So I posted this on the Comix-Scholars list earlier today, but I wanted to see what kind of ideas people here on the forums would have too.
For a class on Egyptology I'm taking, I want to write a paper about how Egyptian gods are used in modern comics. Of course the first three characters that came to mind were Black Adam, and the Hawks. I've got a couple of related questions:
Does anyone know what specific issues complete Egyptian origins for those characters were laid out in?
(I'd even accept what issue of Countdown the origins were summarized in, if you know them)
Thanks!
I'm open to the idea of non-superhero comic usage, but I've read few non-hero comics.
Just throw me your ideas. Thanks guys
Moon Knight is also an example Egyptian Myth in Comics.
Image Comics 1963 had a hero named Horus. Then there is the Charlton Comics' Dan Garret Blue Beetle who's powers were based on Egyptian myth.
Charlton's Thunderbolt fought and destroyed an animated mummy who called herself Evila (but spell that backwards).
How do you class Rama Tut?
Oops! Lest I forget, there was King Tut on the Batman TV series, although I'm not sure he ever actually appeared in the comics.
Don't forget the Isis TV show, which also had it's own comic title to support it.
There's also the possibility of the Sphinx from Marvel.
Edit: For the DC characters, I can't quickly give you the issue their origin was detailed, but I can give you first appearance.
Black Adam first appeared in Marvel Family #1, current version in Shazam: The New Beginning #1. His origin is summarized in DC Who's Who '87 #1.
Golden Age Hawkman first appeared in Flash Comics #1. His wife also appeared in that issue, but didn't debut as Hawkgirl until Flash Comics #24. Their origins are summarized in DC Who's Who #10.
Moon Knight's origin was in Moon Knight #1.
The Sphinx's origin was in Nova #7.
The DC title of the Isis series was The Mighty Isis. As far as I can tell, it only had 8 issues.
Bluewater Productions had a title The Legend Of Isis a couple years ago, and that character had previously appeared in some Image title(s) (no title names were given on the Wiki page I found).
I would go with Sandman since you did not specify superheroes.
Regarding Black Adam and Hawkman/Hawkgirl, I would suggest the JSA trade called Return of Hawkman, as it certainly involves their time in ancient Egypt.
And of course, you can't forget the Heliopolitans from the Thor comic book. There is a link of the members here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliopolitans_%28comics%29
There was a comic called Promethea, written by Alan Moore under the America's Best Comics line, that seemed to have Egyptian mythology involved in her origins. I believe specifically Thoth.. he would have been in the first issue or two of that book.
I would like to second the Sandman suggestion; Bast was a recurring character in the book.
I hope I am not repeating any.
Ibis the Invincible
Dr. Fate
Mumm-Ra from the Thundercats
Apocalypse is a good villain for you to look up....but to be honest I wish comics writers would leave Egyptian history alone since they never get it right! Read Stolen Legacy.
Charlton's Egyption Blue Beetle had his origin in Blue Beetle #1 from 1964.
I've never read Horus, but I supposed there is a recap of his origin in it.
Evila's origin is in Thunderbolt #51 (actually the character's second appearance) from 1966.
Well, I really should have been more specific - I was looking for characters who were either powered by or (preferably) interacted with Egyptian gods on a regular basis.
That said, you guys gave me a few that I hadn't even thought of - Blue Beetle, Dr. Fate and Moon Knight (Fist of Khonshu!) among them. A book I just got to research this also mentioned Ibis the invincible, and I've already borrowed Promethea v1 and one of the only two Sandman volumes not already checked out from my college library.
You guys are awesome. Thanks!