Comic Book Creatures

Numerous comic books are in the public domain and many of them are readily available on the Internet.  They are a tremendous resource for role-playing games in terms of ideas, characters, or even just visual aids.  Without further ado, here are ten peculiar creatures certain to enhance any gaming experience.

Amazing Adventures #1; 1950, Ziff-Davis;
Art by Alex Schomburg

Horrible Triangular Monsters

“Utterly impossible...and yet... ALIVE!”

These bizarre entities come from the fourth dimension.  Some are hostile, others are friendly – but which is worse?  Their touch causes accelerated aging.  The rainbow-like 'stream of time' affords protection from these freaks.

Watch out, I think the blue one likes you.

Amazing Adventures #1; 1950, Ziff-Davis;
Art by Wally Wood

Darterfly

While exploring the jungles of Venus, be wary of the alluring darterfly – “It shoots poison darts!”  The ant-person in the illustration is about to learn that the poison is quite lethal.

Operation: Peril #2 (Time Travelers feature);
1950, American Comics Group; Art by Ken Bald

Tarv

Another denizen of Venus is the beast of Tarv.  Notice how the long, ropy appendages prevent the protagonist from getting close enough “to strike a telling blow.”

The Green Planet; 1962, Charlton;
Art by Charles Nicholas and Vince Alascia

Punta

Humans colonizing the planet Klorath encountered a species of monkey-cats called punta.  Although adorable, their touch burns.  At first, the humans attempted to exterminate them, but somebody came up with the idea of wearing protective garments.  No more problems!

Weird Tales of the Future #4; 1952, S. P. M.
Publications; Art by Basil Wolverton/Ed Robbins

“Skull Gliders”

You know those comic books where the cover depicts a scene completely unrelated to the contents of said comic?  This is one.

The name “skull gliders” is just something I made up.

Notice the cranial seam on the subject at the bottom right.

Captain Science #3 (Brandt Craig feature);
1951, Youthful Magazines; Art by ?

Griffon-Ape

Horns, claws, fangs, and a studded tail – natural weapons for every occasion!

Why is it called a griffon-ape?  I don't know; maybe somebody named Griffon discovered it.

It's not very sporting to shoot the playful fellow in the eye.

Target Comics vol. 1 no. 5 (Spacehawk feature);
1940, Novelty; Art by Basil Wolverton

Protoplasm

This ooze is known to infest the caves of Neptune.  It can devour just about anything and an “old-fashioned flame gun is the only kind of weapon that monstrosity respects!”

The grasping, hand-like pseudopods add to the creepiness.

Lightning Comics v. 2 n. 2 (Congo Jack feature);
1941, Ace Comics; Art by Mark Schneider

Ozix

Ozixes (ozices?) appear to be large (man-sized) leopards with crocodile heads.

This particular specimen was kept in a pit by the green molemen where it perfected its techniques of 'slavering jaws' and 'snorting steam'.

In the words of Congo Jack, “This baby means business!!”

Midnight Mystery #6; 1961, American
Comics Group; Art by Pete Costanza

White Apeman

In the remote mountains of Rajasthan, legends persist of a huge, white ape-like creature.

Certainly, it possesses prodigious strength, but this strange simian also employs a powerful “hypnotic glare” capable of physically hurling an adult tiger through the air.

Forbidden Worlds #28; 1954, American
Comics Group; Art by Sheldon Moldoff

Beasts from the Berg

“What are they?  Beasts that've been preserved in the icebergs since the dawn of time -- or invaders from outer space?”

“Beasts -- Invaders -- What difference does it make?  They're here!”

There's really nothing more I can add to that.