-
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Honey Dorian. Rip’s girl friend.
Desmond. Rip’s butler.
Pagan Lee. AKA Madelon. Pagan begins as a member of the Mangler’s gang, but helps Kirby undo the plans of her employer. Her past continues to trouble her, even as she adopts a new identity as Madelon. 1946, 1947, 1949, 1952.
Toledo Steele. Attractive female private detective and Kirby’s rival.
Ma Casino. Cigar-smoking casino owner. 1970, 1/73-5/73, 1974?.
Rosie Rimfire. 1974,
Notable Adversaries:
The Chameleon. 9/65-12/65.
Christopher Crostic and Miss Merlin. 7/67-11/67.
Doctor Destiny. Sinister Egyptian mystic who apparently falls to his death but return decades later to bedevil Kirby again. 11/58-2/59, 6/77-9/77.
“Fingers” Moray. A gambler and a one-time and future associate of the Mangler. 1947, 1952.
Johnny Paragon. Rip’s criminal match in almost every aspect. 1/72-6/72.
The Mangler. Escaping from Alcatraz, a brilliant if brutal thug known only as the Mangler hooks up with his old partner in crime and passion, Pagan Lee, to devise a scheme to obtain a chemical that can cause instant death upon contact. Several years later, in 1950, he joins forces with and ex-Nazi named Frisco Fritz to regain wartime booty. Mangler ultimately kills his partner in an unsuccessful effort to secure the treasure. By 1952, after Pagan refuses to rejoin his criminal efforts, the Mangler hires “Fingers” Moray to kill her. Subsequent encounters with Kirby have the Mangler showing no signs of mellowing. 6/46- /46, 6/50-9/50, 5/52-9/52,1955 … 4/75-6/75, others.
Mr. Monarch. Airplane hijacker who sports a black eyepatch. 11/67-3/68.
The Owl. Leader of a drug ring. 6/73-8/73.
“Pen.” Literally kills his enemies with a poison pen. 8/63-12/63.
The Scorpion. Modern-day pirate. 3/63-8/63.
The Shark. AKA Peter Albion. 3/68-7/68.
Original Chroniclers
Active:
SCORCHY SMITH
1930-1961
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Hansel Hartley.Knew Smith during his barnstorming days, later a military officer. ?, 7/36-
Betty. Smith’s original romantic interest. After neglecting her for a number of adventures, he comes back to see her only to find her engaged to a feckless fellow named . , 9/35-10/35.
Spike Drugan. Former lion tamer and early companion in adventure. 2/35-7/35.
Pudge. 2/35-7/35
Himmelstoss. Former adversary turned friend out of respect and gratitude when Smith saves his life from an angry mob of General Armara’s enemies, Himmelstoss is also exceptional pilot and ultimately wins the hand of the young woman to whom Smith is also drawn. Calls Smith “Scorcher Schmidt.” 8/35-8/36.
Michael “Mickey” LaFarge. As Mickey explains, “My mom wuz Irish—she wanted a boy—but it was me—so she called me by that name! I ain’t had much schoolin’! An’ I’m a gomboy! An’ it’s none o’ your business anyhow!” Joins Smith and Himmelstoss in their adventuring after the death of her father. Ultimately gets engaged to Himmelstoss. 10/35-8/36.
Amos Faulkner. Professor of the Aboriginal Institute, who hires Smith to fly his party to Mexico. Famous Funnies 122-126.
“Hunch” Mantell. Big time ex-gambler. Famous Funnies 122-126.
Marita Mantell. Colleague of Faulkner and daughter to Hunch, the lovely dark-haired Marita also expresses romantic interest in Scorchy. Famous Funnies 122-126.
Professor Kadaver. Despite a sinister appearance, the bald and slender Kadaver actually turns out to be an ally. (Famous Funnies 144-146).
Notable Adversaries:
Armara. General in the South American country of Huaca. 7/35-8/35.
Cyril Synde. Except for his affectation of a monocle, Synde looks exactly like Scorchy. (Famous Funnies 198-201).
Dan Glider. Unscrupulous pilot, former transport pilot, now barnstormer and air racer who will do anything to win a purse. His actions caused the death of a pilot pal of Smith’s, motivating Scorchy to engage him in a race. Glider’s plane is named The Flying Cobra. Famous Funnies 132-134…
The Dragon. Slender and fit Japanese crime boss with an elegant dragon tattoo on his back. (Famous Funnies 169-170…).
Etienne Lang. Monocle-wearing villain who operates in China. He assisted by Gerda, a beautiful platinum blonde who ultimately goes soft on Smith. Famous Funnies…175-181.
General Zaro. Short and pudgy Mexican revolutionary, an “honorable outlaw” who is aimable towards Scorchy even as he threatens him with murder. Famous Funnies 128-129.
Himmelstoss. Monocle-wearing ace German aviator, early adversary of Smith, who later encounters Smith in service of General Armara. x/34-x/34, 1/35-2/35, 7/35.
Rufus Krag. Corrupt schemer, bald with a small mustache, Krag enters into a business deal with Mickey LaFarge’s father and then kills him. 10/35-1/36.
Talon. A beautiful blonde Eurasian, daughter of a Chinese warlord named the Golden Cat and a Russian beauty. (Famous Funnies 184-188).
Wu. Powerful Chinese warlord. Famous Funnies …94-99…
Yellow Hawk. Chinese guerilla leader who trades with both sides, Yellow Hawk is a small, older man and entirely bald. He is assisted by several beautiful Chinese women, including Eastern Flower and White Poppy. (Famous Funnies 199-203).
Sightings: Famous Funnies …78-203
Chroniclers:
Active:
SECRET AGENT X-9/CORRIGAN
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Notable Adversaries:
“Beady Brusst. Defector. 3/84-6/84.
Corbeau. , , 7/72-9/72.
Dr. Seven. With July of 1972, Dr. Seven’s alliance with Corbeau and Lucian Omar—collectively, Triad—was revealed. 4/71, 1/72-4/72, 7/72-9/72, 2/73-5/73
Joe Ice. Deadly American hitman hired by Madame Lei to eliminate Corrigan. 1/69-3/69, 6/72-9/72
Acting Director Kroi. In June 1984, he is transferred to head up defector Beady Brusst’s E Agency, where he will need to command Corrigan’s feisty female counterpart, Jennever Brand. 3/84-6/84.
LuShan. Same as Madame Lei? -4/71, 1/72-4/72
Madame Lei. Chinese agent of the same organization that sponsored Chang’s struggle with Corrigan in 1968. It later emerges that the head of her organization is Dr. Seven. 1/69-3/69, .
Mr. Magnus. Sun-glasses wearing criminal kidnaps scientists for sale to foreign powers. 1/67-4/67.
Millicent Murkley. Stout older woman who favors sun glasses, pearls, cigarette holders, hats, capes and a cane she is more than willing to use as a weapon. Assisted by her sons, the brilliant Willard (adept at brainwashing), the brutal Tobin and the powerfully built Eustis. Her family used to be conventional criminals, but Mr. Murkley’s “lack of vision” contributed to his demise. Now the family traffics in espionage and sabotage. In her second struggle against Corrigan, Murkley’s beautiful daughter Amanda is introduced, ultimately turning against her mother. 9/67-12/67, 3/69-6/69.
Lucian Omar.
Adrienne Widdoe. Beautiful brunette who employs slave labor (criminals on the run whom she cons out of their ill-gotten gains and uses as work horses) to achieve maximal profit from the Caribbean gold mines she inherited from her honest father. She is assisted by Captain Drumm, who is enamored of the cold-hearted Widdoe. 4/67-6/67.
Chroniclers:
Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson 1/67-
Active:
SMILIN’ JACK
1933-1973
Original Identity: Jack Martin
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Smilin’ Jack marries Joy Beaverduck on November 24, 1940, but she later dies. Jack marries a second time, Sable Lottalotta in November 23, 1949. They have a son, Jungle Jolly. He also marries decades later.
Friends and Allies:
Mary Smith. 12/33-9/39…
Dixie Lee. Air hostess and Jack’s onetime fiancé. …6/36-9/39…
Fat Stuff. Overweight island native, “civilized” due to his time in “white man’s prison,” aids Jack when his plane crashes near his island. 10/38-
Downwind Jaxon. Old pilot friend of Jack’s since their barnstorming days in Texas, reunited after Jack’s prison break from Limehouse. 3/39-
Joy Beaverduck Martin. Wealthy aviatrix who has attempted to keep Jack and Dixie Lee apart. Jack married her on November 24th, 1940. She later died.…6/40-x/41, c9/42-c12/44.
Cindy. Aka, the Incendiary Blonde. Cindy ultimately marries a man named Rex and they have a child named Melody. Until Sable becomes Jolly’s step-mother, Cindy often serves as a surrogate aunt for young Jolly. 6/41-c3/43, c9/45-12/45, 4/49, , and many other cameos..
Cherry. Cindy’s equally beautiful blonde daughter, to whom she gave birth at the tender age of 14. Cherry rejects her mother’s attempts to make her distrust all men due to the fact that Cherry’s father deserted Cindy. Cherry and Stretch Martin fall in love and ultimately marrying. The two have a daughter named Melody together. 8/41-x/xx.
Stretch Martin. Smilin’ Jack’s younger brother. Stretch settles down before Jack, marrying a sweetheart named Cherry, with whom he had a daughter, Melody, and a second child on the way. Jack is updated on Stretch’s missions in Korea, in a heartfelt letter from his brother. 8/41-7/48, 7/52..
Rex Martin. Smilin’ Jack’s older brother who was falsely imprisoned years before for a crime that he didn’t commit. Cindy, despite her distrust of men, can’t resist Rex’s charms upon his release from prison and the two marry.
Jungle Jolly Martin. Joy and Jack’s son, to whom Joy gave birth during a period of amnesia. His mother tragically dies, and Jack must raise him on his own. In 1949, the 8-year old Jolly is instrumental in getting his father and Sable back together, as he wants Sable for his new mother. By 1956, Jolly (the Jungle aspect of his name and character has been dropped) is a teen-ager capable of romantic adventures all his own. He joins the military and is, of course, an exceptional pilot. . .c11/42-c12/44, 3/49-4/49, 5/56-11/64…
Wagon Wheels. Young millionaire infatuated with Cindy.
Walkie Talkie. Woman whose shapely legs are the only thing that is ever seen.
Sable Lottalotta Martin. AKA, Supersonic Sable, a wealthy woman and competitive female pilot. Jack and Sable fall in love. Gradually discovering the vast holdings she inherited are riddled with debt, Sable loses everything in July 1949. Sable and Jack are married on November 23rd, 1949 and thereafter struggle financially like any other young American couple. They raise Jolly and in May 1950 Jack learns Sable is pregnant. Jill Martin arrives soon after. But who is Smilin’ Jack, Jr.’s mother? c1/47-
Brassnucks Chuck/Beck. A handsome pilot initially reluctantly involved with the schemes of Pearly Curly and later suspected of smuggling and romancing the lovely Topaz for her inheritance. Brassnucks gradually emerges as a heroic, if flawed figure. He enjoys a brief romance with Zircon, the lovely young daughter of his latter employer, Big Think. 9/48-11/48, 2/53-10/53.
Jill Martin. The daughter of Sable and Jack, a young teen by 1959.
“Hot-Rod” Happy. Sable’s long lost brother and thus Jack’s brother-in-law who likes fast cars and planes. Initially opportunistic and frankly lazy, the impulsive and reckless Hot-Rod gradually develops more commendable traits and takes over as one of the primary heroes of the narrative for a few years. 2/49-7/51.
Lava-Lava Vesuvius. Attractive daughter of Lt. Vesuvius, the hot-tempered head of the academy at which Hot-Rod is training. Years later, Lava-Lava later ends up going native and is seen romantically involved with Jolly Martin. 11/50-6/51.
Kameeleon. Beautiful counterspy who is gleaning Russian secrets, but actually working with Jack. Kameeleon dies saving Jack’s life from communist killers. 9/51-2/52.
Pandora. A freelance writer, Pandora attempts to win her way into Jack’s affections by letting him rescue her in the water and teach her to fly. Sable, suspicious, learns she is a championship swimmer and already has her pilot’s license. Pandora ultimately proves herself in Jack’s struggle with Rod Rocket. 5/52-9/52 … 2/53, 11/53-3/54.
Professor Marusha Krasna. Beautiful, pro-Western Russian scientist adept with a gun who helps Jack rescue a captive American scientist, Doctor Fusion. 8/54-10/54.
Jagg Jetson. Jack’s new boss who is highly invested in advanced technology 7/56-6/57…
Jett Jetson. Jagg’s temperamental blonde daughter who has an on-again, off again romance with Jolly. 7/56-3/57…
Prince Pyro and Sirocco. …7/59-11/59…, 4/60-7/60
Sulky Smith. Daughter of a billionaire named Saddlesoap and an aspiring pilot who maintains a feisty romantic tension with Jolly. 8/60-2/61…
Curly Cool. Corporal and assistant to Jack. 5/61-12/61.
Left-Out “Lefty” Miller. Associate of Jack’s and early space pilot. 12/61-3/62
Rush Miller. Adventurous son of a wealthy producer of rockets and other objects of speed. 2/64-11/64…
Smilin’ Jack, Jr. The son of Sable and Jack.
Sizzle Boom. Jack, Jr.’s romantic interest. The two marry on April 1st, 1973 after a tumultuous courtship. …x/72-4/73.
Notable Adversaries:
Action Galore. Female athlete and pilot working for the communist Chinese and later revealed to be an associate of the Head. 11/63-2/64.
Beat Beatnik. A scruffy fellow with an unkempt mustache and five o’clock shadow, Beat is the leader of the Gobwops, a nationwide group of subversive elements. 3/59-7/59.
Biceps Maidenswoon. Muscular, well-dressed and handsome blond-haired cadet who initially seems to only be the annoying fiancée of Hot-Rod’s romantic interest, Tall Timber Tessie. As such, he undermines Hot-Rod’s progress as a cadet in pilot school. It emerges that Biceps’ motives are far more sinister. As an agent of the Crimson Hammer, he is seeking to undermine morale at American military bases through false rumors, and once graduated hopes to steal America’s most advance jet-propulsion plane for his communist masters. Ultimately rejected by his commie allies due to failures in his mission, Biceps is on the run with no shelter, lamenting why he ever betrayed his own country. 10/50-9/51.
Big Think. A short villain with an oversized head who likes to pose, while contemplating, like the Thinker. Big Think tricks Brassnucks into working for him and later is assisted by the physically formidable Warhead, whose cylindrical, bald head earned him his nickname. While traitorous to the core (Big Think schemes to sell uranium reserves to the communists), he can’t bring himself to refuse his beautiful daughter, Zircon, anything. 7/53-10/53, 1/54-2/54.
The Claw. Muscular and shirtless bodyguard of the Head. 8/38-10/38, 12/38-1/39.
The Crimson Hammer. Beautiful, dark-haired European working for the communists, the Crimson Hammer is seeking to steal American aviation technology. The Crimson Hammer is assisted by the Eel and Agent 577G, better known as Biceps. Cold and cruel, the Crimson Hammer rejects Biceps’ romantic overtures. 5/51-9/51.
Diablo. Sinister pilot who is working with the communists in a plot to set fire to America’s forests across the nation. By 1960, he is a general and allied with the voluptuous Vibora, the fiancé of corrupt ruler. Diablo and Vibora are both communists and the sworn enemies of Prince Pyro. 10/57-12/57, 5/60-7/60.
Dude Duncan. Smilin’ Jack lookalike. Jack ends up adopting Dude’s characteristic mustache. 7/36-
Giggles. Sober-faced villain who seeks revenge on Jack after having been imprisoned by him over twenty years ago. He gathers several other former enemies of Jack’s in an ambitious attempt to bring him down. 6/50-9/50.
The Hand. An unseen, behind the scenes mastermind, The Hand turns out to be the beautiful Widow Valentine Heartface, an agent Jack thought was working with him to bring down the villain. 3/53-5/53, 9/53.
The Head. Diminutive, bald and fish-eyed, the Head is also diabolical. By 1947 and again in 1958, the Head is working for Russian communists in far-reaching schemes, including one to allow the Russians to gain control over global weather. By 1964, the Head is working for the Chinese communists, along with the voluptuous Action Galore and Ying-ho. When Jack comments on his shifting allegiances, the Head coolly replies, “I am always loyal to the highest bidder!” 8/38-10/38, 12/38-2/39, c8/47-2/48, 2/58-4/58, 12/63-2/64, others, cameo 4/73.
Hong Kong Hatchet. Hatchet-faced counterfeiter who uses Southeast Asian casino’s to distribute his counterfeit money. Pursued by Jack and the Polynesian beauty Nani-Lina. 8/58-12/58…
Jato. Nickname for a speed hungry beauty, Jato stands for Jet-Assisted Take Off. Always wearing harlequin-styled sun glasses, Jato attempts to steal Stretch, Smilin’ Jack and finally Hot-Rod Happy from their respective sweethearts. 2/48-8/48, 4/49-6/49.
Lady Longlegs. Behind the scenes mastermind of a smuggling enterprise, Lady Longlegs commands operations while lounging in skintight leopard prints, forever stretching out her long, shapely legs. Her underlings include Uncle River Rat and Rocky, a youthful pilot who infiltrates Jungle Jolly’s teen pilots’ club. 10/54-x/55.
Limehouse. Former prison guard. 11/38-3/39.
Lullabye. Wide-eyed and chubby villain who sports a mop of black hair. Ends up in a fatal shoot-out with his former criminal associates, Silent Samson and Coral Doll. 10/56-12/56.
Madam Mongoose. The deadly sister of the Head seeks revenge on Jack for her brother’s imprisonment. Her faithful servant is named Musclebound for good reason. 12/39-3/40.
Papa Longhair. Bald fur racketeer whose beautiful daughter Chinchilla discovers her father’s secret criminal activities and ends up a captive to Longhair’s criminal associates. 2/52-5/52.
Pearly Curly. Smooth-talking head of a smuggling syndicate, Pearly’s charming smile convinces Sable to trust him, much to the chagrin of Jack. Among Pearly’s employees are Anvilhead, the shirtless head of a jungle freight line, Salty Dog, a brutish guard, and Brassnucks Chuck, who is not fully aware of his criminal activities. 8/48-1/49, later?
Rod Rocket. Domestic spy, Rocket romances Pandora with ulterior motives. Rocket pays the ultimate price for his traitorous actions, being blown up by a missile strike, along with his boss, Big Think. 12/53-2/54.
Sidewinder. Machete wielding head of illegal jungle operations who attempts to dissuade developers to ensure the feasibility of his criminal empire. Sidewinder has closely cropped hair, bull nose and a powerful physique. …8/60-11/60.
Teekeela. Latin beauty and smuggler of contraband, appears to work in concert with Brassnucks Beck. 2/53-3/53.
Toemain. 6/41-8/41.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active: 12/31/33-
The SPIRIT
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Ebony White.
Inspector Dolan.
Ellen Dolan. In 1950, Ellen is elected mayor of the city, despite the Spirit’s wishes and efforts.
Silk Satin.
Darling O’Shea.
Silken Floss.
Lt. Oren Grey.
Hazel B. Macbeth.
Sammy. 7/49-5/50.
Sand Saref.
Notable Adversaries:
The Black Queen. Lawyer, crime boss and murderess, the lovely but deadly Black Queen attempts to rob the U.S. Treasury in her most ambitious scheme. 6/16, 7/7, 10/13, 11/10/40.
Dr. Cobra. 6/2, 6/9, 10/13/40.
Lorelei. 9/19/48.
Mr. Bubble. Corrupt city politico, the obese Mr. Bubble blows bubbles. 9/15, 10/6/46, 2/8/48.
Mr. Carrion. Schemer who lives off the efforts of others, whether they are the families of servicemen missing in action or other criminals. Carrion has fierce affection for his pet vulture Julia.
Mr. Dusk and Twilight.
Nylon Rose. 3/17, 4/7/46.
The Octopus.
P’Gell.
Plaster of Paris. 11/7/48.
Powder Pouf.
The Squid. 1/18, 2/15, 4/5/42.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
STEVE CANYON
1948-
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Happy Easter.
Delta Index.
Fireball Feeney.
Convoy. 5/87-8/87.
Reed Kimberly.
Dogie Hogan.
Princess Snowflower.
Cheetah.
Summer Smith.
Deen Wilderness.
Summer Olsen Canyon. Summer leaves Canyon again in January 1987after seeing a new photograph of Poteet kissing Steve.
Cheetah. , 10/84-12/84(dream).
Doe Redwood. Expert female pilot. , 3/84-5/84
Miss Mizzou.
Holly Hall.
Savanah Gay.
Carrot Kane. 1/88-
El Charibo. , 12/87-
Minerva Kaol.
Iron Myke. 10/66-
Bitsy Beekman. 4/67-
Leighton “Oley” Olsen. 9/69-
Johnny Mink.
Philerie.
Virgilia Downspout. 5/72
Stalky Schweisenberger. , 12/84-
Lieut. Visto “Quiz” Brennan. Dark-haired and handsome, Quiz is also a military man, albeit young and single, gifted with a photographic memory and easily wowed by some of Canyon’s earlier associates. He is smitten with Doe Redwood (5/84), unsuccessfully seduced by Copper Calhoun, at odds with Poteet Canyon (5/85) and drawn to the vulnerable Stalky (2/86), kissing her just once before she is whisked away by her manipulative brother, Gopher, shortly thereafter. He also shows romantic interest in Bitsy Beekman in their second encounter (12/87).
Notable Adversaries:
Captain Shark. AKA Akoola. 5/48-9/48, 1/73-3/73
Copper Calhoun. 1/47-4/47, 11/52-12/52, 5/54-8/54, 8/55-10/55, 7/59-10/59, 5/63-8/63, 3/69-5/69, 4/70, 9/71-11/71, 8/76-10/76, 11/84(dream), … 2/87-5/87.
Herself Muldoon. 10/50-1/51, 1/54-4/54, 3/66-5/66
Madame Hook. Originally Queen Bay of Mahnay. 9/64-12/64, 7/65-10/65, 9/71-11/71, 2/76-4/76.
Madame Lynx. 7/47-11/47, 3/50-6/50, 3/59-4/59, 3/61-6/61
Maid of Nine. 3/48-5/48.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
STEVE ROPER and MIKE NOMAD
1940-2004
Main Protagonists:
Steve Roper. x/40-c/87, x/97-12/04
Mike Nomad. Original name Michael Nowak. 6/56-12/04.
Roper’s Origins: Roper is unable to join the military service due to a trick knee he got while playing football at Yale and so roams the country in search of adventurer as a tough-talking action photographer. He later learns that he was adopted. In search of his biological mother in 1942, Roper recounts to Wahoo what he’s learned about his mysterious childhood: “A young man from New Orleans married my mother against his rich parents will. They turned him out. After I was born, my father went to war—and didn’t come back! My grandparents then tried to get me away from mother! They even set thugs on her trail. One night she hid me in a parked car—the Ropers car! When she came back, the car was gone—and so was I!”
Nomad’s Origins: Mike Nomad first appears in the narrative on 6/19/56. Born in Poland, Mike came to the United States with an uncle. He worked the oil fields, construction jobs, any way to raise the money to bring his parents to the U.S. After paying a man named Gumbo five thousand dollars to smuggle his parents into the States, Gumbo told him there had been an accident and his parents were dead. Nomad believed he shot and killed Gumbo, but actually the con man was saved by a cigarette case. Mike Nomad seeks out Steve Roper because he’s taken a recent picture of Gumbo, he now realizes is alive. Roper helps Nomad find Gumbo and Nomad resists the urge to try and kill him the second time around.
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Big Chief Wahoo. 11/36-2/47
J. Mortimer Gusto. x/36-8/39.
Princess Minnie Ha-Cha. Minnie Ha-Cha is a beautiful Indian princess with whom Wahoo is infatuated. Once Steve Roper makes the scene, however, the photographer is romantically attracted to Minnie, whom he attempts to impress with this unfortunate line, “Hmm! Some classy squaw! Heap much pleased to meetum, babe!” (as portrayed in Famous Funnies #89). Later, he becomes more sensitive and romantic, noting how he can get lost in her eyes. Minnie falls in love with Roper and is hurt when he suggests that it would be best for her career if the two parted ways. x/37-11/47.
Mr. Roper. Steve’s wealthy, good-hearted adoptive father. Famous Funnies xx-xx, 124-127.
Mrs. Roper. Steve’s rather snooty, high society adoptive mother. Famous Funnies xx-xx, 124-126, xx-xx.
Jimmy Strong. Publisher of Spot-Shop magazine and former college friend who hires Roper as a photographer. 9/44-x/45.
Kit Karson. The new owner of Spot-Shop magazine—tough, smart and brunette—and Roper’s boss. There is romantic tension between the two though she has variously pursued Sonny Brawnski and fallen under the influence of Swinn Galli. Karson and Roper were briefly engaged in 1951, but she didn’t stand by Steve when he was framed for a crime he didn’t commit, leading to their break-up. Famous Funnies 174- 2/46-x/53.
Sonny Brawnski. Just out of the Navy, Brawnski becomes a nationally recognized football star for Midwest College. His brawny good looks infatuate both Kit Karson and a nail stylist named Cupcake DeVine, but Sonny only has eyes for Cupcake once they meet. When Cupcake is paralyzed, Sonny becomes a professional wrestler under Monocle Molly in order to raise funds for a costly surgery. The surgery is a success and the two are promptly married in 1947. A family soon ensues. By the sixties, now middle-aged, Sonny runs a novelty factory. 8/46-11/53…, x/xx, 2/66-4/66 (Famous Funnies 178- 201, 206-208).
Kochanie “Cupcake” DeVine.. Cupcake is genuinely infatuated with Sonny Brawnski, but is hired by Snapper Cassino to influence his football performance once she is reported kidnapped. Cupcake is later shot and paralyzed by Clipper Kleeg. TooToo’s twin sister, also a shapely platinum blonde, but far more innocent. She is already the girl friend of Sonny Brawnski when she first appears, psychically sensing her sister is in danger. 8/46-11/53…, x/xx, 2/66-4/66 (Famous Funnies 178-81, 183-201, 206-208).
TooToo DeVine. A burlesque performer with a heart of gold, the saucier identical twin sister of Cupcake who arrives in town looking for her sister, not knowing she’s been kidnapped. TooToo remains in town to care for her sister after her paralysis, but leaves after her regaining her mobility.11/46-c7/47 (Famous Funnies 183-193 or 194)
Buster Brawnski. Oldest son of Sonny and Cupcake. Born prematurely at the weight of only two pounds, his name was determined by a contest ostensibly run by Kit Karson and open to all readers of the Steve Roper comic strip. 3/48 (Famous Funnies 201)
“Monocle Molly” Moran. 3/47-8/47 (also Famous Funnies #187-192).
So-Hi Chong. Korean war orphan who Steve informally adopts for a time. He ultimately is shipped off to the Brawnski’s for a more stable upbringing. x/53-x/58.
Major J. Calhoun McCoy. Steve’s new boss at Tell, later Proof magazine. McCoy promotes Steve to be editor-in-chief in 1970. x/53-2/70…
Honeydew Mellon. Steve’s attractive new secretary at his new job. c/53-3/74+
Ma-Jong. Chinese restaurant owner and landlady of the apartment building Mike Nomad moves into. Ma-Jong is fond of offering Nomad Confucian aphorisms. x/62-x/xx.
Dolly Grafton. Showgirl girl friend of Mike Nomad. x/xx-x/xx, 10/63-11/63, 2/65-5/65…
Tiger. Romantic interest of Mike Nomad. 4/66-
Trudy Hale. A young, attractive reporter with whom Roper initially clashes, but whom perennial bachelor Roper ultimately falls in love with and marries in August 1976. When Trudy suffers from a post-traumatic nervous breakdown due to being caught in explosion in 1983, she is psychiatrically hospitalized and ultimately divorces Steve. Years later, after her death, it is revealed she gave birth to a daughter while in the hospital, unbeknownst to Roper. …3/74-x/83.
Francis Hogan. Former police officer with whom Nomad establishes a private detective agency in 1989.
Emma Stoop. Colorful motel owner who frequently utilizes the services of Nomad s detective agency. 12/91-
Aloha Lee.
_____ Roper. Journalist daughter of Steve and Trudy, whom Trudy gave birth to in the hospital without Steve’s knowledge. Father and daughter are reunited in the closing months of Roper’s career. x/xx-12/04.
Notable Adversaries:
Ali Baboon. Bald and hulking brawler in Monocle Molly’s stable of professional wrestlers who becomes homicidally jealous of Sonny Brawnski’s success in the ring as the Masked Meteor. 3/47-6/47 (also Famous Funnies #187-192).
Black Eagle. Suit and ascot wearing Indian and a college graduate, Black Eagle operates a kidnapping operation out of modern office hidden in an ancient pueblo. Broke upon graduating, Black Eagle “soon got wise to the fact that the white man would never make room for me in his world (and) my own people wouldn’t give me a break either!” He kidnaps the loved ones of the wealthy (in this case Minnie Ha-Cha) “with a nifty new twist that only an Indian would think of!” If the loved ones fail to pay off he makes them suffer “the Fate of Nakoma,” a secret powder that destroys youth. His ultimate aim is to obtain 50% of the Wahoo’s tribe’s valuable oil royalties. 1/42-2/42 (Famous Funnies 119-123).
Blowtorch. Constantly puffing away on his cigar, Blowtorch tortures Roper on a torture rack. He is burned to death when, lighting a cigar, he accidentally ignites a flame thrower. 12/45-2/46.
Bobbie Burnem. Murderous female behind a crooked furnace repair business. Her criminal associate is “Augie” Augusto and their muscle is Wick (“not for wicked”) Warren. When Bobbie and Augie leave Nomad to freeze to death in the frigid cold, Bobbie has second thoughts. 12/64-2/65.
Captain Skuba. Handsome even with an eye-patch, this European racketeer and scammer starts plying his trade in the United States. He blackmails Mike Nomad’s cousin, Minka Novak, into resuming their criminal partnership by threatening her parents who are locked away in a communist prison in Eastern Europe. 7/66-9/66.
“Clipper” Kleeg. Ruthless mobster who earns his nickname by constantly clipping his nails. He is aided by members of his gang, Voices—a master impressionist, Oxie, and Maw Foglights, the unscrupulous owner of their junkyard hideout. He is reviled for shooting and crippling the beloved Cupcake DeVine. 11/46-3/47 (also Famous Funnies 183-187).
Deadhead. With his gaunt cheeks, sunken eyes and flat nose, Deadhead’s face resembles that of a skull. Incongruously, Deadhead likes wearing a bowtie, tux and fashionable hat. He is in the extortion business and assisted in set-ups by the lovely, blonde temptress, Doodles. 9/45-11/45.
Glossy Vaneer. Crooked and decidedly jealous former dance partner to the beautiful and tempestuous Torreodora. Vaneer’s hair is slicked back and oily. 12/47-3/48 (Famous Funnies 198- ).
Gumbo. George Gumbo, the man Mike Nomad believed killed his family. c/56.
Professor Gudge. Fish-eyed, bespectacled and jowly, Gudge is surprisingly agile and physically dangerous despite his burly, somewhat overweight build. He hides diamonds in his seemingly precious microscope. Gudge is also an experienced diver. 5/44-8/44 (also Famous Funnies #165-170).
Jezebel Jones and Monte Carlo. Jezebel, a beautiful blonde vicious cat-o-nine tails wielding con woman, is just as willing to punish her husband as Roper. They are in a marriage made in hell, kept together by their desire to make a fortune through an illicit gambling/counterfeiting scheme. 9/47-11/47 (also Famous Funnies 194 or 195-197).
Madame Darmah. Crooked supposed psychic assisted by the coolly sinister Dr. Falcon. 9/65-11/65.
Meatless. (Steve Roper 2-3) x/xx-x/45.
Mr. Watsiki. Foreign agent for the Kymurian government, a pudgy Asian man with round, black framed glasses. One of the few foes to face Roper and Wahoo more than once. Roper and Wahoo first encounter Watsiki in India while Steve is trying get photographs of the elusive Empress Zorena. In their second encounter, Watsiki is in America, seeking to steal the formula for Nihilite, a new extremely powerful explosive that chemists working for Roper’s father have developed. Watsiki learns of this through a servant he has placed in the Roper home. Roper and Minnie Ha-Cha develop a scheme to weave the formula into a shawl using her native tongue as a way to safely get the formula to Washington. This time it is Wahoo who subdues Watsiki. Famous Funnies …96-100…, 129-132.
Mrs. MacBeth. This slender, stern-faced woman understudied under her magician brother. After his death, MacBeth uses her magician trickery to commit crimes. 4/45-6/45 (Steve Roper 3-4).
Snapper. In his first appearance, “Snapper” Cassino—so called because he is always nervously snapping his fingers—is the well dressed, bow-tied manager of the Totem Pole Night Club. He is also a jewel thief. His nose is so prominent that his forehead and the bridge of his nose form a single, smooth ark. In his second appearance, Snapper kidnaps Cupcake in order to influence Sonny Brawnski’s performance in a college football game, thus insuring high profits for bets that he has placed. He is assisted by the notably homely Horseface and short in stature, Stubby. In his third appearance, Snapper adopts large, one framed dark glasses and the title of the Chief and is joined by Glitter DeCoye in an illegal hotel gambling operation. The Chief is particularly afraid of Brawnski, who badly beat him up after having kidnapped his girl friend. 9/44-11/44, 8/46-10/46, 7/48-10/48 (also Steve Roper 1; Famous Funnies 178-183, 206-208).
“Still” Waters. Born Stillman Watero, Waters uses a mechanical robot dinosaur from an old movie to make local residents believe a monster actually swims in Devil’s Lake. It’s all a ploy to make sure his uranium mining operation adjoining the lake is not uncovered, nor his deal with a foreign government to buy the material. c5/48-c7/48 (also Famous Funnies 203-205).
Swinn Galli. A former vaudeville hypnotist has the ability to influence women to become devoted to him, including the usually very hard-headed Kit Karson. 10/48-2/49.
Vic Windsor. Handsome painter and secret jewel smuggler, Windsor facilitates his operation by also disguising himself as the elderly Granny Tuttle. clate/42 (also Famous Funnies #138-144).
Whipple “Whip” Koils. Racketeer who uses the secret criminal history of a wealthy businessman gone legit (one “Silent” Knight) to blackmail him into marrying into the family. Famous Funnies 174-177. x/46-x/46.
Zebra. Mr. Zuchetti, nickname Zebra, has striped black and white hair and wears a matching black and white striped suit. A con-man who attempts to trick Minnie out of an inheritance of gems, Zebra fronts his operations out of a laundry business run by Moptop Maggie, a brawny enforcer with a prominent missing tooth, button eyes and unruly curly hair 6/45-9/45 (Steve Roper 4-5).
Zircon. Dark-haired and exotic beauty, Zyrcon is first seen as a belly dancer in Cairo. Later, wearing a distinctive two buttoned blouse and trousers, she proves to be a schemer willing to kidnap and worse for a price. Aided by the large, powerful and fez wearing Kasha Blanca. She becomes fond of Roper and Wahoo, but not enough to entirely give up her larcenous ways. 4/44-9/44 (also Famous Funnies #165-174).
Sightings: Famous Funnies 89-174; Steve Roper 1-5; Famous Funnies 174-208.
Original Chroniclers
Active:
SUPERMAN
1939-66, 1978-85
Original Identity: Kal-el, once adopted, Clark Kent
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Lois Lane.
George Taylor. Editor of the Daily Star, later the Daily Planet.
Perry White. Subsequent editor of the Daily Planet. 6/42-
Jimmy Olsen. 8/43.
Susie. Lois’ mischievous niece.
Notable Adversaries:
Bizarro. 8/58-12/58.
Brainiac. See Romado. 12/79-x/80.
Dr. Destiny. 7/78-10/78.
The Flame. A Nazi agent in an asbestos suit constantly aflame, the Flame seeks to sabotage America’s lumber industry. s 9/42-12/42.
The Image. Wears an eye mask to disguise his identity. Is able to create multiple images of himself to elude capture. s 2/42-3/42.
J. Wilbur Wolfingham. d 8/52-10/52.
Luthor. d 10/40-11/40, d 4/46-6/46, 1/50-2/50, 6/62-8/62, 2/64-3/64, 1/79-5/79..
Metallo. After an accident, his flesh is replaced with metal and his “heart” is powered by uranium pellets. 12/58-4/59.
Mr. Mxyztplk. d 2/44-7/44, d 6/45-8/45, d 7/46-8/46.
Monocle. Bald Nazi saboteur who wears a monocle and smokes using a cigarette holder. d 8/42-11/42.
Prankster. d 10/46-11/46, 5/79-10/79.
Romado. Alien who collects cities from different planets by shrinking them and placing them in glass bottles. One of these cities, named Dur-el-va, is from Krypton captured before the planet’s destruction. Romada and his Kryptonian city parallel Brainiac and the miniature city of Kandor in Superman comic books. 1958.
Vandal Savage. 4/78-7/78.
Prankster. d 10/46-11/46, 5/79-10/79.
Romado. Alien who collects cities from different planets by shrinking them and placing them in glass bottles. One of these cities, named Dur-el-va, is from Krypton captured before the planet’s destruction. Romada and his Kryptonian city parallel Brainiac and the miniature city of Kandor in Superman comic books. 1958.
Vandal Savage. 4/78-7/78.
Sightings:
Original Chroniclers
Active:
TARZAN of the APES
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Friends and Allies:
Jane.
Korak. 6/32-7/32s, 1/68d, 7/68-10/68d, 1/69-5/69s, 10/69-6/70d, 2/70-6/70s, 1/71-3/71d, 7/71-7/72d, 4/72-9/72s, 10/73-3/74s, 2/75-8/75s, 11/82-2/83s, 11/89-2/90s,
Captain Paul D’Arnot. 9/31-12/31s, 4/42/7/42s, 7/70-1/71s, 7/84-9/84, 11/86-12/86s, 2/89-5/89s, 10/91-11/91..
Muviro. 2/69-4/69d, 6/72-9/72s, 9/75-11/75s,
Woman in the Black Mask. Originally, LaBelle Lenida, a noted lion tamer in a French circus, Tarzan saves her life when a lion begins to maul her during her act. Scarred, Lenida takes the attack as a sign that she should return her lions to Africa. She hides her scarred face beneath a black mask. She ultimately comes to be regarded as a goddess by a warlike tribe, the Al-Alba. 4/32-6/32.
Erich von Harben. German archeologist and linguist. 8/32-9/33s, 5/85-8/85s, 4/91-5/91s.
Zeela, the Wild Girl. 3/40-1/41d, 4/42-7/42d.
David Innes. 9/47-2/48d?, x/72-7/72d, 10/87-12/87s.
Ark-o-ology. 11/61-4/62s, 5/63-8/63s.
Joiper, the Ant-Man. 4/68-x/68s, 4/71-12/71s, 2/73-10/73s, 8/75-12/75s.
Miss Nubilia. European educated African princess. 10/73-3/74s.
Professor Samuel T. Philander. , 4/87-6/87, 1/91-4/91.
Notable Adversaries:
Anya Sharlovaya. Sultry, dark-haired poacher of Siberian tigers, Sharlovaya wears a brown vest with nothing underneath it. 9/90-10/90.
Auric. A once idealistic figure, Auric intends to drag the Waziri into the modern world, by force if necessary. Athletically built, Auric often goes shirtless, wearing a necklace with the symbol of a knife. He has longish dark hair and goatee. When last seen, Auric intends to liberate the tailed Ho-duns from their magician oppressors with the aid of their lovely priestess Ju-Ra. 2/69-3/69, 9/69-10/69, 1/70, 4/70-5/70.
Dagga Ramba. Half-caste Arab sergeant who uses the chaos and unrest in North Africa to start his own army. Stealing a general’s uniform and seizing an abandoned fort, he declared himself the emperor of the mountains and the desert. He offers Tarzan a role in his army and shoots him when he refuses. A year long struggle ensues, ending with Tarzan throwing a sword through Dagga Ramba’s chest. Presumed dead, the villain returns decades later with a new scheme to take over North Africa. Through unknown means, Dagga Ramba acquires the science to create animal/human hybrids that have the power to influence the behavior of their pure animal counterparts. With control of the animal kingdom, Dagga Ramba is more dangerous than ever. 5/41-4/42s, 5/68-10/68s.
Don Macabre. Latino villain with long black hair and a drooping mustache, Don Macabre’s monstrous realm is remote and surrounded by dangerous waters and skull motifs. His most deadly tool, however, is his carnivorous Garden of Death. Powerfully built, Don Macabre is often is seen shirtless but proves no match for Tarzan. 3/44-7/44s.
Horibs. In their final appearance, the Horibs are lead by Bagdar, a figure first seen in a novel. 12/71-1/72d, 11/87s, 1/00-4/00s.
I. B. Pompus. 5/64-8/64d, 5/66-7/66d.
La and the Beast-Men of Opar. 5/52-8/52d, 1/66-4/66s?, 1/68-3/68d, 11/75-8/76s, 8/81-9/81s, 6/91-7/91s.
The Leader. Nazi with plans to establish secret Nazi colonial strongholds in Africa to use, in case of defeat by the allies, as bases for the rise of a Fourth Reich 10/43-3/44s.
The Mahars. A race of mind-controlling reptiles from Pellucidar, the ruled the inner world until David Innis liberated the realm and became its new emperor. The Mahars have sought to reclaim dominion of Pellucidar ever since. First portrayed in the novels. 4/71-7/71, 12/71-7/72d, 12/87s.
Merala, Queen of Tohr. Immortal queen who bathes in the flames of everlasting life and has lived through the centuries, out-living every other member of her race. She seeks Tarzan to rule at her side. 10/48-4/49s.
Queen Xiona of Barsoom. Attractive, bald Martian ruler who comes to earth with plans of conquest. She calls Tarzan “the face of death,” a reference that proves prophetic. 3/01-7/01s.
Sagoths.
Thorwald. Powerfully built German chosen by Goebbels and Goering to fulfill their “Tarzan Plan,” a scheme to replace the jungle lord with a near look-alike (Thorwald has a scar and a flatter nose.) After Thorwald has been trained to be able to swing on vines and kill jungle animals in combat, Hitler himself sends Thorwald to Africa and later goes there to supervise his effort. 3/43-7/43s.
The Vampire Queen. 2/46-6/46s.
The Van Zandt Brothers. General van Zandt, known as “the Boer Butcher,” crosses paths with Tarzan in an effort to loot Opar (La is not seen in this encounter). When the general is killed by Tarzan, his younger brother Pieter later seeks vengeance on the jungle lord. Not because Tarzan killed his brother, who had brutally tortured him as a boy, but because Tarzan deprived Pieter of the opportunity of killing his brother himself. 5/83-7/83s, 11/91-1/92s.
Winged Men of Pal-Ul-Don. 5/69-8/69d, other.
Chroniclers: Archie Goodwin, w79-81s, a79-81s
Active: -1/25/81s
TERRY AND THE PIRATES
1934-1973,
Original Identity:
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi:
Terry and Hotshot Charlie join the military in 1951, under the command of Colonel “Snapper” Brassard.
Friends and Allies:
Pat Ryan. After the war, Terry once again shares several adventures with Ryan, who in 1948 leaves a position as a police commander in Southeast Asia to ultimately resume his career as a journalist. In his final appearance in 1959, Ryan initially appears disguised as a bearded Russian secret police colonel named Pryn Pasha. He has one last encounter with the Dragon Lady, who drugs him in order to evade the authorities, perhaps more fitting than a final kiss. 33 -45, 9/47-2/48, 2/59-11/59.
Dale Scott.
Normandie Drake. c5/35-
Burma. Tough talking blonde with a heart of gold who refers to herself in the third person. Romantically interested in Pat Ryan. c4/36-
April Kane. c11/38-
Raven Sherman. Her tragic death is a shock to all concerned. c3/40-11/40.
“Nasty”. , late 40s
Big Stoop. x/xx-x/xx, 2/47, 4/50-6/50…, 1951, 11/65-1/66, 4/70-5/70
Hotshot Charlie. Full name, Charles Charles. The freckle-faced Charles ultimately replaces Pat Ryan as Terry’s near constant companion, their relationship one of equals. Indeed, Terry is the more mature one of the pair, Hotshot being impulsive and something of a would-be womanizer until he meets Spray O’Hara. The two marry in 1954, and Hotshot is no longer Terry’s constant companion. c12/44-x/55, 11/56-2/57, 1/58-2/58, 2/63-3/64, 4/65-7/65.
Lhassa. Seven-foot Tibetan beauty who is a warrior princess of her people. Lhassa is initially attracted to Hot Shot Charlie but ultimately falls in love with and marries Big Stoop. 1/47-2/47, 5/50-7/50, c12/51?, 7/52-9/52…, 11/65-1/66, 4/70-5/70
Spray O’Hara. Flight attendant and also nurse, the attractive O’Hara is the romantic interest and ultimate wife of Hotshot Charlie. In 1952 she stands trial, having been framed for a black market plasma operation. Spray and Hotshot marry in May of 1954 under unusual circumstances (the Dragon Lady is her maid of honor and she is walked down the isle by Chum Fun. Spray is only seen sporadically in the narrative thereafter. 10/47-2/48, 9/48-4/49, 3/50, 1/51-7/51, …12/51-4/52,11/53-6/54, 11/56-1/57, 12/63-3/64..
Chum Fun. Son of a Chinese mayor, Chum is a mischievous adolescent who assists Terry on a number of occasions. Chum soon is leading a band of boy guerillas in resisting the Chinese communists. He and his guerillas have allied themselves with the Dragon Lady, as in 1953 and 1963. When last seen in the narrative he is a teen-ager. 9/48-4/49, 2/50-4/40, 12/51?, 6/52-8/52, 11/53…, 5/54, 9/56-10/56, 1/61-6/61.
Colonel “Snapper” Brassard. A brigadier general and Terry’s commanding officer. Briefly romantically interested in Spray O’Hara in 1951…1/51
Lucifer “Lucy” Bonecrusher. Skinny, accident prone Air Force officer who becomes infatuated with an exotic dancer named Wing Buck. 5/53-9/53.
General “Ramrod” Ramm. Terry must rescue her when a Russian agent named Brava seduces and then kidnaps him. 7/54-11/54.
Rogue. Like Burma, refers to herself in the third person as Rogue. She is tough minded, madly infatuated with Terry but fair. When her romantic rival, Spruce Winter is emotionally incapacitated, Rogue calls off their rivalry for Lee’s affections until Winter is up to the fight. 11/54-3/55.
Spruce Winter. While searching for her missing brother, Spruce falls for Terry. She is devastated when they find her brother dead. 12/54-3/55
“Havoc” Moody. Perpetually depressed but handsome co-pilot. Handsome with five o’clock shadow, Moody is constantly popping aspirin. x/55-x/56.
P. Q. Folly. Tattoo’s father and a mildly shady figure willing to have under the counter deals with various Asian leaders. 2/56-7/56, 11/57-1/58, 8/59-9/59.
Tattoo Folly. Romantic interest of Terry’s. Tattoo and her father were last seen drifting at sea, their final fate unknown. Terry rebuffs another woman’s advances in 1960, referencing his love for Tattoo.3/56-7/56, 7/57-12/57, 2/59-9/59.
Fyffe Drummond. Terry’s new companion in adventure, taking the place of the now married and domesticated Hotshot Charlie. Drummond is a self-proclaimed coward and in the sixties takes to wearing bushy sideburns. Later leaves the Air Force and takes up with a charter air outfit called Air Expendable. In 1965, Drummond, over-confident of his own appeal, memorably attempts to woo Lhasa away from Big Stoop. 10/56-1/57, 7/57-9/57, 6/60-7/60, 10/61-2/62, 4/64-5/64, 10/65-1/66, 9/68-12/68, 3/69-7/69, 10/69-1/70, 7/71-9/71, 5/72-7/72.
Dolores Deepsix. Attractive dark-haired congresswoman who is romantically attracted to Terry. They are dating by 1971, but the relationship doesn’t seem as passionate as Terry’s with Tattoo. 6/60-7/60, 3/64-5/64, 5/68-9/68, 3/71-5/71, 9/71-12/71, 7/72-9/72.
Bucky Warbow. Cheyenne protégé of Terry’s, a rival of Chum Fun’s. After both of his parents are killed, this Cheyenne youth briefly falls into the young, forced conscription army of the Dragon Lady. He briefly suspects she may be his biological mother. While this proves not the case, he is once again in her circle in 1962. He becomes a cadet in the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1963, where he graduates in 1967. Buck becomes a pilot and a lieutenant in the Air Force. 12/60-9/61, 6/62-10/62, 3/63-10/63, 5/67-9/67, 5/70-8/70.
Sgt. Guidon. Blind drillmaster and former marine hired by the Dragon Lady to train her own private army of cadets. 2/61-9/61.
Tripoli Guidon. Attractive blonde-haired young woman who is the daughter of Sgt. Guidon and an early romantic interest of Bucky Warbow. 2/61-9/61.
Delphi. Full name, Delphinium Druid. Beautiful and unpretentious English aristocracy, Lady Druid is the first serious romance for Terry after Tattoo Folly. 10/61-6/62.
La Rubia. Attractive red-haired bull fighter who becomes involved with Terry and a Russian agent named Serge. 7/65-10/65.
Miss Cockatoo. Beautiful woman, half French, half Vietnamese, who seeks Terry’s help in Vietnam. Her ultimate ambition is to restore her father’s plantation to productivity. 10/66-1/67.
Delta. Full name, Delta Derby. Romantic interest of Bucky Warbow. Her mother, Dolly, is the head of a group that keeps watch for flying saucers. 6/67-9/67.
Zuzy Cue. 3/69-5/69.
Notable Adversaries:
Baroness Alexis Poppopnikoff. Arrogant European beauty who is accompanied by a large Russian named Nikol. In her second encounter with Terry, the Baroness appears humbled by misfortune but turns out to have been actually working for the Russian communists all along. 1/49-3/49, 2/50-4/50.
Barracuda. Attractive, but deadly female foreign agent, with dark hair that spikes downward on her forehead. She kidnaps Tattoo and squares off against both Terry and Fyffe Drummond. 7/57-9/57.
Baron dePlexus. 1938-39, 1946.
Brava. Beautiful blond Russian agent who seduces and, with the assistance of her physically formidable associate Timur, kidnaps General Ramm. When the two are captured by Terry, the Russian embassy disavows any knowledge of them and allows them to rot in prison. 7/54-11/54.
Bronz. Crooked collector of priceless antiques who wears an over-sized plantation hat and has an oversized thin-lipped mouth. Bronz ends up menacing Motley Van Goblin when they pursue the same item. 4/48-8/48.
Chappie Khan. Fashionably dressed, Khan controls a tribe of shepherds. 3/69-5/69.
Chopstick Joe. Black marketer willing to deal information to Terry if it’s to his advantage. Chopstick Joe was, for a time, the employer of Terry and Hotshot as the owner of Air Cathay. But Joe closed out that operation to open an inn named Capra Traders Rest, where he often conducts questionable dealings with smugglers. In this capacity, Chopstick Joe is frequently connected in illegal business ventures with the Dragon Lady and thus often aware of her whereabouts. When asked if he was a criminal in 1970, Chopstick Joe described himself as “a free enterprise entrepreneur. Real translation—‘Anything for a buck!’” 1938-39, 1946, 1/47-x/47, 10/48-7/49, 2/50-4/50, 8/51-10/51, 10/53-11/53, 12/57-1/58 …2/63-3/63, 10/67-11/67, 9/70-10/70.
The Dragon Lady. In 1961 and 1963, her encounters are not with Terry but rather Bucky Warbow, who briefly believes Madame Deal may be his biological mother. 8/36-2/37, …12/37-4/38, 4/39-11/39, 8/40-11/40,c42, c12/44-45, c46, 12/47-1/48, 10/49-1/50, 8/51-9/51, 11/53-5/54, 4/55-6/55, 5/56-6/56, 9/59-11/59, 1/61-6/61, 2/63-6/63, 4/65-6/65, 11/67-1/68, 9/70-11/70, 12/71-1/72.
Ermine Toy. Clever and beautiful opportunist who associates herself with powerful men, first with a man named Trek and later with Theodore Bor, a barrel-chested man with a plan to control Southeast Asia’s oil reserves. 12/46-5/47, 8/47-9/47.
General Won Goon. 10/52-11/52.
The House of Ling.
Ikoff. 10/64-12/64.
Judas. 1935-36, 1937, 1941.
Klang. 1937-38, 1939.
Major Kissoff. Handsome Russian agent. 6/67-9/67
Motley van/von Goblin. Pretentious but shapely blonde daughter of a New York art dealer named Harrington van Goblin. 2/48-8/48.
Pavlov. x/55-2/56.
Tony Sandhurst. Sandhurst finally meets his end, desperately fleeing from authorities, at the hands of Big Stoop.1937, 1942, 1946, 1/47-2/47.
Sanjak. 1938-39, 1943.
Shock Stock. Given name, Shockley. Shock is an attractive rock’n’roll musician as well as the daughter of a prominent American senator. Shock murders Niki, her bandmate and fiancé and frames Terry for it. 1/66-5/66.
Singh-Singh. 1938-39, 1944,
Theodor Bor.
Trek. 1/47-3/47.
Valentine. Kidnapper of Chum Fun. 9/48-11/48.
Victoria Tempest. Corrupt, if beautiful nurse who frames Spray for her plasma theft and black market operation. Tempest has shortish black hair. 1/52-4/52.
Sightings:
Active: -2/25/73
Writers: Milton Caniff 1934-46, George Wunder 1947-73.
Artists: Milton Caniff 1934-46, George Wunder 1947-73.
WINNIE WINKLE
1920-1996
Original Name and Nickname: Winnie Winkle, the Breadwinner
Origin:
Abilities:
Appearance:
Modus Operandi: Winnie began her life as a breadwinner at the tender age of 17, starting work as a stenographer. She has various side ventures along the way. After winning a bathing beauty contest, she is awarded a movie contract and moves to Hollywood from 9/27-3/28. She also has a brief stint working for the Secret Service in 193x.
After several disastrous romances, Winnie literally meets Mr. Wright in . Winnie married Will Wright on June 11, 1937. They struggled to manage things financially, during one rough period due to Will’s gambling. Later, the two went on the road doing vaudeville. Winnie became pregnant, but Will had disappeared. Winnie gave birth to twins in . Will and Winnie are reunited but an explosion happens while Bill is working overseas in 1951 and he is again presumed dead. After this, the narrative of Winnie Winkle becomes more serious as she raises her two children as a single mother, staving off various romantic suitors along the way.
Already a skilled fashion designer, Winnie takes over as CEO of Bonnaz Fashion beginning in January, 1955, though “Aunt” Bessie retains ownership. But in 1967, Bessie sells Bonnaz to Armand Gilt, who unceremoniously fires Winnie. Winnie gains positive work experience on her own, ultimately cobbling together enough finances to buy back Bonnaz, with Bessie acting as intermediary. For the first time, Winnie has total control of her business.
In January of 1979, exploring a tip, Winnie finally finds her lost husband. Bill initially doesn’t remember her and must undergo surgery to regain his memory. He remains a faithful, if occasionally unreliable husband until he is presumed dead yet again six years later in January 1985 in an accident arranged by his scheming, millionaire brother, Orville.
Friends and Allies:
Pa and Ma Winkle. Given name, Rip Van, Pa Winkle is a good hearted conniver who is always attempting to make a fast buck. His schemes often inadvertently entangle Winnie. Ma is long-suffering, sweet wife.
Perry Winkle. Perry is Winnie’s cousin and adoptive brother, taken in when Rip Winkle’s wealthy brother passes away. Pa Winkle soon squanders the accompanying fortune but looks after young Perry thereafter. Initially Perry largely appears in the humorous Sunday strips as a mischievous boy who is good friends with Denny Dimwit. Once the humorous Sunday strips are dropped in 1954, Perry disappears from the narrative. When he finally returns six years later, Perry is portrayed as a handsome, young man with short brown hair who has been in the military. He almost immediately has a conflicted chemistry with Janie Plane, a cousin of Bill Wright’s who has been staying in his room during his military service. .After several romantic misadventures, Perry ultimately marries Janie in 1965. Perry is portrayed as a loving, if often irritated husband. The couple have a pair of twins four years into their marriage. 4/22-x/54, 2/60-
Denny Dimwit. Perry’s intellectually slow best friend and offensive stereotype. Played for lowbrow humor, Denny disappears from the comic strip permanently in 1954.
Barnaby Bibbs. Winnie’s first boss, a safety pin manufacturer, for whom she worked as a stenographer. She worked for him off and on until 1949, when he introduces her to Edwin Bonnaz, a fashion mogul, who was impressed by her fashion work for him on an Easter season promotion. x/xxx-7/49.
Harry and Larry Tyler. Wealthy socialite twins who are both interested in romancing Winnie. One of them ends up leaving Winnie at the altar. 2/22-x/22.
Mike Mulligan. Unsophisticated country boy interested in Winnie. He later comes into money, pretending to be an interior decorator but actually making his money as a bootlegger. He left Winnie at the altar when his illegal operations resulted in his arrest.. Mike ultimately finds happiness with a woman named Patsy Dugan, whom he marries in June, 1927. 5/23-x/24, 1/26-4/26, 6/27.
Marty Mulligan. Mike’s identical cousin, an aspiring boxer who was also becomes interested in Winnie, naturally. 2/30-6/35…
William “Bill” Wright. Will and Winnie meet when he is surveying the corner that the Winkles live on. He saves the Wrights from being swindled out of their property by Preston Price. Will proposes to Winnie on April 1st and the two are married on 6/11/37 but only after Will escapes from having been kidnapped by his wealthy brother. Will’s gambling problem soon trouble them. From 1938 to 1941 they try to make it as professional dancers, coming across many a lowlife along the way. Bill, while his judgment isn’t always the best, is capable of defending Winnie with his fists and is loving father until his second disappearance in early 1950, in an apparently fatal South American mine accident, lasts for decades. Winnie unsuccessfully pursues a lead that suggests Bill might still be alive in 1958. Bill reappears in 1978 and the two are happy for awhile until Orville Wright arranges for another accident in 1985. A Latin American revolutionary named Cicatraz that Winnie encounters in a new search may or may not be Bill. 2/37-x/42?, c45-x/51, 1/78-2/78, 1/79-1/85, possibly 2/88-5/88 (see Cicatraz).
Greek boss. Diminutive speakeasy owner who hires Will and Winnie as his dancing entertainment.
Wendy Wright. Initially known as Little Winnie, the girl is renamed Wendy in 1959 as a headstrong adolescent. Wendy gradually grows up to be an attractive and independent if spoiled and emotionally impulsive young woman. Later dramas of the series often revolve around her ill-fated love affairs.
Billy Wright. Writer of the comic strip toyed with the idea of having Billy be gay but decided against it.
Edwin Bonnaz. Fashion tycoon who hires Winnie to work for him after seeing some of her fashion designs for a local Easter season promotion. For a time, presumably after Bill’s death, he is also her suitor. Bonnaz is the nephew of Winnie’s adoptive “aunt,” Elizabeth “Bessie” Murtagh. When Bonnaz dies unexpectedly in 1954, Bessie asks her to run the business. Though it takes nearly twenty years, in 1971, Winnie finally becomes the owner of Bonnaz Fashion.7/49- , 10/54.
Elizabeth “Bessie” Murtah/Murtagh. Winnie’s adoptive “aunt” who hires her to work for and ultimately run the fashion operation she inherits with the death of her nephew, Edwin Bonnaz. Overwhelmed at the prospect of running a fashion business, Bessie appoints Winnie as CEO. Bessie foolishly marries Winnie’s brother-in-law and ends up being killed in March, 1985 by a gunman who is attempting to kill Orville. …9/50-12/50… 10/54-1/55, x/57-10/57, off and on through 3/85.
Tootsie Rocket. Star baseball player for the Central City Rums whose infatuation with Winnie initially threatens his ball play though he and his team ultimately win the pennant. Tootsie is something of a palooka: strong, a little dense, good-hearted but also quick-tempered. He once paid for Paw Winkle to visit him in training camp just to inquire about Winnie’s well-being. Paw is particularly invested in Rocket’s romance with his daughter given the ball player’s wealth. 5/51-11/51, 3/52-8/52, 5/53.
Professor Kirk Davis. Handsome college professor whose romance with Winnie Paw Winkle ruins on behalf of the far wealthier Tootsie Rocket. 2/53-4/53, 2/54.
Dr. Bob North. Physician whose interest in Winnie leads him to propose despite the obsessive opposition on his high society sister, Lenore. 9/53-2/54.
Stan Adams. Stockholder and employee of Winnie’s new fashion company, Adams initially attempts to undermine Winnie but ultimately comes around to respect and support her. 10/54-
Big Bill Stentor. Sexist and crude womanizing stockholder and employee of Winnie’s new fashion company. 11/54-2/55…
“Birdie” Byrd. Winnie’s supportive and somewhat overweight secretary in her new role as CEO. She marries a sweet and handsomely well built Polynesian man named Tutu from the island of Pago Pago in 1966. When she returns to visit Winnie in 1972 she is severely overweight and Winnie helps her lose a good part of it. From then on, Winnie visits Birdie regularly and learns in 1974 that Birdie is considering leaving her husband. Their marriage is relatively happy for the rest of the narrative. 1/55-2/66, 10/67-1/68, 4/72-6/72, c5/73-7/73, 3/74-4/74, many others.
Brad Dunham. Handsome fashion executive, Brad initially romances Winnie pretending to be a ski instructor at his wealthy father’s lodge. This is Winnie’s first serious romance since her husband’s death. Overcoming a brief separation, in which Winnie contemplates what she really wants, the two are reunited by happenstance and their romance takes root. Brad’s father disinherits Brad and blacklists him in the industry. Planning on marrying on Valentine’s Day, 1956, their wedding is ultimately derailed by Brad’s inability to manage all the obstacles his father puts up. Winnie later chooses not to interfere with Brad’s burgeoning romance with a woman named Linda. 2/55-4/55,10/55-2/56, 1/57-3/57.
Janie Plane Winkle. A dark-haired, “Plain Jane” office girl receives a makeover by Winnie and the Bonnaz gang. She is ultimately revealed to be Bill Wright’s younger cousin and is invited to live in the Winkle home. She seems to alternate in drawing men into romantic interludes with the somewhat older widow Winnie. Professionally, Janie becomes Winnie’s most trusted business associate. When Winnie’s younger brother, Perry, returns to town in 1960 all grown up, the two fall in love and ultimately marry in February 1965. Janie is portrayed as a loving, if somewhat scatter-brained wife. In December 1969, Janie gives birth to twins, Tommy and Tammy. Perry and Janie play a shrinking role in the narrative thereafter. 1/58- .
Dick Valentine. Dark-haired, handsome and fit, Valentine is a resort owner Winnie meets on vacation and whom she considers a possible romantic interest for a time. The two become engaged in 1963, but the loss of his resort from a bad fire makes him financially unable to support Winnie and he breaks off the engagement. Ultimately Valentine decides to focus on other women after he comes for a visit and finds her gone on one of her periodic wild goose chases in search of her lost husband. 9/60-10/60, 5/61-6/61…, 2/63-4/63 …10/65-11/65.
Bill Williams. Wendy’s science teacher, Williams looks just like Bill Wright. Winnie suspects he may be her lost husband suffering from amnesia but the clues leading her in that direction are all coincidences. 1/61-2/61.
TuTu Johnson. Hunky Polynesian man from the island of Pornacopia (!) later designated by the more sedate name Pago Pago. TuTu falls in love with Birdie and shortly after their initial romance travels to the United States to ask her to marry him. While there, he takes a crash course in hotel management in order to support her when they move back to the South Pacific after their February 1966 wedding. He later appears to own his own hotel located on one of islands ruled over by Prince Jim. 4/65-6/65, 12/65-2/66, 11/67-1/68,
Mano. Tutu’s equally handsome and muscular younger brother, Mano becomes infatuated with the significantly older Winnie, who is tickled by but ultimately rebuffs his advances given her commitment to Hal Martins (see below). …6/73-7/73...
Prince Jim. Of Beguilia Island. 1/67-3/67, 7/67-2/68,
Hal Martins. The head buyer for the prestigious Excalibur department store chain, Martins falls in love with Winnie when she seeks him out to sign on with Bonnaz when he is vacationing in the Bahamas. In early 1972, Winnie learns he has lost his job and is now broke, a state which he feels negates his ability to marry her. After he is killed in an auto accident, after regaining his financial footing, an engagement ring is found in his pocket. 12/71-1/72, 3/72-4/72, 2/73-3/73, (news of his death) 8/73.
The Chameleon. AKA Joey Dell, a pen pal of Billy’s from the state correction institution. 11/74-2/75.
Consuelo. Also called Connie, this Colombian girl first claims to be Bill Wright’s daughter, sired during his lost period. She becomes a model, develops anorexia and appears to steal Wendy’s boy friend, but really doesn’t. Connie is later deported as an illegal alien as part of a scheme by Orville Wright to tear all of Winnie’s emotional supports from her side. 1/81-8/82.
Trager.
Pierre Saville. -2/87, 3/91-
Drusilla Jones. With a Ph.D. in Comparative Religions, Drusilla is well equipped to pose as a witch, pretending to cast a spell on Winnie (actually a close friend) to fall in love with Orville Wright. It is all part of a scheme that finally allows Winnie to wrest control of Wright Enterprises from her missing husband’s brother. 7/88-8/88, 11/88.
Notable Adversaries:
Adrian Ardsley. Handsome painter whom Winnie meets while at a secluded cabin. Ardsley wants to paint her portrait and proves to be obsessed with Winnie, not to mention mentally unhinged. 6/56-9/56.
Armand Gilt. Unscrupulous businessman who buys Bonnaz Fashion and soon unfairly fires Winnie. From then on, until she buys the company herself, Gilt is an ongoing thorn in Winnie’s efforts to reestablish in the fashion world, going so far as have her innovative fashion designs stolen. 10/70-12/70, 10/71-11/71.
Cicatraz. An unhinged gun runner operating out of Central America who has a scarred face and just happens to cut his food just like William Wright. He saves Winnie’s life, who later leaves the region, convinced he isn’t her husband. 2/88-5/88.
Colonel Nicola Nokkov. Communist military officer infatuated with the Countess von Saber, a Winnie Winkle look alike. Winnie is enlisted by the O.S.I. to serve American interests by pretending to be the Countess in order to undermine communist interests in the region. 7/55-9/55.
Gregory Kontos. Arrogant and unscrupulous Greek tycoon obsessed with marrying Winnie. The handsome billionaire ultimately plots to secretly ruin Winnie’s company so she’ll be more vulnerable to his marriage proposal. 7/74-9/74, 2/75-6/75.
Kenneth Dare. A handsome and wealthy stockbroker, Dare attempts to marry Winnie, even though he is already married. His real wife outs the scoundrel at Winnie and Kenneth’s unrealized nuptials. 10/22-1/23.
Lenore North. Beautiful and wealthy, Lenore is the sister of her physician brother, Bob. Lenore wears beautiful Asian-styled dresses and smokes cigarettes from a cigarette holder. Obsessed with a sense that Winnie is unworthy of her brother, she hires a criminal to frame Winnie for a series of crimes. 9/53-2/54.
Lone Wolf Willie. AKA Bruce Williams, notorious jewel thief with whom Winnie has a romantic flirtation. 2/51-3/51.
Marsha Vogue. Described at one point as Winnie’s “arch enemy,” Vogue is originally the assistant to fashion mogul Edwin Bonnaz. With Bonnaz’s death, Vogue attempts to fraudulently take control of the company by tampering with his will. Winnie uncovers her deception and becomes the head of the company he left behind instead. Vogue later returns to seek revenge on Bill Stentor, Birdie, and most especially Winnie. She beats out Bonnaz Fashion for a lucrative television fashion contract by way of blackmail and fraud. In 1963, Vogue returns with a scheme to use Bessie’s husband’s gambling habit as a vehicle for taking over Bonnaz Fashion. By 1964, her own efforts at Fabian Fashions are showing declining sales in the face of Bonnaz’ success, so much so that Vogue hires a hit man to “rub out” Winkle—unsuccessfully, of course. 10/54-12/54, c10/56-12/56, 5/63-7/63, 9/64-11/64. .
Martine Saville. Scheming ex-wife of Pierre Saville. 3/87-
Omar Jabar. 12/81-4/82.
Preston Price. 1/37-3/37, 5/37.
Princess Gloriana. Murderous, horse-faced fiancé of Prince Jim. Gloriana used a trade agreement with her country that the prince desperately needed for his, to blackmail him into marrying her. 9/67-1/68, later?
Roscoe Wright. Bill and Jamie’s good-natured, con-man uncle. In 1950, Roscoe attempts to cheat Bessie Murtagh out of $3000, all of the money she has in her fashion business, to purchase an oil well supposedly worth a million dollars, but actually non-existent. In 1953, Roscoe blackmails Warren Wright into returning custody of the twins to Winnie, despite the fact that dirt he had on his nephew might helped him financially at a later date. Roscoe assists Winnie by conning some gentlemen far more sinister than he is in 1959. 10/49-12/49, 10/50-12/50, 8/53-9/53, 1/59-3/59, others.
Victor Ventura. Handsome con-man who solicits financial backing from a wealthy married friend of Winnie’s as they tour Europe to support the writing of a nonexistent novel. 8/64-9/64.
Vivian Vixon. The sleekly attractive, dark-haired Vixon gets herself hired as Winnie’s secretary while Birdie is briefly incapacitated and proceeds to try to sabotage Winnie’s every effort and ingratiate herself with Bessie Murtagh, the owner of Bonnaz, so she could see Winkle fired and gain a foothold in the company. A later tangle with Winkle leads to Vixon’s imprisonment. Vixon returns years later in disguise, seeking revenge and the utter financial destruction of her adversary. 10/60-11/60, 7/80-12/80.
Warren/W. Wayne/OrvilleWright. Will’s wealthy and disapproving older brother, who will stoop to any length to keep his sibling and Winnie apart. When Bill is presumed dead in South America, Warren and his mother attempt to gain custody of the twins by manufacturing evidence against Winnie’s parenting. When Bill’s brother returns in 1983 he goes by Orville, but the narrative suggests he has clashed with Winnie before. Thereafter he is a near constant thorn in Winnie’s side, at various times trying to marry her. He marries Winnie’s Aunt Bessie, a courtship that results in the latter’s death in 1985 when Orville pulls Bessie in front of him to take a bullet intended for him. 4/37-6/37, 5/53-9/53, 4/58, 3/82-12/82, 7/83-8/85, 12/85, 9/86-10/86, 2/87-6/87, 11/87-2/88, 6/88-11/88, 4/90-6/90.
Sightings: Chicago Tribune
Active: 9/20/20- /96
Writers: Jack Berrill 1943-59,
Artists: Martin Branner, Frank Bolle
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