Wednesday, May 15, 2024

MINOR SUPER-VILLAIN 521: RED DUGAN

(Blue Ribbon Comics 003, 1940) 


Red Dugan is a down-on-his-luck gang boss who turns to what will be a classic crime method in the Silver Age particularly: he kidnaps a scientist and forces him to science up a weapon for him to smite his enemies with. In this case, the scientist in question is one Dr Cardo, who seems oddly prepared for the task of making a Seafood Platter Man. Was he kidnapped just before embarking on his own reign of terror? We can only speculate.

Dugan sends his new monster to plant a bomb on the ship they are based out of, allowing it to show off its might via a cool underwater octopus battle. FEATURING: two very charmingly rascally fish enjoying a free buffet.

The story ends with a triumphant Red Dugan in full control of his monster, having disposed of his enemies and Dr Cardo (he thinks. In reality the monster was conditioned to be unable to harm its creator) and presumably ready to loot and pillage all water-accessible riches he can. We can speculate that he would have met his comeuppance in the next issue and that it would have been at the hands of nautical adventure trio the Devils of the Deep because their name was the title of the adventure but neither they, Red Dugan, Dr Cardo or the monster ever appeared again.

Bonus: One more look at those great fish. And they have some crustacean friends!

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