Jack Staff

[Marbles]

I just picked this new Paul Grist/Image comic up.

I had previously flicked thru the independent b&w version but not actually bought it.

Anyway it looks very good, but at the back Grist says that 2000AD's 'Zenith' was Britain's first true superhero.

Surely this can't be right ?? He mentions Captain Britain & Union Jack as being US creations (I'd beg to differ on 'CB' since Alan's Davis & Moore basically reinvented the entire character) but even so.

Link: http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/snapjudgments/021703/jackstaff1.shtml" target="_blank">Jack Staff Review

[Trout]

That really can't be right.

There must have been dozens, mostly before my time.

However, reading Zenith has given me many glimpses.

Oakman, Tanya, Blue Wizard, Ace Hart, Captain Miracle, Electroman, lots of others.

I know Marvelman and co were "born of" Captain Marvel, so they may not count, but somebody please reassure me that all those others weren't ripped off from the US.

- Trout

[petemaskreplica]

The Leopard from Lime Street!

Link: http://www.26pigs.com/buster/characters.htm" target="_blank">"My whole body seems to be throbbing with energy!"

[Marbles]

Yep 'Leopard From Lime Street' for 2000AD Gold !!

The Campaign starts here.

[Mangamax]

What about Billy the Cat? Always loved his helmet

[JayzusB.Christ]

F'narr, f'narr.

[Proudhuff]

Billy the Cat's helmet, The love that dare not speak it's name..

Surely Miracleman came first, ooops now I'm doing it....

[Mangamax]

Switching quickly off from "Carry On" mode, anyone know which comic Billy the Cat was in?

[karne]

"anyone know which comic Billy the Cat was in?"

It were the Beano my lad, and in an attempt to balance the readership Billy was later joined by his cousin Katie who wore an identical costume to his.

Billy the cat was later ressurected for the boys comic "Buddy"

[Mangamax]

God yeah - forgot about Katie

[petemaskreplica]

A 2000ad Gold double bill of the Leopard from Lime Street and Billy the Cat would surely be  winner?!

[Buddy]

What about 'King Cobra' from Hotspur (I think).

Ron Smith art if I'm not mistaken.

Now that I mention it Ron Smiths artwork on King Cobra (if indeed it was him) was the first time I remember thinking 'that artworks cool' so I suppose it was really my introduction to comics as a fan(boy).

Link: http//:www.ximoc.co.uk

[The Monarch]

billy the cat wasn't that the character than morisson used as the basis for tiger tom in zenith also king kobra sounds familiar as well

[karne]

"A 2000ad Gold double bill of the Leopard from Lime Street and Billy the Cat would surely be winner?!"

It would, but it's unlikely to happen as DC Thompson own the rights to Billy the Cat.


"What about 'King Cobra' from Hotspur (I think). Ron Smith art if I'm not mistaken."

Right on both counts.


There have been plenty of British superheroes before Zenith, Thunderbolt Jaxon and the Phantom Viking to name a few, but I think what Paul Grist was trying to say was that Zenith was the first original concept(ie not ripped off from American comics) British superhero.

[The Monarch]

thunderbolt jaxon as well