Number 1865: Manowar, the White Streak

A couple of days ago I showed a retold origin of the Human Torch. The original Human Torch was created by Carl Burgos when he was freelancing with the Funnies, Inc. comic art shop. As comic fans know, the Torch and Sub-Mariner, by Bill Everett, appeared in Marvel Comics #1 (title changed after that first issue to Marvel Mystery Comics) in 1939. Burgos had a long career in comics, but like several other creators, never had a character again that was as popular or long-lasting as the Human Torch. For instance, he also created Manowar, the White Streak, for Target Comics.

Don Markstein’s Toonopedia gives an overview of the history of the double-named superhero, without telling of an origin. So this story, written and drawn by Burgos for Target Comics #5 (1940), is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get tale...it is what Manowar, the White Streak does, kick the asses of “warmongers.” I have to say, despite the confusing name(s) and no origin, I can get behind a superhero whose superpower is used to put down warmongers.

Bill Everett did the dynamic cover illustration featuring the character.

Posted in: Pappy Comics