Number 2383: The Hooded Wasp and the human zoo

The author of this story must have been familiar with H.G. Wells’ novel, The Island of Dr Moreau, where animals are turned into “men.” The 1896 novel was made into a 1933 movie with Charles Laughton, Island of Lost Souls. The Hooded Wasp has a young protégé, Wasplet, who likes to dance jitterbug style with a girlfriend he has not yet kissed. “Sissy and unhygienic” is what he says about kissing. She is trying to get him to make out with her when both are kidnapped by a wildcat dressed like a human. The wildcat is a creature created by a mad scientist who is transforming people into animals for his human zoo.

Of the animals, my favorite is Beaver-man. If you want someone to gnaw a rope holding you prisoner, then Beaver-man is the guy to do it.

The story is signed by Jack Binder, but I am sure it is a job from Binder’s comic art shop; various artists, including Binder, worked on it. It’s from Shadow Comics Volume 2, Number 11 (whole number 23), 1943.

I showed another Hooded Wasp story last January. You can find it here.

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