ERBzine 8222: Drabbles Jan 1-15, 2026

January 1 ~ Happy New Year. We greeted the New Year at sunrise in Monument Valley. Fog and cloud cover, but that has happened before in our twenty-five years of celebrating the New Year at sunrise with friends. On this day 109 years ago in 1916, the fifth installment of , “The Son of Tarzan,” was published in All-Story Weekly, The ERB novel didn’t receive cover illustration or mention for this installment, as the policy of the time almost always limited cover illustrations to the first installment. The cover illustrated the first installment of “The Sea Demons” by Victor Rousseau, a writer whose work it is very difficult to find these days. The issue also featured an installment of Polaris of the Snows by Charles B. Stilson.

Countless details about the publishing history of ‘THE SON OF TARZAN,’ along with numerous cover illustrations and the EText of the novel are free to see at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0487.html

The drabble for today, “In The Files,” was inspired by the magazine publication of The Son of Tarzan,” and a recent real-life incident.

IN THE FILES

Edgar Rice Burroughs called Bob Davies at All-Story magazine. “I was going through my files and I’m missing the January 1, 1916 issue with an installment of ‘The Son of Tarzan.” I need you to send me a copy.”

Davies looked and the only copy he had was the publisher’s file copy. He was debating with himself about whether or not to send his only copy to Ed when the phone rang.

“Bob, it’s Ed. I found my copy in Hulbert’s room. I don’t need you to send me another.”

Bob sighed with relief. “I’m happy not to have helped.”

THE DEFENSE RESTS

January 2: On this day in 1870, actor D’Arcy Corrigan, who played Weesimbo in "Tarzan and the Golden Lion,” which was coincidentally released on this day in 1927.

For details about the film, Tarzan and the Golden Lion,” visit https://www.erbzine.com/mag5/0591.html

Corrigan was an Irish lawyer who became an American film character actor, playing over 50 film roles from 1925–1945. Corrigan had a distinguished appearance with his wrinkled, gaunt face; his roles typically were very brief but memorable.

Corrigan was memorable as the odd morgue-keeper in Bela Lugosi's Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932) and as a blind man in The Informer (1935) by John Ford. He portrayed the ominously silent, darkly shrouded Spirit of Christmas Future in the popular 1938 MGM film A Christmas Carol.

The 100-word drabble for today, “The Defense Rests,” was inspired by lawyer-turned-actor, D’Arcy Corrigan.

THE DEFENSE RESTS

James Pierce said, “D’Arcy, why did you quit law and become an actor?”

“Well, James, it’s not that big a change. Part of practicing law is acting for the judge and jury. Like Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage and men and women merely players.”

“Hadn’t thought of that. What’s the biggest difference.”

“Actors get do overs and retakes. Courtroom mistakes mean someone could go to jail.”

“That would be bad.”

“Lawyers specialize, but are frequently asked for advice on things they know nothing about. And unlike some, I wasn’t comfortable pretending I knew what I was talking about.”

TO BE A PIRATE KING

January 3: On this day in 1988, the Gray Morrow illustrated and Don Kraar scripted Tarzan Sunday comic story arc, The Gold of the Phoenicians, began. The story arc ran for twelve weeks. In the tale, Tarzan, Jane, and Professor Porter charter a ship to search for a shipwreck reportedly filled with Phoenician gold. They fear the captain is a pirate. Toss a greedy businessman into the mix along with a few sharks, and the treasure hunt becomes complicated.

Read the entire story arc at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag35/3523.html

The drabble for today, “To Be A Pirate King,” was inspired by the story arc, “The Gold of the Phoenicians.”

TO BE A PIRATE KING
Jane said, “I don’t trust the captain. I think he’s a pirate.”

Her father, Professor Porter said, “He can’t be. He doesn’t have a pegged leg and he hasn’t said aaarrrggg even once.”

Tarzan smiled, “Jane. He doesn’t even have a parrot.”

The captain interjected. “Mrs. Greystoke, as a child, I wished that what Mark Twain said was true, “We had hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. After all, a man should always be himself, unless he can be a pirate.”

Jane grumbled, “You make it sound like a glorious thing.”

TIME MANAGEMENT

January 4: On this day in 1882, pulp magazine illustrator, P. J. Monahan, illustrator, was born in Des Moines, Iowa. During the first three decades of the 20th century P.J. Monahan was one of New York's most prolific illustrators. He created ads, movie posters, and commissioned art, but most of his work was for the "pulp" magazines. Monahan painted the covers for thirteen Edgar Rice Burroughs stories published in All-Story Magazine. Along the way, he found time to manage a double-A baseball team, patent a rotary motor design, and sing tenor at Carnegie Hall. He also wrote an unpublished and lost novel titled “The Land That Time Forgot.”

An extensive article about the artist is located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag16/1671.html

The drabble for today, “Time Management,” was inspired by P. J. Monahan, a renaissance man.

TIME MANAGEMENT
Bob Davis, editor at All-Story Magazine said, “The guy you hired to do the cover for that new Burroughs’ adventure isn’t going to meet our deadline. Call Monahan and tell him we need it in three days.”

“Bob, he’s busy. It’s baseball season and he’s got four movie posters to do.”

‘Call him. If you want something done, hire a busy man to do it.”

“Sure, boss. I just can’t understand how he can do so much.”

“He knows the secret to accomplishing things. I’ve been trying to teach you. The hardest part of getting anything accomplished is getting started.”

KEEP YOUR MIND ON YOUR DRIVING

January 5: On this day in 1934, future pilot Edgar Rice Burroughs took his first flying lesson. Hulbert, Ed’s son, had expressed an interest in flying lessons and Ed wanted to determine whether or not it was safe. At least, that was his story. I expect that he just wanted to fly. Burroughs was born in a world where horses were the primary mode of transportation. He adapted with the times, regularly riding trains as a young man, obtaining a bicycle license in Chicago, learning to operate automobiles, traveled on boats and ships, and when his time and budget allowed, taking to the air. Having written about flight in several of his novels, I’m sure he was thrilled to experience it.

I wonder how many of us have experienced the different forms of transportation that Burroughs experienced. I’ve ridden a horse, traveled by train, had a bicycle license, driven a car, owned and operated boats, and flown aircraft.

For more information, I suggest Alan Hanson’s article, “Fanciful Flights of Edgar Rice Burroughs: https://www.erbzine.com/mag66/6620.html

The 100-word drabble for today, “Keep Your Mind on Your Driving,” was inspired by Ed’s first flying lesson and his mastery of other forms of transportation.

KEEP YOUR MIND ON YOUR DRIVING
Ed’s flying instructor, Jim Granger, said, “You did just fine. We’re safely on the ground. Do you want to take another lesson?”

“I do. Flying is faster than an automobiles, horses and bicycles, but they all have something in common.”

“Do they?”

“Bicycles and cars don’t steer themselves. Horses can be stubborn. An airplane is the same, it won’t fly itself, you have to pay attention every second.”

“That’s true, Mr. Burroughs, but there’s one big difference. Most people who fall off a horse or wreck a car or bicycle can walk away, but with airplane crashes, not so much.”

REAP WHAT YOU SOW

January 6: On this day in 2002, the Eric Battle illustrated and / Alex Simmons scripted Tarzan Sunday story arc, Day of the Hunter began. The story would run for twenty weeks and it would be the last new story to appear in American Sunday comics. In the story, a sickness, perhaps a plague is killing native Africans and animals alike. Tarzan investigates. Tarzan discovers a mad German who is releasing a deadly artificial virus- the source of the deaths.

You can read it here: https://www.erbzine.com/mag34/3492.html

The 100-word drabble for today, “Reap What You Sow,” was inspired by the story arc with a little help from the justifiable homicide defense, “He deserved killing.” I'm not suggesting that anyone give it a try. That defense has no clear legal standings, but juries are juries.

REAP WHAT YOU SOW

The native woman said, “Everyone is getting sick, Tarzan, many are dead. Our animals are dying. We don’t deserve this.”

Tarzan replied, The jungle doesn’t care about your behavior. It doesn’t measure right and wrong. Deserve has nothing to do with it."

Tarzan found a mad scientist releasing a deadly artificial virus, the virus that was killing everyone. He destroyed the laboratory and scientist.

He returned to the village. “The deaths will stop. The man who caused them is dead.”

“Did you kill him?”

“I did. Unlike the jungle, I care, I measure right and wrong. He deserved to die.”

THINGS WE DO IN THE SHADOWS

January 7: On this day in 1942, Edgar Rice Burroughs’s Laugh It Off column was published in Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Twenty of Ed’s morale boosting columns were published in January 1942. You can read them all at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag17/1754.html

This particular column, Ed wrote about living with “blackouts” in Honolulu, Hitler’s astrologer, and a closing comment poking fun as himself.

The drabble for today, ‘Things We Do In The Shadows,” is an excerpt from that column, slightly edited to fit the 100-word drabble format. Thanks to the same named television series for the title of the drabble. Arnica is a cream used for muscle soreness.

THINGS WE DO IN THE SHADOWS

Someone remarked the blackout might be developed into a more or less enjoyable game. However, it has a deleterious effect upon public morals. Having already seduced me into seeking nirvana through the habit-forming crossword puzzle narcotic. I fell lower last night by playing bridge again.

Among the blackout games that have been suggested, is that of gathering in the family at night and repeating nutty rumors and then punching holes in them. Post office and kiss the pillow remain high favorites however. Blackout solitaire, or blindman's buff, is played with articles of furniture, your shins, and a bottle of arnica.

PUT ANOTHER LOG ON THE FIRE

January 8: On this day in 1941, ERB completed the short story, Misogynists Preferred, which was submitted under the pen name, John Tyler McCulloch. Part one of the story may be read at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag80/8058.html

That page has a link to part two.

The story wasn’t published in ERB’s lifetime and it first saw print in “Forgotten Tales of Love and Murder,” published in 2001. Copies of Forgotten Tales are regularly available on EBay and other used book webstores, prices for excellent copies typically run about $100.00.

The drabble for today, “Put Another Log on the Fire,” was inspired by the short story, “Misogynists Preferred” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, or John Tyler McCulloch, if you like. The opinions expressed in the drabble do not reflect the opinions or beliefs of management, but are intended to satirize those who espouse them. The title of the drabble is the title of the same named song.

PUT ANOTHER LOG ON THE FIRE

Cyril said, “Read this advertisement. “WANTED: Men without family ties to join a scientific expedition for two years; need some scientific and some seafaring experience, must be in excellent physical condition: misogynists preferred.” What the devil is a misogynist?”

His friend Allan replied, “You are. A man who hates all women. A misogynist would say that women belong in the kitchen.”

“Allan, that’s not fair. I don’t hate all women and for the record, men and women both belong in the kitchen. That’s where the food is.”

“You behave like you hate all women.”

“No, only the ones I’ve met.”

BUTTERFLY EFFECT

January 9: On this day in 1943 during the middle of World War Two, the Rex Maxon illustrated and Don Garden scripted Tarzan daily comic story arc, War in the Jungle, concluded. Most sources say that the story arc ran for 138 episodes. This is questionable, but I’m using the ERBzine dates giving by Huck Huckenpohler. Tarzan and D’Arnot, Tarzan’s friend, formed guerilla band to fight the Nazis. The group include Jad-bal-Ja, the Golden Lion, and Zeela, the jungle girl, a regular cast member in the Maxon / Garden daily comics.

The complete story is available to read at no charge at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag54/5401.html

Once on that page, you’ll find a link to thousands of Rex Maxon’s Tarzan daily pages. https://www.ERBzine.com/maxon

The drabble for today, “Butterfly Effect,” was inspired by the story arc, “War in the Jungle.”

BUTTERFLY EFFECT

Zeela said, “I don’t like these men who wear the uniforms with bent crosses on them.”

Tarzan replied, “Nor do we. They’re Nazi soldiers. I’ve formed a band to fight them.”

“They don’t seem very clever. I’ll hide from them.”

“Maybe not clever, but dangerous. Join us. We’ll drive them from the jungle.”

Zeela shrugged, “Dangerous to some, , but they can’t catch me. Why should I involve myself?”

‘Zeela, war anywhere endangers people everywhere.”

“Not my problem.”

“It is. The silence and non-participation of our friends is more dangerous than all the enemy soldiers in the world.”

READ BEFORE YOU LEAP

January 10: On this day in 2002, comic book artist John Buscema Artist passed away in Port Jefferson, New York. John was a mainstay of Marvel Comics during the 1960s and 1970s. Buscema is best known for his run on the series The Avengers and The Silver Surfer, and for over 200 stories featuring the sword-and-sorcery hero Conan the Barbarian. In addition, he penciled at least one issue of nearly every major Marvel title, including long runs on two of the company's top magazines, Fantastic Four and Thor. John Buscema's major Tarzan run was on Marvel's Tarzan series (later Tarzan Lord of the Jungle) from 1977 to 1979, primarily with writer Roy Thomas, covering issues #1 to #29 (plus annuals), bringing epic art to the jungle hero before his brother Sal Buscema took over the final issues.

Here's a link to the Tarzan issues: https://www.erbzine.com/comics/marvel1.html

There was supposed to be a John Buscema Tarzan omnibus published a few years ago, but I never saw it. If it’s somewhere out there, let me know.

The 100-word fictional drabble for today, "Read Before You Leap,” was inspired by John Buscema’s Tarzan and Conan artwork.

READ BEFORE YOU LEAP

Stan Lee said, “We just got a contract to do Tarzan, you wanna draw it?”

“Yes. Whatever keeps me from drawing another superhero in tights.”

“I’ll also keep you on Conan. It’s important that the characters don’t look alike.”

“Not a problem. My vision of Tarzan is that he’s more like decathlete than a strongman. Tarzan is a noble savage and Conan is black-haired, sullen-eyed, sword in hand, a thief, a reaver, a slayer, a man with gigantic melancholies and gigantic mirth.”

“That’s beautiful, John. You make that up?”

“No, Stan. I read the books. You should try it sometime.”

SQUEAKY WHEEL

January 11: On this day in 1943, the Rex Maxon illustrated and Don Garden scripted Tarzan daily story arc, “The Revolt of the Beasts” began. It ran for 58 days, a relatively short storyline for this duo.

You can read the entire story at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag54/5413.html, and on that page you’ll find a link to thousands more Tarzan daily newspaper comic strips.

The Revolt of the Beasts takes place when a gaggle of circus animals escape. Lions, and tigers, and elephants, oh my. Escaped Gorillas kidnap a young woman.

The drabble for today, “Squeaky Wheel,” was inspired by the story arc, :The Revolt of the Beasts.”

SQUEAKY WHEEL

The animals escaped from a circus and the gorillas kidnapped a young woman. Tarzan chased the gorillas and finally caught them. He confronted Taug, the alpha gorilla. “”Give me the woman.”

“Take her, please. She never shuts up. I’m holding her too tight. She’s hungry. My breath is bad. She’s never happy. Take her. She’s a storm that never pauses.”

“Why did you kidnap a woman?”

“I’ve been in a cage for years. I needed a woman, a she.”

“Then why give her back?”

“You listen to this one a while and you’ll understand. She’s not the one anyone needs.”

ID, EGO, SUPERGO

January 12: On this day in 2000, Dark Horse Comics published Tarzan: The Rivers of Blood #3. Bill Ross compiled an excellent list of the Dark Horse Tarzan comics. Here’s the link: https://www.erbzine.com/mag11/1157.html

The comic was written by Neven Anticevic and Igor Kordey, illustrated by Igor Kordey, colored by Dave McCaig, and lettered by Amador Cisneros. Kordey illustrated the cover. Tarzan: The Rivers of Blood was first published by Dark Horse in 1999. The story takes Tarzan from his home in the jungles of Africa to Vienna and then to Zurich, first seeking aid from Sigmund Freud and then finally Carl Jung to help a mentally distressed Jane, who was put under a spell by a powerful magician. It was supposed to have a total of eight issues, but was cancelled after the fourth, apparently due to low sales. The complete 8 issue series was published in Croatia a few years back. I’ve got a friend stationed there looking for copies.

The drabble for today is “Id, Ego, Superego, and it was inspired by the story arc.

ID, EGO, SUPERGO

Tarzan approached Sigmund Freud, “My wife has been cursed by a witch doctor. She needs your help.”

Freud said, You look too old to believe in witch doctors. Have you asked anyone else for help?”

“Carl Jung.”

“Carl believes everything is based on our myths and legends. He’s wrong, of course, but he might pretend to help you.”

He said that you base everything on sex because, well, because.”

“Perhaps you believe your wife is cursed because of your inadequacies. You blame the witch doctor for your failure.”

Perhaps, you’re an idiot. Never mind, I’ll just kill the witch doctor.”

CHRISTMAS COLLISION

January 13: A slow day in the history of the World of Edgar Rice Burroughs. I’ve posted on almost all ERB related events that happened on this day and in the interest of trying not to do repetitions, on this day 107 years ago in 1919, ERB replied to an invoice from the Yellow Cab Company denying any responsibility for an auto accident. Ed had received a bill from the Yellow Cab company for damages of $9.10 for repair to the cab involved in the Christmas Day accident -- repairs to a broken tire shaft and side panel. Ed replied on that he will not pay as the accident was unavoidable and he was not at fault. There’s no record of any follow-up to the original claim by the Yellow Cab company, so I assume that ERB wasn’t held accountable.

Alan Hanson has done a great deal of research on Edgar Rice Burroughs and automobiles, both in real life and in his fiction. A good place to start on those articles is: https://www.erbzine.com/mag80/8089.html

The absolutely fictional drabble for today, “Christmas Collison,” was inspired by ERB’s letter to the Yellow Cab company dated January 13, 1919 and the Christmas spirit. Ho, ho, ho.

CHRISTMAS COLLISION
Gentlemen:

In reference to your $9.10 claim for damages incurred by a Yellow Cab on Christmas Day, 1918. The unavoidable accident wasn’t my fault. A reindeer drawn sled landed on the avenue and caused several automobiles, including mine and the Yellow Cab to brake and swerve in an effort not to ruin Christmas for countless children.

The fat man driving the sled quickly inspected the mayhem he’d caused, laughed, and flew away in the sled.

I suggest you report him to the police for leaving an accident and send any further claims to Santa at the North Pole.

Respectfully,

Burroughs

WHATCHA WANT WITH ME

January 14: On this day in 1968, the Russ Manning written and illustrated Sunday comics Tarzan story arc, "Tarzan Returns to the Land of the Ant Men," began. This was the first Russ Manning Tarzan Sunday page.
Tarzan offered to repair. a small aircraft in return for a ride to the coast. The pilot and passenger, Marlene and Cyril, agreed. Once airborne, their propeller is destroyed when the hit a flock of birds and they crash in the land of the ant men, where Tarzan renews his relationship with former friends and enemies, including the full-sized Amazon-like women, the Zertacols. The quality of the art and the faithfulness to Burroughs work are magnificent.
You can read it, and all of Manning’s Tarzan Sundays. Start here: https://www.erbzine.com/mag17/1760.html
. . . and much more about Manning at: https://www.ERBzine.com/manning
The drabble for today, “Whatcha Want With Me?, was inspired by the story arc and a joke from the album by 1960s comic Brother Dave Gardner included on the album with his name.

WHATCHA WANT WITH ME
Tarzan, Marlene, and Cyril were captured by ant men. Marlene, a beautiful brunette, was knocked unconscious and when she woke, she realised that she was barely a foot tall, the same size as the ant men, and that she was naked.

“Where’s Tarzan? Where’s Cyril.” She gasped, “My clothes, where are my clothes?”
“They won’t fit anymore. We’ve given you a potion to make you the same size as we are.”
“I don’t want to be the same size as a little bitty man. Why would you do that?”
The ant man smiled. “Little bitty men like little bitty women.”