The Black Terror

In the vibrant and often chaotic world of Golden Age comics, a multitude of characters burst onto the scene during the late 1930s and 1940s, many of whom have since faded into obscurity. Among the most memorable and enduring of these lesser-known heroes is The Black Terror, a strikingly bold figure first published by Nedor Comics (also known as Better Publications) in 1941. Created by writer Richard E. Hughes and artist Don Gabrielson, The Black Terror exemplified the patriotic and high-action spirit of wartime comic books, all without the backing of giants like DC or Timely (later Marvel).

The Black Terror’s alter ego was Bob Benton, a mild-mannered pharmacist who developed a chemical formula called “formic ethers” that gave him super strength, invulnerability, and enhanced agility. Donning a black costume emblazoned with a skull and crossbones — an unusually fearsome emblem for a hero — Benton took to the streets to fight crime and sabotage Axis powers alongside his sidekick, Tim Roland, forming the duo known as "The Terror Twins."

  

What made The Black Terror stand out was his unapologetically aggressive approach to justice. While Superman preached restraint and Captain America embodied idealism, The Black Terror had a darker, grittier presence. He often brutalized criminals and Nazi agents alike, which appealed to readers in an era fueled by the anxieties of World War II. His aesthetic, including the pirate-like insignia and cape, hinted at a gothic flair that set him apart visually from many of his peers.

Though immensely popular during the war years — even outselling Superman for a brief time — The Black Terror faded from mainstream publishing after the 1940s, like many Golden Age heroes. However, his legacy persisted. Over the decades, he has been revived and reimagined by various independent publishers, including AC Comics, Alan Moore’s America’s Best Comics line, and Dynamite Entertainment. These modern iterations often leaned into the character’s vintage roots while adapting his persona to new storytelling styles.

The Black Terror remains a compelling symbol of the Golden Age’s creative breadth beyond the big publishers. His existence reminds readers that comic book history is filled with forgotten icons, many of whom, like Bob Benton, deserve a second glance — if not a full-blown revival.