Korak is the Honorable Jack Clayton, son of English Lord John Clayton, Viscount Greystoke, also known as Tarzan, lord of the jungle. He is the hero of a 1915/6 magazine serial and 1917 novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs and a 1920 silent movie serial, as well as a character in several other Tarzan stories from 1914 to 1924. He experienced a revival in 1964 as the star of his own comic book series and as a major character in various Tarzan comic books, pages, and strips from 1966 to 1978.
As depicted in the comic books, pages, and strips, Korak has a lean, athletic physique, broad shoulders and thin waist, almost no clothing, a cute, boyish face, and full, thick hair. He is also an intelligent, enthusiastic teen-aged boy with excellent natural instincts and a good heart.
Korak strives to emulate his legendary father but lacks his strength, maturity and experience. Therefore, he is both more likely to enter into dangerous situations and more vulnerable to being defeated.
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| Korak in Sunday Tarzans (6/29/1975) |
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.
Previous to this week's adventures, Korak is introduced to a new adventure by a couple in a balloon who reveal that they found the legendary elephants' graveyard. Finding that his ankle is caught in the anchor rope, Korak quickly climbs up and into the balloon with the couple, who show the son of Tarzan a photograph of the site. Joining the couple to their destination, Korak finds that the girl's father does not appreciate her taste in boys. During the night, somebody kidnaps the girl and steals one of the balloons. Korak finds the other balloon and joins the boyfriend in the chase. Unfortunately, they encounter a storm, and the balloon is forced to land near the spot which the couple photographed. Korak does not seem to believe that this is the elephants' graveyard. However, the boyfriend's enthusiasm leads him to running towards it, causing Korak to follow and resulting in their being surrounded by a group of female warriors riding prehistoric mammoths and armed with spears. Korak and the boyfriend are led away by the female warriors until they encounter another group of female warriors with spears. The two groups of female warriors fight until one of the groups is defeated. Then, the winning group continues to lead Korak and the boyfriend through ominous cliffs into a castle deep in the mountain wilderness. They are lifted by rope through a high window and enter a strange hall. Then, they are led to a comfortable room, where they are offered food, drink, and companionship. The two groups of female warriors fight again over Korak and the boyfriend. However, they draw the unwanted attention of old Nliki, who guides the group to the mysterious Hunlaka, who has monopolized the female warriors by slaying all of the rival men. Hunlaka challenges Korak and the boyfriend to armed combat. Korak is fighting in his loincloth, armed with a small knife, while Hunlaka is armored and carrying a long, broad sword.
The fight is interrupted when the female warriors bring the girlfriend and her two captors into the hall. Hunlaka now challenges Korak, the boyfriend, and the two captors for the girlfriend. After quickly dispatching both captors, the mysterious Hunlaka, whose armor is resistant to bullets, approaches the two balloonists. Meanwhile, Korak maneuvers behind him and attacks him with his knife.
This week, discovering that the mysterious Hunlaka's armor is also resistant to his small knife, Korak pulls his opponent backwards, causing him to fall and drop his sword, and continues to apply pressure on his spine. Hunlaka surrenders.
This week, Korak remains the hero in his own adventure. He demonstrates a keen mind by adapting his tactics to the situation, as well as his skill, strength, and toughness by forcing his heavily armored opponent to the ground, maintaining his hold despite the impact of the fall, and proceeding to exploit Hunlaka's vulnerability.
Manning's artwork is wonderful. Viewers get a great view of Korak's lean, athletic physique in multiple panels as he struggles with Hunlaka to the death from the rear.
Favorite scene: panel d
Previous blog:
Korak in Sunday Tarzans (6/22/1975)
This blog is intended to raise interest in and appreciation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs character Korak. To see this story in context, you may find it in Hillman's ERBzine at the following link:
This week's adventures can also be found at the following link(s):
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