Reference Needed of Golden age heros

[ddgaff1132]

Hey all.
I've really been getting into the Golden age comic thing. I've been finding some cool sites that allow downloads of public domain comics from this age and has inspired me to try for a custom or two. So what I'm looking for is some reference book or books I can buy from amazon to help me. Books that would cover the off named heros rather then the standard Marvel/DC regulars. So if anyone can suggest a title. I'd be greatful.

[Brazoo]

Sorry, I can't think of any one definitive book - all the ones I know go over the entire history of comics without the detail you need or they focus on one company. My guess would be that online sources would be the best ones.

Maybe you could try asking on the fantagraphics Comic Book Journal forum: http://tcj.com/messboard/ or email a really great comic store, like The Beguiling in Toronto: http://www.beguiling.com/

[thunderbolt]

Here's one of my favorite online sources:

http://internationalhero.co.uk/g/goldenag.htm

[StrangeVisitor]

There's Bill Black's The Official Golden-Age Hero & Heroine Directory.


Don't have it myself so I don't know if it's got a lot of visual references.

There is also The Golden Age Hero Directory, a micro heroes site that shows GA superhero costumes & variations. (- consistency not being terribly important to some GA comic artists.)

[thunderbolt]

^^ Wondered about that book, too. Knowing AC Comics, tho, I bet its all B&W inside.

[ctc]

Hmmmm....

Try the nearest library. The ones around here have a lot of comic book books, including character guides and company histories.

Don C.

[kingdom warrior]

Try this

Category:Characters - Public Domain Super Heroes

[ctc]

>Category:Characters - Public Domain Super Heroes

Oh man! Some of those are AWESOME!:

HAW!
Yellowjacket - Public Domain Super Heroes
With my mastery over bees, I am INVINCIBLE!

HOLY FRED WERTHAM BATMAN!!!
Yank - Public Domain Super Heroes

Orphaned, and raised by a tornado he is:
Twister - Public Domain Super Heroes

Okay, this is just asking for trouble:
Target - Public Domain Super Heroes

....uh....
Targeteers - Public Domain Super Heroes

I must find an alter-ego that will strike fear into the hearts of evildoers everywhere.... I know! I will become.... TIM!
Tim - Public Domain Super Heroes

Most folks remember his uncle; "Dave the Mediocre Man."
Tommy the Amazing Kid - Public Domain Super Heroes

Another kid who's not even trying:
Mike - Public Domain Super Heroes

Best. Origin. EVER!
Man of War - Public Domain Super Heroes

SOMEONE needs a better publicist:
Yellow Spot - Public Domain Super Heroes

Gee.... someone has some royalties comin' to him:
Clock - Public Domain Super Heroes

I guess this was back when radiation was GOOD for you:
Captain Flash - Public Domain Super Heroes

Check out the horrified looks on the other charcters. They've all just noticed he's wearing body paint; NOT a costume:
Sword - Public Domain Super Heroes
....there's a reason he calls himself the Sword. A sad, unfortunate reason....

So.... he got his powers from playing violin....?
Sparkman - Public Domain Super Heroes

I don't even know where to begin....
Silver Streak - Public Domain Super Heroes

Wow. That's... almost useful:
Rainbow Boy - Public Domain Super Heroes

Okay; more useful than:
Rainbow - Public Domain Super Heroes

His power is being really small....?
Fly-Man - Public Domain Super Heroes

....and THIS guy has "the skills of a ferret?" What does that even MEAN?
Ferret - Public Domain Super Heroes
BEWARE MY SCAMPER-POWER!

If you rub him really fast you can start a campfire:
Fearless Flint - Public Domain Super Heroes

Didn't KISS fight this guy?
Fantom of the Fair - Public Domain Super Heroes

Holee smokes! It's the American version of Naruto!
Captain Battle Jr - Public Domain Super Heroes.

Nowadays Vitamin 2-X is known by the brand name "speed."
Blue Beetle - Public Domain Super Heroes
Hee heeee.... "hopped-up roadster."

Yeah, there's NOTHING a secret agent could do to fight crime.... but a clown with a bow....?
Arrow - Public Domain Super Heroes

I guess the best way to get powers in the 40's was either radiation or Tibetan monks:
Amazing Man - Public Domain Super Heroes
Those two ideas show up a LOT on this list.

If only I could find a radioactive Tibetan monk....

Best. Power. EVER:
Airman - Public Domain Super Heroes
I refer of course, to: "and his bombs and guns allow him to kill and blow things up."

Hitler is public domain?!?!
Adolf Hitler - Public Domain Super Heroes

Don C.

[bgrimm77]

It's not realy a character reference book , but the Overstreet comic price guide usually has some cool pics of Golden Age heros.......

[kingdom warrior]

Don you're killing me...lol! Golden age characters are corny as heck but that's why I love them!

[Brazoo]

Try this

Category:Characters - Public Domain Super Heroes

Awesome!

[ddgaff1132]

Big thanks to all!!!

BIG BIG thanks to all of you. I grabbed a bunch of book marks from these replys. Surprizing the number of links that I didnt have already!!! The book that StrangeVisitor listed is a really cool book. It is volume #1 so I hope other volumes are out there or in developement. The pages are black and white but color of costumes are described. Its also cool to note that the number of responces shows others are into the retro hero thing also. Thanks again to all.

There's Bill Black's The Official Golden-Age Hero & Heroine Directory.

http://accomics.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/hhd.jpg

Don't have it myself so I don't know if it's got a lot of visual references.

There is also The Golden Age Hero Directory, a micro heroes site that shows GA superhero costumes & variations. (- consistency not being terribly important to some GA comic artists.)