John Wayne in the Comics

John Wayne had his own comic book series, John Wayne Adventure Comics, published by Toby Press, which ran from 1949 – 1955 (31 issues). There was also a version printed in the U.K. (same title – different stories) which ran from 1952-1958 (82 issues). The U.K. version also had John Wayne Adventure Annuals which were published once a year from 1953-1959 (6 annuals). Both Dell and Gold Key comics also published comic books for several of John Wayne’s films. In 1995, a comic book series entitled Preacher (Vertigo comics) was introduced, and ran for 66 issues until 2000. A recurring character in this comic book series was an apparition named “Duke,” whose role it was to help the main character, Jesse Custer. Although not directly stated, “Duke,” who has the same mannerisms as John Wayne, was clearly John Wayne, although he face was usually partially obscured in shadow.

The character "Duke" (circled in red). Click for larger image.

John Wayne also made a one-time appearance in the comic book Sandman, as well as in a plethora of newspaper political cartoons and comic strips (most notably Robotman)