Early Comics Get Weird: Talking Lion and FBI Agent Editor Up for Auction

Long before Mr. Tawny Tawky roared into the hearts of Shazam fans, Fawcett Publications introduced another peculiar talking big cat. Eric the Talking Lion, an eccentric sidekick to "Jungle King" Lee Granger, made his debut in the 1940 Slam Bang Comics #1. Granger, a Tarzan-esque scientist, crafted an electrical device to give Eric the power of speech – a truly bizarre Golden Age origin story that shows just how wild early comics could be.

But the animal kingdom wasn't the only source of intrigue in this short-lived series. Slam Bang Comics #1 also introduced Jim Dolan, a "hard-hitting editor" and former FBI agent. Given Fawcett's own true crime magazine, Daring Detective, and its claims of "official sources," it's fascinating to consider if Dolan was inspired by a real Fawcett staffer with surprising law enforcement connections. Such behind-the-scenes hints reflect the untamed, experimental spirit of early comic creation.

This formative Golden Age title, which eventually saw many features migrate to Master Comics, offers a glimpse into a unique era. A rare copy of Slam-Bang Comics #1 (Fawcett, 1940) is now hitting the auction block at Heritage Auctions, a chance to own a piece of this peculiar history.