ERBzine 8224a: Drabbles March 16-31, 2026

DRAW AS WRITTEN

March 16: On this day in 1932, Edgar Rice Burroughs accepted an offer from his nephew, Studley Burroughs, to illustrate “Tarzan Triumphant.” Studley would illustrate “Tarzan the Invincible,” “Jungle Girl,” “Tarzan Triumphant,” and “Apache Devil” before his personal life got in the way of meeting deadlines and ERB rehired J. Allen St. John. Studley designed ERB’s bookplate. Studley also drew the famous ERB-invented "doodad" -- the logo which appeared on the spine or covers of most of the ERB Inc. editions. The first appearance of this trademark colophon was on April 15, 1932 on the spine of the second published ERB, Inc. book: “Jungle Girl.”

Details about Studley: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0053.html

Ed wasn’t happy with the cover art for “Tarzan Triumphant,” commenting, “"He is too prissy and has a belly on him almost as large as mine... let these heroic characters of mine cave in a little below the ribs rather than stick out. Tarzan Triumphant looks as though he might be several months along toward an increase in his family.”

The 100 word drabble for today, “Draw as Written,” is adapted from ERB’s written instructions to Studley concerning the interior artwork for “Tarzan Triumphant.”

DRAW AS WRITTEN

“Lion rearing and burying teeth in face of askiri -- three-quarter view from rear of lion; beyond lion and victim, the Gunner is coming from tent with sub-machine gun in hands. He should be good looking in a sinister way. He’s a tough egg and a killer; Yet a character I have tried to make likeable throughout the story. As this scene is transpiring at night, he need not wear a hat, but he should have on a short sleeved shirt, open at the throat, hiking breeches and field boots. This will help differentiate him from Smith, who wears shorts.”

MORE THINGS IN YOUR PHILOSOPHIES

March 17: On this day in 1974, the Russ Manning written and illustrated Sunday Tarzan newspaper story arc, “Korak and the Igotha,” concluded after twenty- two weekly installments. The Igotha are a tribe which has reverted to violence in the years while two of its members, the Princess Nubilia, and the student, Imbaza have been living in the civilized world. The two return, only to be challenged by tribesmen who have been victimized by the Igotha. Korak intervenes and takes the duo to their tribe, the Igotha. The new chief, who looks a lot like Idi Amin, has returned the tribe to lifestyle of war and intolerance. Korak helps the princess and student.

Read the entire story arc at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag21/2130.html

The drabble for today, “More Things in Your Philosophies.” Was inspired by the story arc. Some of the words are taken from the story arc.

MORE THINGS IN YOUR PHILOSOPHIES

Chief Kosai growled, “We wasted our riches sending you to Europe. Foreigners can teach us nothing. The tribe needs only me, their chief. I know all there is to know.”

The Princess replied, “No man knows all there is to know.”

“The chief pounded his spear on the ground. “I know enough. I know that my people don’t know won’t hurt me. I know that if the tribe fears you and your new ways, they’ll do whatever I tell them to do.”

“You can’t run a country like that.”

The chief laughed, “Dear girl, divide and conquer. It always works.”

YOUR MOVE

<>March 18: On this day in 1922, “Argosy All-Story Weekly” part five of THE CHESSMEN OF MARS was published. The cover of the issue was by Modest Stein, a frequent pulp cover illustrator for Edgar Rice Burroughs’ stories, but this one was for part one of THE FLYING FOOL, by Rex Parsons. Parsons wrote a total of 18 novels and short stories for the pulps, all of which were published by Argosy. Episode number five of the Max Brand western, GUN GENTLEMAN continued in this issue. The issue, like every issue in this series featured an interior headpiece by Rober B. Morrison.

A wealth of information about the publishing history of THE CHESSMEN OF MARS, along with book and magazine covers, reviews, and commentary is available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0426.html

The drabble for today, “Your Move,” was inspired by the novel. Martian chess is called Jetan and I’ve used the word Jetan in the drabble rather than the term, chess. For those who haven’t read the novels, a calot is a Barsoomian dog.

YOUR MOVE
The Princess said, “You play excellent Jetan for a soldier. Did you take lessons from a master?”

“I didn’t. I was raised by my father in an abandoned city. My only companions were an old Jetan set and and my calot, Kasporov.”

“So, your father taught you the game?”

“He did not. I learned the game from my pet calot.”

“A calot who could play jetan. He must have been really smart.”

“I thought so at first, but then I learned that whenever I was about to make a bad move, he’d wag his tail. He never beat me again.”

THE ART OF SELF DELULSION

March 19: Anniversary of Edgar Rice Burroughs’s death (September 1, 1875 – March 19, 1950). He died reading the Sunday comics. On this day in 1921, “Argosy All-Story Weekly” published Tarzan the Terrible, part six. The cover art by frequent Edgar Rice Burroughs’ cover artist Modest Stein illustrated the first installment of the novel, SOME MAN, credited to Stephen Kaye, a pseudonym of Charles Alden Seltzer, who had several stories and novels published under his own name, including the story “Lonesome Ranch,” in this issue, which probably explains the reason for the single use of the Stephen Kaye pseudonym. Neither Burroughs, nor Tarzan the Terrible were mentioned on the cover.

Details about the novel along with the publishing history, several illustrations, and witty commentary are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0494.html

The drabble for today, “The Art of Self-Delusion,” was inspired by the eighth Tarzan novel, “Tarzan the Terrible. The German Lieutenant Obergatz lost his mind during the journey and his captivity by a tribe in the valley of Pal-ul-don. Tarzan confronts the German officer who believes himself to be a god,

THE ART OF SELF DELULSION

Lieutenant Obergatz, who’d lost his mind while suffering deprivations in the jungle and during his captivity, was now worshiped by a the tribe who’d captured him. They believed the insane were touched by the gods.

“I am the great god, Jad-ben-Otho. Tarzan, I sentence you to death.”

“You are no god,” said Tarzan. “Calling yourself a god doesn’t make you one.”

Oberagatz screamed. ‘I am a god, I am the greatest and the best good ever!”

“Because you say loudly and with conviction means nothing. History records many men who claimed godhood and the worms have eaten them all.”

WEALTH OR WEIGHT

March 20: On this day in 1988, the Gray Morrow illustrated and Don Kraar scripted Sunday Tarzan comic arc, “The Gold of the Phoenicians,” concluded after a run of twelve episodes. The entire story arc may be read at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag35/3523.html

The story follows Tarzan and Jane who’ve joined a search of sunken treasure. The story explores the theme of the ‘Little Boy and the Cookie Jar. Value is relative. All the wealth in the world has no value to a man who can’t spend it.

The drabble for today is, “Wealth or Weight“, was inspired by the story arc.

WEALTH OR WEIGHT

Tarzan and his companions discovered an underwater cave filled with air and gold. A fellow diver exclaimed. “Rich, we’re rich.”

Tarzan replied, “No, we aren’t. Gold is too heavy to carry much to the surface.”

“I’ll pay you to carry my gold.”

“Any gold I carry will be my own.”

The cave began collapsing. “We must go. Leave the gold,” screamed Tarzan.

“Never,” said the man, who died stuffing his pockets with gold.

Jane asked what happened to the man. Tarzan replied, “A man must be willing to let go of some things or he will lose everything. He wasn’t.”

WHAT MY ENEMY DOESN'T KNOW

March 21: On this day in 1943, John Carter of Mars Sunday comic episode # 68, Elusive Prey was published. The art and story were by John Coleman Burroughs. This was the penultimate, the next to last episode published. The entire story arc is available at www.erbzine.com/mag22/2288.html This one specifically is at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag22/2270.html

The drabble for today is, “What My Enemy Doesn’t Know,” was inspired by the Sunday comic and by the novel upon which it was based, “A Princess of Mars.”

WHAT MY ENEMY DOESN'T KNOW

A tribe of giant green Martians attacked. They thought to kill John Carter and to capture the beautiful Dejah Thoris. Carter, an earthman, had great strength on Mars, could jump to great heights, and was the most magnificent swordsman on two planets. He made short work of his adversaries.

Dejah Thoris said, “I’m grateful, but it hardly seems fair. The green men didn’t know how strong and fast you are. They had no idea about your swordsmanship skills.”

Carter bowed and smiled, “Men who choose to go to war are responsible to educate themselves. I’m not responsible for their ignorance.”

CHANGE BE BAD

March 22: On this day in 1994, Episode # 3, season 3, “Tarzan and the Witness for the Prosecution,” of the Wolf Larson and Lydie Denier television Tarzan series, was broadcast. Some sources list this episode as the second episode of season three and there are various broadcasting dates assigned across the internet. I personally kept a record and am comfortable with the dates that I use. The numerical assignment of an episode varies because some sources use the filming order and some the broadcasting order. They weren’t the same.

An excellent summary and review is located at:

https://www.erbzine.com/mag75/7547.html#52

In, “Tarzan and the Witness For the Prosecution” Marley, a local policeman, arrives to escort Dan to a trial where he's a key witness. Tarzan and Jane lead Marley to Dan's location but the realization that something is wrong comes too late.

The 100-word drabble for today is, “Change Be Bad,” and it was inspired by the novel and by Luddites everywhere. It is not to condemn the justice system in the United States, no doubt one of the best, if not the best, in the world. The drabble is to illustrate the point that societies and organizations who refuse to make changes in light of new technologies and realities are doomed to fail. If you want different results, you need to do things differently. IF YOU KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’VE ALWAYS DONE, YOU’LL KEEP GETTING THE SAME RESULTS AS BEFORE.

CHANGE BE BAD

The policeman said, “Tarzan, I need help. A bad man is on trial. I can’t find one of the witnesses.”

“Witness, why? Tarzan knows he’s guilty.”

“Guilt can’t be decided until after the trial and trials take a very long time.”

“Why?”

“Well, I have to get paid, the lawyers must be paid, and so do the judge, the guards, and the bailiff. Livelihoods depend on lengthy trails.”

“Change the system. Justice should be swift, but fair. It’s not an income stream.”

“It’s the way we’ve always done it.”

“That’s exactly what the cannibals said when they roasted the missionaries

ME, TARZAN

March 23: On this day in 1946, an Associated Press publicity photograph of Johnny Weissmuler, Johnny Sheffield, and Johnny Weismuller, Jr. was released. The photo has the six-year-old Johnny Weissmuller Jr., right, looking up to his former swimming champ dad Johnny Weissmuller. That's 14-year-old Johnny Sheffield of Pasadena, Calif. in the middle. Sheffield plays the role of Tarzan's son in Weissmuller's next Tarzan film. Several photographs of Weissmuller may be viewed at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag39/3923.html

Johnny Weissmuller Jr. was an actor, a longshoreman, and the author of the book, “Tarzan, My Father.” He passed away in 2006. He was voiced Tarzoon in the X-rated cartoon, “Tarzoon, Shame of the Jungle.”

“Tarzan, My Father” is available in a Kindle edition from Amazon. The hardcover is out of print and frequently sells for over $100 a copy.

The drabble for today, “Me Tarzan,”, is taken from the book, “Tarzan, My Father,” by Johnny Weissmuler Jr. The passage has been edited for length to fit the 100-word drabble format.

ME, TARZAN

When I was sixteen, my dad took me fishing in Acapulco. A barefoot boy tugged on Dad’s pants leg and asked in Spanish. “Are you Tarzan?”

Dad, who’s best Spanish was ‘buenos morning,’ replied, “Si, me Tarzan.” He gave forth with a full-throated Tarzan yell. Within minutes, the entire village, now suddenly awakened from their afternoon siesta, gathered on the pier, gawking and pointing. For a teenager ,it was a thoroughly embarrassing experience, but it made such an impression on me that I never forgot it.

My father believed he was Tarzan and so did nearly the entire planet.

DON'T GIVE THE BULLY YOUR LUNCH MONEY

March 24: On this day in 1974, the Russ Manning written and illustrated Tarzan Sunday newspaper story arc, “Tarzan Returns to Castra Sanguinaurus,” began. The story arc ran for thirty-three weeks and was reprinted in ERB-dom’s #80-83.

You can read every single panel, beginning at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag17/1791.html

Castra Sanguinaurus, a city founded by a lost Roman Legion, is now ruled by Empress Claudia. A mean and vindictive woman who reminds us that bullies come in all guises and use all weapons at their disposal, violence, guilt, the creation of conflict, lies, and pretty much anything that helps them get what they want.

The 100-word drabble for today is, Don’t Give the Bully Your Lunch Money,”, inspired by story arc and those self-centered toxic people who are not cursed with self-awareness, people who believe that they can say and do anything they want to get their way. May all of us be blessed to remove them from our lives, and once having done so, have the courage to not let them back in.

DON'T GIVE THE BULLY YOUR LUNCH MONEY

Major Bouncingbutt stood at the door when Tarzan answered. “This is your chance to rectify your terrible treatment of me. Ask the Nairobi bookstore to carry my new book.”

“Our treatment of you,” replied Tarzan, “was dictated by your horrible behavior. Your sales are not our problem.”

Tarzan closed the door. Jane said, “Tarzan, he didn’t ask for much.”

“Anything that we give him is too much. If you give a bully the smallest thing, he’ll never leave you alone.”

“Bully? He didn’t hit anyone.”

“Weaponizing guilt is still bullying. He’s toxic and life’s too short to accommodate toxic people.”

READ 'EM AND WEEP

March 25: On this day in 1927, Actress Monique Van Vooren, the She-Devil in “Tarzan and the She-Devil,” was born in Brussels, Belgium. She was a champion skater and beauty queen in her home country before coming to the United States on a Fulbright Scholarship. More than just another pretty face, she spoke six languages, English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, and Dutch. She could also read Greek and Latin. In 1981, Van Vooren's book “Night Sanctuary” was published, for which she received the highest advance ever that Simon & Schuster's Summit Books paid for a new novelist.

Details about “Tarzan and the She-Devil ,” which starred Lex Barker and Joyce MacKenzie, along with several photographs are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag19/1952.html

The drabble for today, Read ‘em and Weep,” was inspired by Monique Van Vooren, actress, polyglot, and authoress.

READ 'EM AND WEEP

Major Bouncingbutt confronted Monique von Vooren at a book signing. “I won’t let bookstores sell my books. They want 40% of the sales price. The publishers want a big share as well.”

“Everyone has to make a living.”

“They make more than I make. That’s not fair. My books are so good they should consider selling them a privilege.”

“Privilege doesn’t pay the rent or the electric bill.”

“Their expenses aren’t my problem. ”

“You’re confused about how business works. I can’t understand your position.”

“Are you stupid?”

“No, I speak six languages, but none of them is whinny moron.”

\THE MIGHTY JUNGLE

March 26: On this day in 1944, singer and actress, Diana Ross, of the Supremes was born in Detroit, Michigan . She appeared in episode #46, The Convert, of the Ron Ely Tarzan television series. Her awards and accomplishments are legion, but to list a few, she's in the Rock and Roll hall of Fame, was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom, was identified by the Guiness Book of World Records as the most successful female charting artist, and was awarded a Grammy for lifetime achievement.

Details about all of the episodes of the Ron Ely Tarzan television show are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0014.html

The drabble for today, “The Mighty Jungle,” was inspired by the episode and the wonderful Diana Ross.

THE MIGHTY JUNGLE

Ron Ely said, “Diana, I’m such a fan. This is a happening for me. I’ve hoped forever that someday we’d be together.”

“Well baby love, it looks like forever came today.”

“No filming today. Bad Weather. This your first time in a jungle?”

“Ron, the recording business is a jungle and I grew up in Detroit.”

“You’re not afraid of the wildlife?”

“No such thing as endless love. One bad record and the critics eat you alive.”

“A critic can’t be as dangerous as a jaguar.”

“Love Child, one bad review in the Rolling Stone will tear your heart out.”

IN MEMORY

March 27: On this day on 1950, John Coleman Burroughs buried ERB’s ashes under at a black walnut tree at ERB Inc. The photograph is of ERB Inc. President Jim Sullos at the spot where Edgar Rice Burroughs ashes were buried.

The 100-word drabble for today, In Memory,” is excerpted from the “Find A Grave” website.

IN MEMORY

He was a prolific American author who skillfully mastered science fiction and adventure books. He is best known for creating the character "Tarzan" in 1912. He converted a 550-acre estate formally owned by the publisher of the "Los Angeles Times" into a ranch, and the city of Tarzana. He began to write, producing ninety-one novels, which sold in the hundreds of millions of copies while printed in over 56 languages.

A large crater on Mars was named the "Burroughs Crater"; a town near his San Fernando Valley home was named Tarzana in 1928; and his office and home became museums.

IF I ONLY HAD A BRAIN

March 28: On this day in 1967, Ballantine Books published “Treasure of the Black Falcon “ by John Coleman Burroughs. The cover art was by Michael Aviano. It had been written twenty years earlier but was shelved and forgotten after numerous rejections. During the Burroughs boom of the '60s, however, brother Hulbert came across the manuscript and submitted it to Ballantine Books where it was eagerly accepted. It has never been reprinted.

For more information about the novel, visit https://www.erbzine.com/mag11/1173.html

The drabble for today, “If I Only Had A Brain,” is a reworking of an review of the novel by Al Howard, which was featured in the Gridley Wave Issue #22 ~ May 1967

IF I ONLY HAD A BRAIN
A routine treasure hunt turns into a true "voyage to the bottom of the sea". The treasure hunters encounter an interstellar race whose individual members are giant brains, which have taken over the bodies of newly drowned men.

Our explorers are caught up in a fight between ancient Roman and Georgian British brain men. Submarine crew members, dying from various causes, are resurrected and provide the eventual balance of power. The novel employs a Burroughsian plot twist, the female submarine co-owner is the descendant of the captain of the sunken treasure vessel and the leader of the British brain men.

HERE, KITTY, KITTY

March 29: On this day in 1946, the Rex Maxon written and illustrated Tarzan daily newspaper story arc, “Tarzan and the Lion Cub,” concluded. The story arc features “Jane,” in a leopard skin bikini, not unlike Mazon’s previous illustrations of his character “Zeela, the wild girl.”

Here’s a link to the story arc: https://www.erbzine.com/mag54/5498.html

The drabble for today, Here, kitty, kitty,” inspired by the story arc.

HERE, KITTY, KITTY

A stranger approached Jane and the lion cub. ‘Young lady, you’ve done a wonderful job training this young lion. If the two of you will come with me and become a circus act, we’ll be rich. I’ll manage everything. Here’s a thousand dollars to prove my good faith.”

“I’m honored, but I’ll have to decline. I haven’t trained this animal to do anything.”

“Don’t be modest. I’ve been watching. The lion does everything that you tell it today.”

Jane laughed. “Lions do whatever they want. I’m only telling him to do whatever it is that he wants to do anyway.”

FEARLESS, GALLANT, AND MERCILESS

March 30: On this day in 1964, the John Celardo written and illustrated Tarzan daily newspaper story arc, “Tarzan and the Fox,” began. It ran for thirty-six installments.

The story features the French Foreign Legion, although Captain Gallant is nowhere to be seen. The fox is a man leading a tribe against the Foreign Legion. Taran wears a thobe, also called a dishdasha, throughout the entire story. It’s an ankle length garment with long sleeves.

You can read the entire story arc at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag46/4602.html

The drabble for today is, “Fearless, Gallant, and Merciless,” and it was inspired by the story arc and a fearless film Tarzan who later was a gallant captain in the Foreign Legion. It contains over a dozen references to the characters and casts of the film serials, “Tarzan the Fearless” and Flash Gordon as well as the television series, Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion.”

FEARLESS, GALLANT, AND MERCILESS

Tarzan snuck into the Foreign Legion fort that was surrounded by angry nomads. “Captain, the natives have you trapped. I can help.”

“That’s major to you, buster.”

“Don’t be crabby. I ‘m here to help. Don’t call me buster.”

“We don’t need your help. My men are fearless and we’ll mount a gallant defense.”

Tarzan shook his head. “I can your aura, and it says you are fearless, but no matter how ardent your defense, their leader is merciless. We’ll trap them with a reverse Trojan Horse.”

“Does that ever work?”

“A fly in a spider web would say so.”

HOG WILD

<>March 31: On this day in 1921, Edgar Rice Burroughs held a pig auction at the Tarzana Ranch. Rhodes and Rhodes Auctioneer were hired to sell the entire herd, including the Show Heard of Prize winning Hampshires. The stock consisted of forty-four registered sows and four boars. No count for piglets was provided.

A Van Nuys News article two years early, March 7, 1919, reported. “Mr. Burroughs has also decided to engage extensively in the pig industry, and is making plans for building up a herd of the finest Berkshire stock that he can secure.”

The fictional drabble for today is ‘Hog Wild,” and it was inspired by the great pig sale of 1921.

HOG WILD

Emma Burroughs said, “It’s about time to sell those pigs. I can hardly breathe when the wind is out of the north.”

“It’s not the smell. Raising hogs is a lot more work than I had expected."

“You sure that you aren’t just bored.”

“Funny, Emma, but no. I’ve learned that there’s a big difference between bring home the bacon and living with the bacon.”

“Will we make much from the auction? Have you set a minimum bid?”

“I have. I won’t squeal if someone just promises to take them all away.”

“Yes, Dear. That would be swine with me.”