| The Arrow | |
|---|---|
&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:Funny_Pages_vol4_1.jpg) The Arrow, on the cover of Funny Pages vol. 4, #1 (January 1940), art by Paul Gustavson. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Centaur Publications |
| First appearance | Funny Pages #21 (September 1938) |
| Created by | Paul Gustavson |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Ralph Payne (Centaur Comics) Rick Parker (Malibu Comics) |
| Team affiliations | The Protectors (Malibu Comics) |
| Abilities | Highly skilled archer |
The Arrow is a fictional superhero created during the Golden Age of Comic Books. He was the first superhero published by Centaur Publications.[1]
The character first appeared in 1938 in Funny Pages #21 (numbered vol. 2, #10; dated September 1938).[2] He continued in the comic until issue #42 (Oct 1940), and then had his own series, The Arrow, which lasted for three issues from Oct 1940 to Oct 1941.[3]
The Arrow is actually Ralph Payne, a military intelligence agent who uses his archery skills to fight crime. He delivers messages via arrow, both to criminals and the police, and uses his bow to kill the evildoers.[4] Today, the Arrow is mostly remembered for being the first American superhero to rely on archery as a primary gimmick.[5]
- ^ Mougin, Lou (2020). Secondary Superheroes of Golden Age Comics. McFarland & Co. pp. 6–7. ISBN 9781476638607.
- ^ Markstein, Don. "The Arrow". Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- ^ Benton, Mike (1992). Superhero Comics of the Golden Age: The Illustrated History. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company. p. 150. ISBN 0-87833-808-X. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
- ^ Nevins, Jess (2013). Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes. High Rock Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-1-61318-023-5.
- ^ Tiefenbacher, Mike (July 1994). "Hero History". Hero Illustrated (#13): 19.