ERBzine 8066: Drabbles Oct 1-15, 2025

UNDRESS FOR SUCCESS

October 1: On this day in 1940, artist Richard Corben was born in Anderson, Missouri. Among his many works are the cover and interior illustrations for the combined Science Fiction Book Club edition of “Llana of Gathol” and “John Carter of Mars.” Issue # 34 of the first series of the Burroughs Bulletin, “Tarzan Meets La,” is another high point of his work for Burroughs fans. Fair warning, that BB issue contains a great deal of nudity. He illustrated numerous stories for CREEPY, EERIE, VAMPIRELLA, and HEAVY METAL.

Here's a link to his page, https://corbenstudios.com/ , and to information of his ERB related work: https://www.erbzine.com/mag62/6297.html

The 100-word drabble for today is, “Undress for Success.” It’s taken from an interview with Richard Corben. The complete interview is available on his website, listed above. The interior illustration from Burroughs Bulletin #34 features a mostly nude La and is included herein by permission from the site administrator.

UNDRESS FOR SUCCESS

"The comics I draw and write promote own attitudes and moral values. They aren’t necessarily suitable for children because I intend them for mature readers. However, if I undertake to draw a popular character that appeals to an audience that includes children, I make sure there is no possible objectionable material. I might complete a story with some adult material then reconsider that a too liberal stance. I might redo some bits myself causing reviewers to think I was being censored. I’m have adapted some favorite classics myself. I have a responsibility to do an honest interpretation of their words. "

HAZARD PAY

October 2: On this day eighty-five years ago in 1940, Edgar Rice Burroughs completed writing Black Pirates of Barsoom, which would become part two of the novel, “Llana of Gathol.” The story was originally published in AMAZING STORIES in June 1941. J. Allen St. John illustrated the cover and drew two interior illustrations.

In the story, Llana of Gathol, John Carter, and Pan Dan Chee are captured by the black pirates, if pirates they be. John Carter and Llana are sold into slavery. Carter’s owner makes mistake of sending the greatest swordsman on however many planets you can think of, to fight in the arena. John of course, wins, prompting the Jeddak to demand that he be sold to him. Carter escapes and takes Pan Dan Chee and Llana with him. Pan Dan Chee tells Llana that he loves her and that his heart is at her feet. She replied, “You may pick it up, I am tired and wish to sleep.”

Publishing details and several illustrations: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0738.html

The fictional drabble for today, “Hazard Pay,” was inspired by THE BLACK PIRATES OF BARSOOM. The conversation here did not take place in the novel – one of my favorites.

HAZARD PAY

John Carter and Pan Dan Chee engaged a dozen Black Pirates and quickly dispatched them. Carter outdueled most of them.

After the sword fight, Pan Dan Chee took out his short sword, kneeled, and lifted a dead pirate’s head. Carter asked, “Are you going to scalp him?”

“What is scalped?”

“Remove his hair. On my planet, some warriors take the hair from a dead opponent as a trophy.”

“My commander pays a reward for dead pirates, but a warrior must prove their deaths.”

Carter laughed. “How much, a dollar on the nose?”

“No, the bounty is a buck an ear.”

WHAT'S NEW WITH YOU

October 3: On this day 100 years ago in 1925, A. C. McClurg published the first edition of “THE ETERNAL LOVER.” The story was a crossover. Tarzan and Jane made an appearance and the heroine, Victory Custer, was the sister of Barney Custer (THE MAD KING). The story introduced Nu, son of Nu. In what was perhaps the first glimpse of the EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS UNIVERSE, ERB explored the theme of reincarnation.

All-Story published the two stories that became the novel. Part One, THE ETERNAL LOVER, was published in All-Story Weekly in the March 7, 1914 edition and Part Two, SWEERHEART PRIMEVAL, was serialized in All-Story Cavalier Weekly in four parts beginning on January 23, 1915 and concluding on February 13, 1915. The novel has been reprinted under the title, THE ETERNAL SAVAGE.

Everything you could want to know about the novel and more: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0759.html

The 100-word drabble for today, "What’s New With You,” was inspired by the novel and the comedy duo of Abbott and Costello.

WHAT'S NEW WITH YOU
Jane smiled, “Victoria, who’s that man I saw you with?”

“He’s Nu.”

“I know he’s new, dear. I’ve never seen him before.”

“His name is Nu.”

“That’s sounds scary. He changed his name? Is he a criminal? What was his name before?"

“His name wasn’t Watt. He’s always had the same name.”

“Victoria, a girl’s entitled to her secrets. It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me.”

“I told you. His name is Nu, not Watt. He’s never changed his name.”

“Okay, what’s new? His name is new, but that’s nothing new. I don’t know what I’m talking about.”

GUN MONKEY

October 4: On this day in 1904, actor Philip Van Zandt, who played Captain Bausch in “Tarzan Triumphs” and Kushmet in “Tarzan’s Desert Mystery,” was born. Cheeta killed Captain Bausch with a submachine gun in TARZAN TRIUMPHS.”

Born Philip Pinheiro on October 3, 1904 in Amsterdam, Netherlands Van Zandt had a long film career -- more than 200 films -- in which he played many villains. He appeared in episodes of “Jungle Jim,” and “Bomba” on television. In the group picture from TARZAN’S DESERT MYSTERY, he’s on the far right.

Learn all about the film, TARZAN TRIUMPHS at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag6/0623.html

And about TARZAN’S DESERT MYSTERY at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag6/0624.html

The drabble for today, "Gun Monkey," was inspired by van Vandt's role in TARZAN TRIUMPHS.

GUN MONIKEY
Captain Bausch frog-marched a bound Tarzan and shoved him against a wall. “Monkey-man, I’ve got you now. It’s the firing squad for you.”

Tarzan said, “I still live.”

Bausch laughed, turned, and said, “Prepare to die.”

Suddenly, Cheeta, holding a submachine gun, dropped from a tree. and sprayed the firing squad. Everyone died instantly except Captain Bausch.

Cheeta untied Tarzan and they approached a dying Bausch, who said, “Don’t tell anyone I was killed by your chimpanzee.”

"He’s not mine, He thinks I belong to him. We’re family. You should have known better than to monkey with another monkey’s monkey.”

BETTER GO HOME, BOY, AND MAKE UP YOUR MIND

October 5: 2025 is the second day of the 53rd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and fittingly on this day thirty-three years ago n 1992, Episode #12, Season #2, of the Wolf Larson Tarzan television series, “Tarzan and the Wayward Balloon, was broadcast. Jack wins a balloon in a poker game and offers to teach Roger how to fly. Predicably, they crash in the jungle and Tarzan and Jane go to the rescue. Tarzan and Jane use the search as a bonding experience. Read the review in ERBzine at https://www.erbzine.com/mag74/7463.html#28.

The drabble for today, “Better Go Home, Boy, and Make Up Your Mine,” is a fictional discussion between Roger and Jack. Having flown a balloon many many times, I can assure you, if the pilot doesn’t make a decision, the aircraft will.

BETTER GO HOME, BOY, AND MAKE UP YOUR MIND
Roger said, “We’ve been flying his balloon for a couple of hours. How long before we run out of fuel?”

Jack replied, “I never thought about that. I guess we should find a place to land.”

“I’m not thinking guessing is a good plan when you’re in the air.”

“I shouldn’t think so. When should we land?”

The burner went woosh and the fire went out. Jack shrugged. “Never mind. The balloon has decided to land right now.”

“There's nowhere good to land.”

“Too bad. Unless you learn to breathe hot air, I’m pretty sure the balloon’s decision is final.”

STONED IN THE JUNGLE

October 6,: On this day in 1967, Episode #35, part one of “The Blue Stone of Heaven,” the Ron Ely Tarzan television series, was broadcast. Guest stars were Sam Jaffe, Ulla Stromstedt, and William Marshall.

After a guide for an archaeological expedition is killed, Tarzan decides to accompany the group in their quest to enter the forbidden "City Of Death", not only to protect them, but also to find out why a plant specialist and an ambitious colonel are also so interested in the place. Colonel Tatakombi finds the legendary Blue Stone of Baskar and uses it to declare himself a god to the local tribes, with the goal of eventually controlling the country. Tarzan must then intervene to stop the Colonel from his destructive plan.

The photo collage is courtesy of https://www.erbzine.com, at https://www.erbzine.com/cards/film8/tarzan28tvwolfwaywardballoonall.jpg which has a review of the episode at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag74/7430.html#35

The drabble for today, “Stoned in the Jungle, was inspired by the episode, pretenders to the throne, conmen, and shamans that would rule the world, or at least a part of it.

STONED IN THE JUNGLE
Jai said, “Tarzan, what’s wrong with the Colonel. He’s acting strangely.”

“Stay away from him. He found a large blue jewel and now he claims to be a god.”

“That’s just stupid. He found a rock and that makes him a god?”

“It makes no sense. It’s like a witch doctor. You’re as good as people believe you are.”

“So, what will happen?”

“It’s an old story. People will believe in him until they don’t. When he disappoints them, as all pretenders must, they’ll kill him.”

“Why try to fool the people?”

“Well, it’s a great ride while it lasts.”

ARE YOU GOING TO BELIEVE ME, OR BELIEVE YOUR LYING EYES

October 7: On this day in 1941, Edgar Rice Burroughs finished writing The Wizard of Venus. It would be twenty-years before the story was published. It was one of the three storis in TALES OF THREE PLANETS, published by Canaveral Pres on April 27, 1964. Later that year, the tale was adapted by Mike Royer and Dale Broadhurst into a graphic novel giveaway for the World Science Fiction Convention in Los Angeles.

Details about the publishing history of THE WIZARD OF VENUS and several illustrations are available for your viewing pleasure at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0752.html

The 100-word drabble for today, "ARE YOU GOING TO BELIEVE ME, OR BELIEVE YOUR LYING EYES, was inspired by the story, THE WIZARD OF VENUS. The Wizard is actually a deranged old man, who seems to have hypnotic powers. A zaldar is a Vesuvian creature similar to a horse.

ARE YOU GOING TO BELIEVE ME, OR BELIEVE YOUR LYING EYES

Carson put his hands on his hips. “So you’re the mighty Morgas, a self-proclaimed wizard.”

“I am what I am and that’s all that I am. I can turn people into zaldars, beasts of burden. You look strong. You’ll make a fine plow-zaldar.”

“I’ve seen your work. You don’t change anyone, you hypnotize them. They only believe that they’ve changed.”

“They are as they believe they are. Do they not plow? Do they not pull carts and wagons?”

“Wizard, thinking and believing something does not make it the truth.”

“Well, that’s going to disappoint a lot of priests and politicians.”

SPITFIRE

October 8: On this day in 1933, Johnny Weissmuller and Lupe Velez married in Los Vegas: It was a marriage of the stars, Johnny was Tarzan of the Screen and Lupe would become the Mexican Spitfire.

There were reports of domestic violence and public fights. In July 1934, after ten months of marriage, Vélez filed for divorce citing "cruelty". She withdrew the petition a week later after reconciling with Weissmuller. On January 3, 1935, she filed for divorce a second time and was granted an interlocutory decree. That decree was dismissed when the couple reconciled a month later. In August 1938, Vélez filed for divorce for a third time, again charging Weissmuller with cruelty. Their divorce was finalized in August 1939. The filings are a matter or record and this post/article makes no judgement concerning the accuracy of the accusations. Lupe was reported to be verbally and physically abusive, so who knows where the truth lies. No judgement from over ninety years later.

A detailed article about the actress is located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag58/5830.html

<>Lupe has been quoted as saying,” "It will be the fightingest marriage Hollywood has ever seen. But divorce? Never! I will kill any judge who tries to take my Johnny away from me.”
The drabble for today, “Spitfire,” is an excerpt from interview with Lupe Velez.

SPITFIRE

What I attribute my success? I think, simply, because I'm different. The public thinks I'm a very wild girl. I'm not. I'm just me, Lupe Vélez, simple and natural Lupe. If I'm happy, I dance and sing. And if something irritates me, I cry and sob. Someone called that 'personality'. The Personality is nothing more than behave with others as you really are. If I tried to look and act like Norma Talmadge, or like Corinne Griffith, or like Mary Pickford, the sweet and gentle Mary, I would be nothing more than an imitation. I just want to be myself:

BE PREPARED

October 9: On this day in 1937, the William Juhre illustrated and Don Garden scripted newspaper daily story arc, Tarzan the Magnificent, concluded after ninety-six installments.

The first and last installments of the adaption of the novel are included with this post. He only illustrated the dailies for about 18 months. As Juhre's strips progressed to a number of major papers -- Chicago Daily News, Detroit News, Los Angeles Times, and more and more -- dropped the series or relegated it to a lesser position on their comics pages. In September 1937, Ed worried that much of the waning interest in the Tarzan strips were due to Juhre's over-use of prominent "talking heads" rather than action in the panels.

The complete story arc and thousands of more daily Tarzan newspaper installments are available at https://www.erbzine.com/comics. This one starts at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag40/4048.html

The fictional drabble for today, “Be Prepared,” was inspired by that adaption of the novel, “Tarzan the Magnificent.”

BE PREPARED
The expedition leader said, “Tarzan, thank you agreeing to help us find the missing Lord and Lady Montford. I expect the search will take months. We’ve purchased our supplies and hire bearers. We hope to start soon.”

Tarzan nodded, “When do you plan to begin.”

“We’ll depart whenever you’re ready. How much time do you need?”

Tarzan patted his father’s knife and adjusted his loincloth. “I don’t need any time. I’m ready right now.”

“Surely you need to prepare for the journey.”

“No, I’m always ready to be in the jungle. It’s my home and here’s no place like home.”

FINGERPLAY

October 10: On this day in 1917, A. C. McClurg published the first edition of A PRINCESS OF MARS, Edgar Rice Burroughs’s first story. It had been originally serialized in All-Story Magazine as UNDER THE MOONS OF MARS by Norman Bean. ERB wanted the pseudonym to be Normal Bean, but editors all think they know best and byline was changed from the pun, Normal Bean, to Norman. I usually post about this on this day and this year is no exception. The novel was reprinted under the title, CARTER OF THE RED PLANET, by Modern Mechanics and Invention Magazine in 1937.

Publishing details, several illustrations, and articles abound at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0421.html

The 100-word drabble for today, “Fingerplay,” was inspired by John Carter, the greatest swordsman on two planets, or is it three planets, or maybe even four. Credit goes to Michael Wheeler, who posted a meme using the punchline. I’d say I didn’t steal it, but it’s pretty clear that I did.

FINGERPLAY

John Carter defended the beautiful Dejah Thoris from an armed warrior. The men exchanged attacks and parries in a swirl of swordplay too fast for the eye to follow.

Carter disarmed the warrior by cutting off three of the man’s fingers. His sword and his fingers flew into the ochre moss covering the dead sea bottom.

The man motioned surrender. Carter glanced at Dejah Thoris. “My Princess, shall I let him live?”

“Yes, my Chieftain. He’s learned his lesson. Will he ever be able to use his fingers to grip a sword again.”

“Possibly, but I wouldn’t count on it.”

GAUNTLET OF VENGEANCE

October 11: On this day in 2001, Episode # 34, “Tarzan and the Gauntlet of Vengeance,” of the The Legend of Tarzan animated series, was released. On an unrelated note, but the reason I selected this to post for today, I finished reading GAUNTLETS OF MARS by Chris L. Adams last night, and with gauntlets in mind, it was only natural to post about another pair of gauntlets today. Chris’s excellent book is available at: https://edgarriceburroughs.com/.../gauntlets-of-mars-a.../

Back to GAUNTLET OF VENGEANCE, the episode featured guest stars Amanda Donohoe, Jim Cummings, and Rene Auberjonois (ODO on Star Trek). I wondered what the difference between a gauntlet and glove was. A gauntlet is a type of provides extensive coverage, extending past the writs to the forearm, whereas a ‘glove’ only covers the hand and a small portion of the wrist. Gauntlets feature extended cuffs that extend of the sleeve of the wearer.

In the episode we learn that Clayton has a sister. Seeking revenge on Tarzan for the death of her brother, Lady Waltham, Clayton's sister kidnaps Jane, Tantor, Terk, and the Professor, placing each in a separate, deadly peril. She shoots Tarzan with a poisoned dart from a blowgun and informs him that the antidote lies far away on a distant mountain she's dubbed "Clayton's Peak". He, therefore, has a choice, she says – to suffer as she had (and lose those he loves) or as Clayton had (and lose his own life)

All the episodes are listed at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0014.html#disney

The 100-word drabble for today was inspired by the episode, ”Gauntlet of Vengeance,” and my friend, Inigo Montoya, who I first met in a 1973 novel by William Goldman. The movie wasn’t bad, either.

GAUNTLET OF VENGEANCE
Tarzan pulled a dart from his neck. A English woman stepped from behind a tree. “My name is Lady Waltham. You killed my brother. Prepare to die.”

Tarzan said, “I don’t know you.”

“William Clayton was my brother. My name is Lady Waltham. You Killed my brother. Prepare to die. I’ve hidden the antidote to the poison on a mountain. Find it and live.”

“Really, an antidote.”

“Perhaps. Suffer while you transverse the gauntlet of danger I’ve placed along the path.”

“I thought a gauntlet was a big glove.”

“That too. In this case, my vengeance fits like a glove.”

IN THE TREETOPS

October 12: On this day in 1992, episode 8, season 2, “Tarzan and the Primitive Urge,” of the Wolf Larson and Lydie Denier “Tarzan” television series, was broadcast.

For a complete list and other information of this series, visit:

https://www.erbzine.com/mag74/7453.html

In the episode, a tsetse fly infestation has broken out and Tarzan, who knows a way to stop the infestation must stop the government from spraying the jungle with harmful chemicals. This begs the question, “If Tarzan knows how to cure or stop “sleeping sickness,” why hasn’t he shared it with the government?

Tarzan’s vine breaks and Tarzan falls, hits his head, and reverts to his younger savage apelike persona, hence the title, “The Primitive Urge.”

The 100-word drabble for today, “In The Treetops,” was inspired by the episode and a primitive urge to return to the simple joys of childhood and the lullabies and poetry from those days. I suppose that apologies to Mother Goose are in order.

IN THE TREETOPS
Tsetse flies abound, their swarms are so thick

One single bite will make a man sick.

Insecticide spray kills more than the flies

Tarzan must stop them less the whole jungle dies.

Swing away Tarzan through the treetops,
When Tarzan shouts, you can hear his mighty ape call
When the vine breaks, Tarzan will fall
And down will come Tarzan, good intentions and all.

His head was injured, his memory long gone

He’s once more a savage, his mind, it’s has gone wrong.

Will he remember himself soon and save the day,

Or will the whole jungle die from the poisoned spray?

BETTER BRONZE

October 13: On this day in 1940, ERB completed writing “Men of the Bronze Age,” which became part two of the novel,” Savage Pellucidar. “Men of the Bronze Age” was first published in “Amazing Stories,” in March 1942 with a cover and two interior illustrations by J. Allen St. John. It was reprinted in “Amazing Stories Quarterly’ that fall. The complete novel, “Savage Pellucidar,” was not published until 21 years later, when Canaveral Press published the novel on November 25, 1963.

Publishing details and several illustrations are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0747.html

Men of the Bronze Age features one of my favorite characters, “The little man who wasn’t Dolly Dorcas.” I’ve asked Win Scott Eckert, Writer to include the little man in his new Pellucidar series, but he hasn’t done so. Come on, Win. Even a cannibal deserves a second chance. The heroine is named O-aa. I pronounce her name like a gasp of wonder, “OOOHHH, AAAHHH.

The fictional drabble for today, “Better Bronze,” was inspired by the title, “Men of the Bronze Age,” and another pulp magazine that featured men of bronze, well, one man anyway. There is no evidence that Burroughs ever read a single issue of the Doc Savage pulp magazines, but there's no evidence that he didn't. For those of you who don't understand the last line of the drabble, do a search on the Doc Savage pulp magazines.

BETTER BRONZE

Hulbert Burroughs said, “Dad, I picked up the new Amazing Stories. I have to say I enjoyed “Men of the Bronze Age.” I always liked Pellucidar.”

“It’s part two of what will eventually be the next novel in the series. I’m working on part three right now.”

“I wondering why the title, “Men of the Bronze Age.” Is it a play on those Doc Savage Magazines? He’s called the Man of Bronze.”

“Perhaps a tribute. I’ve read about thirty of those.”

“Do you think using bronze in your title will hurt their sales?”

“No, Hulbert. It won’t make a dent.”

LOOK OVER THERE

October 14: On this day in 1953, actor Everett Brown, who appeared in four Tarzan films, “Tarzan and His Mate,” “Tarzan Escapes,” “Tarzan the Fearless,” and “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure,” died of a heart attack in Los Angeles.

Information about all four films is meticulously detailed at https://www.erbzine.com/movies

Born in Texas, Brown appeared in about 46 Hollywood films between 1927 and 1953. His roles were small most of the time and most of his film appearances were uncredited. He often portrayed natives or slaves, including the "Big Sam", the kind-hearted slave field foreman of Tara, in “Gone with the Wind” (1939). He also played a supporting role in “Congo Maisie” (1940) with Ann Sothern and the Native in an Ape costume in “King Kong” (1933). Brown retired from film business in 1940, only to return in 1949 to make four films before he died in 1953. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles.

The 100-word drabble for today, “Look Over There,” was inspired by Brown’s many film roles.

LOOK OVER THERE

On the set of “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure,” Johnny Weissmuller said, “Everett, how many of the movies have we made together?”

Everett Brown replied, “This is our third.”

Are you going to make more of these?”

“I’m going to retire. It’s time to give up show business. You?”

“Why?”

“I’m getting older and heavier. I don’t look so good bare-chested in a 'pagne,' the wraparound skirt African men wore in 19th century."

“Don’t worry about it,” Said Weissmuller. “I don’t look so good in a loincloth anymore. I just hope that most moviegoers will look at the women instead of me.”

WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN

October 15,: On this day in 1915, Edgar Rice Burroughs began writing H. R. H. THE RIDER, a novel of romance, mistaken identity, and European intrigue. In some ways the story is a western set in the small fictional European kingdom of Karlova. The western novel, The Outlaw Sheriff by Hal Dunning published in 1928 followed a very similar story line.

World War One had begun a little over a year before Burroughs started the book and while HRH THE RIDER doesn’t mention the war, the events of the time no doubt focused Ed’s attention on Europe.

The 38,000-word story was serialized in All-Story Magazine in three instalments in December of 1918 and was combined with THE OAKDALE AFFAIR for its book publication on February 15, 1937.

Details about the publication history, several covers, illustrations, reviews, and a complete electronic version of the story are available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0764.html

The 100-word fictional drabble for today, “Who Was That Masked Man,” was inspired by “H. R. H. The Rider.” H. R. H. stands for His Royal Highness.”

WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN

Princess Mary asked the King of Karlova, “Why stop the execution? Didn’t the Rider kill Prince Boris?”

“No, the Prince and the Rider are the same man. I only pretended his execution to teach him a lesson.”

“He didn’t kill the Prince? The same man? That’s disappointing.”

The King grumbled, “What, you wish the Prince had been killed?”

“No, but it was exciting to be courted by two men at the same time, a crown prince and a notorious outlaw.”

The Prince overheard and asked, “And which version of me did you prefer?”

Princess Mary blushed. “That would be telling.”