Scarab (Nedor Comics)


The Scarab is a fictional superhero from the Golden Age of Comics. He first appeared in Startling Comics #34, published by Nedor Comics. The character was later revived by writer Alan Moore for America's Best Comics.

Nedor Comics

The Scarab was the secret identity of Egyptologist Peter Ward, who decoded a secret message in an ancient papyrus scroll. Ward was actually the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian high priest; by rubbing his magic scarab ring Ward would instantly transform into the super-powerful Scarab. He's accompanied by Akh-Tu-Men, an intelligent black cat.
The Scarab debuted in Startling Comics #34, and became a regular backup feature in Exciting Comics from issue #42-48. His last Golden Age appearance was in The Black Terror #20.

America's Best Comics

Alan Moore revived the Scarab, along with many other Nedor Comics characters, for his Tom Strong series. In Tom Strong #12, the Scarab was revealed to have been one of the members of SMASH that had been placed in suspended animation after an alien invasion from the moon in 1969. Awakened 30 years later, the Scarab joined his former comrades in the fight against the alien. SMASH disbanded shortly thereafter, but reformed three years later. The Scarab is a member of the reformed group.
In the Terra Obscura spin-off series, the Scarab allows himself to be bonded with the ancient Egyptian god Thoth in order to control one-time superhero Mystico.

Dynamite Entertainment

introduced a loosely based update of the Scarab as part of their title Project Superpowers.

Film

A modernized version of the Scarab appears alongside other Golden Age superheroes in the independent film Avenging Force: The Scarab, a low-budget production likely attempting to capitalize on the success of the film Marvel's The Avengers.

Other related characters