First Black Character to Headline a Major Comic Book Series Lobo, Second and Final Issue

Western

Comic books

[African American][Comics] [Western Americana] Lobo. Dell Comics, 1966. Vol. 1, No. 2, October 1966. Written by Don Arneson and illustrated by Tony Tallarico, this second and final issue of Lobo continues the groundbreaking story of the first African American character to headline his own comic book series. Following the debut issue’s introduction of Lobo as a Black cowboy wrongly accused of a crime he didn’t commit, this installment further develops his quest for justice in the Old West. Now a fugitive, Lobo roams the frontier, defending the innocent and confronting those who abuse their power. This issue sees him locked in a deadly duel against "The King of the West," a formidable villain who challenges his strength and resilience.

The cover features a striking action scene, depicting Lobo in a blue denim outfit, engaged in combat with his axe-wielding adversary atop a stone battlement. The bold red background and the tagline "Lobo vs. The 'King' in The Impossible Duel!" emphasize the high-stakes nature of the conflict. Interior pages continue the dramatic storytelling, with dynamic panel layouts and expressive artwork. A key scene shows Lobo riding through the canyon, pursued by gunmen, reinforcing his role as an outlaw-hero fighting against injustice. Dialogue within the issue highlights his moral code, as he refuses to resort to violence unless absolutely necessary—a rare and nuanced portrayal of a Black protagonist in 1960s Western comics. Released at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Lobo remains a rare and historically significant publication. Its short two-issue run was reportedly due to distributors refusing to stock a comic featuring a Black lead, making surviving copies especially scarce. Overall good to very good condition. Minor chipping at corners. Moderate creasing and wear to cover, especially at spine.A rare and essential artifact of racial representation in American comics.

Item #23727

Price: $650.00