Airboy is a classic character that I think would fit right into an adventure will Cliff Secord. They are both pilots who use their tools and skills for fighting crime. Airboy even had some beautiful covers illustrated by Dave Stevens when he was revived by Eclipse Comics. I wonder if Stevens was inspired by the original Airboy tales when he came up with The Rocketeer?
At the time (High School) I felt I didn't have the funds to purchase any independent company titles from Eclipse, Comico, or First Comics (they were much more expensive then the Marvel, DC or Archie comics), but I too enjoyed staring at those covers and occasionally flipping through a back issue. I really liked looking at Airboy and Fem Force cuz they seemed kinda retro. Hey! Have you featured FEM FORCE here yet?
ReplyDeleteNot yet - like you, I did not sample many independents until later on, so that was another series I never got around to checking out.
ReplyDeletethis is brilliant! Hey--since Airboy (1940s version) seems to be out of copyright, maybe someone can write the company doing Rocketeer now and suggest it!
ReplyDeleteI love the aviators of classic comics. If only you could create a Blackhawk/Captain Midnight team-up, you'd hit the gland slam of comic book pilots!
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: Airboy's been revived by Antarctic Press.
ReplyDelete@Ross: I'm almost certain Stevens had Commando Cody in mind when he came up with the Rocketeer (well, that and period car hood designs). It was almost too perfect when the character was introduced as a back-up feature running in different Pacific titles because it simulated the experience of following adventure serials at movie theaters with cliff-hanger chapters coupled with a different main feature every week.
Ross, you did Katanna, now how long will the wait be for Halo?
ReplyDeleteHalo is coming...
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you I have no idea who AIRBOY is. I do love THE ROCKETEER, though. How about him meeting up with Hop Harrigan or The Blackhawks! :-) Nice job as always, Ross!
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