Number 2427: Shot through the heart

The Arrow was a very early entry into the comic book costumed heroes club. His exploits began in Funny Pages Vol. 2 No. 10 (1938) as an anonymous archer in disguise. Like many of his ilk, the Arrow doesn’t mind going around the law, bringing some old-fashioned vigilante justice. In one panel of today’s story he shoots a crook in the heart with his “glittering arrow.” Beyond a good aim, he has no super powers.

The Arrow was created by Paul Gustavson. I am showing you the fifth story from the series, in the form of a reprint published in The Arrow #1 (1940). Like most good costumed heroes, the Arrow knows where the evil doings are done, and as if by magic he appears on the scene to wreak justice. Also like magic, his cloak changes to yellow in the splash panel and all of page 5.

Early come, early go...Arrow lasted until 1942, when the publisher, Centaur, went out of business.

Number 1747: Young Bob Lubbers

Bob Lubbers had a long career in comics, both in comic books and comic strips. He was still a teenager when he did this 1940 story for Centaur’s The Arrow #2. After Centaur folded in 1942 he went on to Fiction House, where he became art director, then went into the military during World War II. He came back to Fiction House after the war and did various features, including Captain Wings (see the link below). Lubbers worked on the Tarzan daily strip. He worked for and with Al Capp on L’il Abner, and drew the Capp-written strip, Long Sam.

Lubbers specialized in pretty girls. Robin Malone, subject of an article in Hogans Alley #19, is a good example. Having whetted your appetite I am sorry for leading you on, but there are no pretty girls in this Arrow strip.

As promised, links to more Lubbers. “Romance In a Trance” is one of the most visited Pappy’s Golden Age posts.