When people think of the Golden Age of Comics, the first names that usually come to mind are Superman, Batman, or Captain America—icons of superhero comics from DC and Marvel. But beyond these titans, there was a rich world of adventure, sci-fi, and jungle comics that captivated readers throughout the 1940s. One of the most innovative and daring publishers of the time was Fiction House, a company that specialised in high-octane, action-packed stories set in exotic locales. With titles like Planet Comics and Jungle Comics, Fiction House created a niche that was as popular as it was groundbreaking, making them true pioneers in the Golden Age of Comics.
The Origins of Fiction House
Founded in the early 1920s as a pulp magazine publisher, Fiction House initially produced popular adventure and mystery pulp magazines. By 1938, as the superhero craze began sweeping the nation, Fiction House made its entry into the comic book market with Jumbo Comics, an anthology series that featured a variety of stories, including jungle adventures and hard-hitting action.
Unlike many of their competitors, Fiction House didn't rely heavily on caped crusaders or masked vigilantes. Instead, they focused on genres that appealed to a broad readership: science fiction, war stories, and—perhaps their most defining legacy—jungle adventures. This diversity allowed Fiction House to carve out a distinct identity during the Golden Age, while also staying competitive in the crowded comic book market.
The Jungle Craze: Sheena, Queen of the Jungle
Fiction House's flagship character, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, was a trailblazer in many ways. Created by Will Eisner and S.M. "Jerry" Iger, Sheena debuted in Jumbo Comics #1 in 1938. She was one of the first female superheroes in comics and the very first female character to have her own title, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle.
Sheena's stories were set in the dense jungles of Africa, where she fought poachers, criminals, and wild animals with her bare hands, a whip, or even by taming jungle beasts. While her attire—typically a leopard-skin bikini—was designed to appeal to male readers, Sheena herself was a powerful and independent character. She was portrayed as physically strong, mentally sharp, and capable of handling any danger the jungle threw her way. In an era when female superheroes were few and far between, Sheena stood out as an enduring symbol of feminine strength and independence.
The success of Sheena spawned a wave of jungle-themed comics that would become one of Fiction House’s staples. Titles like Jungle Comics featured a rotating cast of jungle adventurers, including Kaänga, Wambi the Jungle Boy, and Camilla, Queen of the Lost Empire. These characters, often accompanied by exotic animals like lions, elephants, and leopards, thrilled readers with their wild exploits in the uncharted wilderness.
Adventure in the Stars: Planet Comics and the Rise of Sci-Fi
While jungle comics were a major success, Fiction House was also a key player in the burgeoning science fiction genre. In 1940, the company launched Planet Comics, one of the longest-running sci-fi comic series of the Golden Age. With its rocket ships, space battles, and alien civilizations, Planet Comics captured the imaginations of young readers eager to explore the stars.
What set Planet Comics apart from other sci-fi stories of the time was its combination of pulpy adventure with futuristic themes. Heroes like Flint Baker, the Red Comet, and Gale Allen fought off alien invaders and explored strange new worlds, often blending space opera with a hard-edged sense of adventure. The art in Planet Comics was often lush and imaginative, bringing alien landscapes and futuristic technologies to life in ways that captivated readers.
Much like its jungle comics, Fiction House’s sci-fi titles often featured strong female protagonists. Gale Allen, for example, led a rebellion against tyrannical alien overlords, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to gender roles in a genre typically dominated by male heroes.
A Bold Art Style and Daring Themes
One of the defining features of Fiction House's comics was the dynamic and often risqué artwork. Their pages were filled with beautifully rendered characters, exotic settings, and fast-paced action. The jungle comics, in particular, were known for their detailed depictions of wild animals and lush environments, as well as their often-suggestive art that pushed the boundaries of the time.
This visual flair extended to the cover art, which was designed to grab the attention of potential buyers on crowded newsstands. Fiction House covers often featured daring heroes and heroines in perilous situations—whether battling wild animals or escaping the clutches of alien overlords. The company understood the power of eye-catching imagery, and they weren't afraid to push the envelope with provocative, attention-grabbing designs.
The Decline and Legacy of Fiction House
Like many comic publishers of the Golden Age, Fiction House’s fortunes began to wane in the early 1950s. The rise of the Comics Code Authority (CCA), which enforced strict content guidelines, heavily impacted publishers like Fiction House, whose comics often featured violence, scantily clad characters, and mature themes. Unable to adapt to the new, sanitised comic book landscape, Fiction House ceased comic book production in 1954.
Despite their decline, Fiction House’s legacy lives on. They helped shape the adventure, jungle, and sci-fi genres in ways that still resonate in comics today. Characters like Sheena paved the way for future female superheroes, while Planet Comics inspired generations of sci-fi storytellers. In recent years, many of Fiction House’s works have been reprinted, introducing new readers to their bold storytelling and dynamic art.
Fiction House may not have the name recognition of Marvel or DC, but their contributions to the Golden Age of Comics were profound. By embracing adventurous, exotic settings and crafting strong, memorable characters—especially women like Sheena—they left a lasting impact on the comic book medium. Fiction House's daring stories of jungle warriors and space explorers continue to inspire and entertain, making them an essential part of comic book history.
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