Publication Date: May 1999
Title: An Interview With Chuck "Blackhawk" Cuidera
Author: Will Murry
This article was the first place, as far as I can determine, where the 'common knowledge' that Will Eisner created the Blackhawks was challenged. In an interview conducted by Will Murray, a noted comics and pulps historian, Chuck Cuidera asserted forcefully that he was the creator of Blackhawk and that Eisner had virtually nothing to do with it. Murray's skillful questions spur Cuidera to remember a great many fascinating details about the creation of Blackhawk. He also delves into other mysteries of the early days of comics, such as who created the Blue Beetle.
A side bar explores the interesting connection between Blackhawk and Superman. Most Blackhawk fans know that it was a very successful title in the early '40s, outselling every other comic book except Superman. It even outsold Batman. But this article reveals that the Blackhawk radio series (that premiered on ABC on September 20, 1950, and aired every Wednesday at 5:30 until January 3, 1951) alternated with the Superman radio series, in its last season in 1950-51. The parts of Superman and Blackhawk were played by the same actor, a former Universal contract player named Michael Fizmaurice. Curiously, the next year Kirk Alyn, who had played Superman in two serials, was cast in the role of Blackhawk.
Back to Magazine Articles Page
All characters, pictures, and related indicia on these pages are the property of DC Comics. All text and photographs are ©1998-2001 Dan Thompson, except where otherwise noted. This homepage is not intended to infringe on the copyright of DC Comics to its characters, but was created out of gratitude to all the wonderful writers, artists, and editors who created the Blackhawks.