Skyman (Columbia Comics)

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caption = "The Skyman" #1 (1941, no month listed). Cover art by Ogden Whitney.
character_name = The Skyman
publisher = Columbia Comics
debut = "Big Shot Comics" #1 (May 1940)
creators = Gardner Fox
Ogden Whitney
alter_ego = Allen Turner
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The Skyman is a fictional comic book superhero that appeared in 1940s comics during what historians and fans call the Golden Age of Comic Books. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Ogden Whitney, the character first appeared in the Columbia Comics omnibus title "Big Shot Comics" #1 (May 1940). He is unrelated to the DC Comics character called simply Skyman, who originated as All-American Publications' Star-Spangled Kid.

Publication history

After appearing in the first eight issues of "Big Shot", the character was spun off into his own series, in which one issue each appeared in 1941, 1942, 1947, and 1948. The Skyman went on to appear in virtually every issue of "Big Shot" through issue #101 (May 1949). That comic itself lasted only three more issues. The Skyman additionally appeared in a story in "Sparky Watts" #1 (1942).

New Media Publishing reprinted a Skyman story in the unnumbered one-shot "Golden Age Of Comics Special" (Summer 1982). A.C.E. Comics' "Return of the Skyman" #1 (Sept. 1987) reprinted his origin from "The Skyman" #1 (1941) and published a new story written by Mort Todd with art by industry legend Steve Ditko. Original artist Ogden Whitney penciled and inked a new cover. AC Comics ran two reprints in "Golden-Age Men of Mystery" #7 (May 1998)and one in issue 23 of the same series.

Skyman has also appeared in a couple of issues of AC Comics "FemForce" series, and is rumored to be appearing in Capture Comics' upcoming "Bounty Hunter" series.

Fictional character biography

The Skyman was Allen Turner, who was raised by his uncle to become "outstanding in mind and body." A brilliant scientist, he had no superpowers but did have a flying wing-shaped airplane, similar to the Northrop YB-35, dubbed "The Wing", that flew by the power of Earth's magnetic poles. With this and money inherited from his late uncle's will, he fought crime.

References

* [http://ratmmjess.tripod.com/ga/golds.html The Golden Age Heroes Directory: S] , accessed 29 January 2006.
* [http://www.comics.org/search.lasso?type=character&query=skyman&sort=chrono&Submit=Search Grand Comics Database: Skyman]