Amazing-Man (Centaur Publications)

Amazing-Man
Amazing-Man Comics #5 (Sept. 1939), first appearance of the Amazing-Man, art by Bill Everett.
Publication information
PublisherCentaur Publications
Malibu Comics
Marvel Comics
First appearanceCentaur:
Amazing-Man Comics #5 (Sept. 1939)
Malibu:
Protectors #2 (October 1992)
Created byCentaur:
Bill Everett
Malibu:
R. A. Jones
Thomas Derenick
In-story information
Alter egoJohn Aman
Team affiliationsMalibu:
Protectors
Marvel:
Immortal Weapons
Secret Avengers
Notable aliasesPrince of Orphans (Marvel), The Green Mist of Death
AbilitiesSlightly superhuman strength, speed, and endurance
Ability to turn into a green mist

Amazing-Man (John Aman) is a comic book superhero whose adventures were published by Centaur Publications during the 1930s to 1940s in the Golden Age of Comic Books. Historians credit his creation variously to writer-artist Bill Everett[1] or to Everett together with Centaur art director Lloyd Jacquet.[2] Amazing-Man first appeared in Amazing-Man Comics #5 (Sept. 1939)—there were no issues numbered #1–4).[3]

During the Golden Age of Comic Books, Centaur Publications produced Amazing-Man's eponymous series, Amazing-Man Comics, which ran from issues #5–26 (Sept. 1939 – Feb. 1942). Amazing-Man was the second superhero to have a comic book named after him, after Superman.[4] In 1941, Centaur also included Amazing-Man in their war comic, Stars and Stripes Comics #2–6 (June–Dec. 1941).[5] The book was cancelled in 1942 when the company went out of business.[6]

The character influenced the creation and origin of Charlton Comics' 1960s superhero Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt,[1] as well as Marvel Comics' Iron Fist character in the 1970s,[7][8] and DC Comics' hero of the same name.[9]

  1. ^ a b Amazing-Man at Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012.
  2. ^ Nevins, Jess. "The Timely Comics Story". WebCitation archive.
  3. ^ Benton, Mike (1992). Superhero Comics of the Golden Age: The Illustrated History. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company. p. 149. ISBN 0-87833-808-X. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  4. ^ Benton, Mike (1992). Superhero Comics of the Golden Age: The Illustrated History. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company. p. 66. ISBN 0-87833-808-X. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  5. ^ Benton, Mike (1992). Superhero Comics of the Golden Age: The Illustrated History. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company. p. 184. ISBN 0-87833-808-X. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  6. ^ Mitchell, Kurt; Thomas, Roy (2019). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940-1944. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 162. ISBN 978-1605490892.
  7. ^ "Roy Thomas interview". Alter Ego (70): 38. July 2007.
  8. ^ Jeff Christiansen's The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Yü-Ti: "In the letter page to Marvel Premiere #15, [Iron Fist co-creator] Roy Thomas commented how the K'un-Lun origin of Iron Fist was inspired by the origin of Bill Everett's Amazing Man".
  9. ^ The All-Star Companion, p. 76, at Google Books