As the star of his own comic book series in 1964, Korak is a capable, young hero. His adventures were somewhat similar to those of his father Tarzan, but independent from them.
In 1966, ABC released the TV series Batman, featuring the frequently imperiled youthful sidekick Robin the Boy Wonder. As a fan of seeing cute, young sidekicks in trouble, I watched every episode.
Russ Manning took over the Daily Tarzan strips in 1967. His Korak tended to have a tall, lean, swimmer's build. While the son of Tarzan continued to have somewhat autonomous adventures, the slender, handsome youth seemed to be getting into trouble more frequently and more easily. Moreover, in the Daily Tarzan strips, Korak tended to suffer from more frequent comparisons to his legendary father.
Previous to this week's adventures, the Ho-dons believe that Korak is Dor-Ul-Otho, son of their god, which belief the son of Tarzan encourages in hopes that it would help him find his father. Korak saves the fugitive renegade Ab from a sabre-tooth tiger, enters the Ho-don city of Ta-lur as the son of its god, attracts the seductive attention of the lovely and crafty Ju-ra, who rules the city's priests through Ab's father Be-jub, and defeats its king Ta-den in a fight. Upon learning that Tarzan rides with their Waz-don enemies, the king takes advantage of the news to turn the city against Korak. Ta-den orders Korak to ride with him into battle against Tarzan and the Waz-dons. Korak spots Tarzan with the Waz-dons and rather foolishly attempts to escape the Ho-don army and reach his father.
Not surprisingly, the Ho-dons react by hurling spears at Korak in order to prevent the apparent defection. One strikes his leg, turning the young hero into an easy target.
Korak returns to a supporting role this week, and the results continue to disappoint. Impetuously jumping from the Gryf and running to his father like a lost, helpless little boy, the young hero provokes the Ho-dons to hurl their spears at him in order to prevent his apparent defection. When his son is struck by a spear, becoming an easy target, Tarzan cleverly focuses the Waz-don and Ho-don warriors back upon their mutual enmity, and away from his vulnerable son. The ungrateful bitch then reacts by chastising his father for his inhumanity in devising a creative solution that saved his tight, little loin-clothed rear. Our young hero's intelligence certainly takes a beating this week.
Manning's artwork is wonderful. Unfortunately, Korak returns to the background this week.
Favorite scene: 9/16/1968, panel a.
Previous strip: Korak in Daily Tarzan (9/9/1968-9/14/1968)
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