Scarab (Nedor Comics)

The Scarab is a fictional superhero from the Golden Age of Comics. He first appeared in Startling Comics #34 (July 1945), published by Nedor Comics.[1] The character was later revived by writer Alan Moore for America's Best Comics.

The Scarab
Publication information
PublisherNedor Comics
America's Best Comics (DC)
First appearanceStartling Comics #34 (July 1945)
In-story information
Alter egoPeter Ward
Team affiliationsSMASH
Notable aliasesThoth
AbilitiesSuper-human strength, flight, invulnerability

Nedor Comics

The Scarab was the secret identity of Egyptologist Peter Ward, who decoded a secret message in an ancient papyrus scroll.[2] Ward was actually the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian high priest; by rubbing his magic scarab ring Ward would instantly transform into the super-powerful Scarab.[3] He's accompanied by Akh-Tu-Men, an intelligent black cat.[4]

The Scarab debuted in Startling Comics #34, and became a regular backup feature in Exciting Comics from issue #42-48.[5] His last Golden Age appearance was in The Black Terror #20 (October 1947).[6]

America's Best Comics

Alan Moore revived the Scarab, along with many other Nedor Comics characters, for his Tom Strong series. In Tom Strong #12 (June 2001), the Scarab was revealed to have been one of the members of SMASH that had been placed in suspended animation after an alien invasion from the moon in 1969. Awakened 30 years later, the Scarab joined his former comrades in the fight against the alien. SMASH disbanded shortly thereafter, but reformed three years later. The Scarab is a member of the reformed group.

In the Terra Obscura spin-off series, the Scarab allows himself to be bonded with the ancient Egyptian god Thoth in order to control one-time superhero Mystico (who is himself bonded with the god Seth).

Dynamite Entertainment
Main article: Scarab (Dynamite Entertainment)

Dynamite Entertainment introduced a loosely based update of the Scarab as part of their title Project Superpowers.[7]

Film

A modernized version of the Scarab appears alongside other Golden Age superheroes in the independent film Avenging Force: The Scarab, a low-budget production likely attempting to capitalize on the success of the film Marvel's The Avengers.

  • The Silver Scarab from DC comics, whose origin was very complex, was created by the same person as the Scarlet Scarab, Roy Thomas. Thomas said he created both in homage to the Dan Garrett version of the Blue Beetle, an earlier hero with similar themes.[8]
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References
  1. Yoe, Craig (2018). Super Weird Heroes Vol. 2: Preposterous But True. Yoe Books. p. 255. ISBN 978-1631408588.
  2. Mougin, Lou (2020). Secondary Superheroes of Golden Age Comics. McFarland & Co. p. 176. ISBN 9781476638607.
  3. Markstein, Don. "The Scarab". Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  4. Nevins, Jess (2013). Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes. High Rock Press. pp. 233–234. ISBN 978-1-61318-023-5.
  5. Benton, Mike (1992). Superhero Comics of the Golden Age: The Illustrated History. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company. pp. 161–162. ISBN 0-87833-808-X. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
  6. Grand Comics Database. Last accessed 2/14/2007
  7. Ross! Krueger! Dynamite! "SUPERPOWERS!", Comic Book Resources, July 18, 2007
  8. "The Return of Khepri"
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