The Bouncer is a fictional superhero who appeared in comic books published by Fox Feature Syndicate. Unlike many superheroes of the Golden Age, the Bouncer did not have a secret identity. Instead, he was depicted as a statue of the Greek mythological figure Antaeus (spelled “Anteas” in the comics), brought to life through mystical means.[1]
Publication history
The Bouncer starred in five issues of his own title. The first issue, published in 1944, did not include a number, while the subsequent four were labeled #11 through #14 (cover-dated September 1944 to January 1945).[2] It has been suggested that the numbering continued from The Green Mask series.[3] The Bouncer is also notable for being the first comic book character created by writer Robert Kanigher.[4]
Fictional character biography
Origins
According to the story, the statue representing the mythological Antaeus was sculpted by Adam Anteas Jr., a descendant of the ancient Greek figure. Much like his ancestor—who was empowered through contact with the earth—Adam Anteas Jr. gained an extraordinary ability linked to the ground. Whenever the Bouncer (the animated statue) struck the earth, the impact propelled him upward. The harder he hit, the higher he bounced. If separated from the ground, however, the Bouncer lost his powers.[1][5]
Initially, Adam Anteas Jr. showed little desire to become a superhero. His primary focus was on his artistic endeavors, preferring to be left alone with his statues. However, when he was threatened, the spirit of the original Antaeus would animate the statue, compelling Adam to join its missions. Over time, Adam began proactively fighting criminals with the Bouncer’s aid.[6]
Adventures
In one storyline, the Bouncer battled a clown claiming to be Satan.[6] He also fought gangsters aiming to uncover a gold vein beneath a cemetery, as well as a villain named the Gold Bug.[7] Throughout these encounters, Adam summoned the Bouncer by calling upon the spirit of Antaeus. The statue would then appear in a puff of smoke, exhibiting superhuman strength and remarkable leaping abilities whenever it made contact with the ground.[5]
Powers and abilities
- Superhuman Strength and Durability: While animated by the spirit of Antaeus, the Bouncer possesses enhanced strength.
- Leaping and Bouncing: The Bouncer’s primary ability is his capacity to bounce higher upon hitting the ground with greater force.
- Earth-Linked Power: He is dependent on earth contact for his powers. Losing that contact weakens him significantly.
- Summoning: Adam Anteas Jr. can summon the Bouncer to his location, causing the statue to appear from a puff of smoke.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Golden Age references to “Anteas” in Fox Feature Syndicate comics.
- ↑ Issue details for The Bouncer (1944–1945).
- ↑ Possible numbering continuation from The Green Mask.
- ↑ Documentation citing Robert Kanigher’s earliest work.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Adam Anteas Jr.’s earth-based powers described in the comics.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Stories featuring the clown character claiming to be Satan.
- ↑ Adventures involving the gold-bearing cemetery and villainous Gold Bug.