Number 2397: Hooray for the Ray

I haven’t shown any other stories of the Ray, and that surprises me. I am easily surprised, mind you, but  surprises aside, here is the origin of the Ray. Grand Comics Database uses their system for showing they’re not quite sure if an attribution is correct by using a question mark. In this case it applies to Will Eisner, who has been widely credited with creating the Ray. But did he write the origin story? That’s why the question mark behind his name on the GCD listing of Feature Comics #14 (1940), where the Ray first appeared.

At least it’s clear that Lou Fine did the artwork. The Ray’s origin is typically comic book strange...caused by a trip in a stratospheric balloon by reporter Happy Terrill, who then becomes a super being. GCD points out that the origin story is the only one in which the Ray’s legs are bare, rather than in tights.

Maybe I have asked this before, but have you ever noticed that superheroes, even before they are superheroes, look like superheroes? Happy is handsome, tall, and muscular. Wow, lucky guy! No wonder he became a super being. Physique and movie star looks aside, the Ray only lasted until 1943. Maybe good-looking Happy Terrill got drafted? Question mark means I don’t know.

Posted in: Pappy Comics