The jungle comic genre—a staple of pulp-inspired escapism where heroes swing from vines, battle ferocious beasts, and uncover lost civilizations amid steamy, untamed wilderness. 

If you're a fan of classic adventure tales, you've likely heard of Jungle Comics, a title that roared onto the scene during the Golden Age of comics and got a fresh revival in the modern era. Let's swing through the vines of history to compare and contrast the original Jungle Comics series from Fiction House (1940-1954) with the 2019 reboot by Antarctic Press. We'll explore their origins, characters, themes, and what makes each unique in its time. 

Spoiler: Both deliver thrills, but the jungle has evolved a lot in 80 years.

The OG of Jungle Pulp was from Fiction House. 

Fiction House was a powerhouse in the pulp magazine world before diving into comics in the late 1930s, and Jungle Comics was one of their flagship titles. Launching in January 1940 and running for an impressive 163 issues until Summer 1954, this anthology series captured the exotic allure of the jungle during comics' Golden Age. It was born from the Tarzan-inspired craze, blending action, danger, and a hefty dose of "good girl art" (GGA)—those pinup-style illustrations of strong, scantily clad heroines that were a Fiction House hallmark.

Key characters included Ka'a'nga (the Jungle Lord, often with his mate Ann Mason or later Jessie), Camilla (Wild Girl of the Congo), Fantomah (an early super-powered mystery woman of the jungle), Tabu, Wambi the Jungle Boy, and Captain Terry Thunder. These heroes faced off against poachers, wild animals, lost tribes, and supernatural threats in stories that emphasized survival, heroism, and exoticism. 

Themes drew heavily from colonial-era fantasies: white explorers "civilizing" or protecting the jungle, with a mix of adventure and subtle (or not-so-subtle) exploitation tropes common to the era.

Artistically, the series featured dynamic covers and interiors by talents like John Celardo, Lou Fine, and others, with bold lines, dramatic poses, and that signature GGA flair—think leopard-skin outfits and bondage-themed perils that later drew criticism. 

Culturally, Jungle Comics reflected the post-Depression, pre-TV entertainment landscape, offering cheap thrills to readers. However, it wasn't without controversy; it was called out in Fredric Wertham's 1954 book Seduction of the Innocent for its sexy heroines and alleged influence on juvenile delinquency, contributing to the Comics Code Authority's rise and Fiction House's eventual shutdown.

In short, the original was a product of its time: pulpy, sensational, and unapologetically escapist, with a focus on serialized adventures that kept kids (and adults) coming back for more.

Fast-forward to 2019, and indie publisher Antarctic Press—known for quirky, creator-owned titles—decided to revive the Jungle Comics name as a nostalgic nod to the Golden Age genre. This reboot isn't a direct continuation but a fresh anthology series that kicked off in May 2019 and has produced around 30 issues as of 2022 (with potential for more, given Antarctic's ongoing output). It's a mix of brand-new stories and colorized reprints/translations of 1970s Italian fumetti (comics) adventures, blending retro vibes with modern storytelling.

Creators like Chuck Dixon (known for his work on Batman and Punisher), Kelsey Shannon, Ben Dunn, and Italian legends Giuseppe Pederiali and Roberto Renzi helm the tales. Characters include Zan the Jungle Lord (a Tarzan-esque hero from the Italian stories, battling hunters, panthers, and cannibals), Prymal (a fierce Amazon protector), Shanna the Firehair, Jo-Jo and Rhula (jungle defenders against poachers and monsters), Valkiria, Kyla (a goddess-like figure), and others like Tygra, Pantha, and Fana. 

Stories often involve fighting slavers, poachers, prehistoric beasts, viruses, and supernatural curses—think "Green Hell" where heroes chase villains into dinosaur valleys or "Adrift" where a stranded survivor uncovers island secrets.

Thematically, it's all about high-stakes jungle action, but with a contemporary twist: more emphasis on environmentalism (protecting wildlife from modern threats like poaching), diverse casts, and self-aware nods to the genre's roots. 

Art styles vary—some issues echo Golden Age boldness with vibrant colors, while others have a 1970s European flair or sleek indie polish. Antarctic Press positions it as a "return of a classic Golden Age comics genre," kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

This version appeals to nostalgia seekers and new readers alike, offering bite-sized adventures in an era dominated by superheroes and graphic novels.

At their core, both versions are anthology-style comics celebrating the jungle adventure genre. Here's where they overlap:

Themes and Tropes: Both feature heroes navigating treacherous jungles, battling human villains (poachers, slavers, hunters), wild animals, and mystical elements like lost civilizations or curses. The pulp spirit—exotic locales, daring rescues, and survival against odds—is alive in each.

Anthology Format: Short, self-contained stories per issue, often with recurring characters. This makes them easy to dip into, much like the serialized pulps that inspired the original.

Hero Archetypes: Tarzan-like lords of the jungle (Ka'a'nga vs. Zan), fierce warrior women (Camilla vs. Prymal or Shanna), and animal companions or sidekicks. Strength, cunning, and a bond with nature define the protagonists.

Escapism: They're designed for fun, adrenaline-pumping reads that transport you to untamed worlds, away from everyday life.

Sexy Characters: Everyone loves leopard print, right?

If you love one, you'll likely appreciate the other's commitment to vine-swinging heroics.

While the DNA is similar, the eras create stark contrasts:

Historical Context and Sensibilities: The original was steeped in 1940s-50s colonialism, with sometimes problematic depictions of indigenous peoples and exotic "othering." It thrived pre-Comics Code, allowing edgier content like GGA and violence. The reboot, however, updates this with 21st-century awareness—focusing on empowerment, environmental protection, and avoiding outdated stereotypes. It's more inclusive, with diverse creators and characters.

Art and Production: Golden Age art was black-and-white interiors with colorful covers, emphasizing dramatic, stylized figures. The reboot is full-color throughout, with a mix of retro and modern styles, benefiting from digital tools for sharper visuals.

Characters and Originality: Fiction House's cast was homegrown American pulp heroes like Ka'a'nga and Fantomah. Antarctic's includes new creations alongside translated Italian stories from the '70s, giving it a Euro-comic flavor. No direct reboots of original characters, but echoes in spirit.

Publication and Audience: The original was a mainstream hit from a big publisher, selling to a broad, youthful audience amid WWII and post-war booms. The reboot is an indie effort from Antarctic Press, targeting niche collectors, nostalgia fans, and comic shop regulars in a crowded market. Issue runs are shorter (163 vs. ~30+), and it's less about mass appeal and more about genre revival.

Cultural Impact: The classic influenced the jungle genre and faced censorship backlash. The reboot flies under the radar but keeps the flame alive for fans, perhaps inspiring new takes in indie comics.

In essence, the original feels like a time capsule of bold, unfiltered adventure, while the reboot is a polished, respectful homage with fresh energy.

Why choose? Both the Golden Age pulp Jungle Comics by Fiction House and the reboot by Antarctic Press are available on CryptoComics. All Fiction House are available to read for free, and digital collectible copies of Antarctic Press Jungle Comics are only the equivalent of a $1!

Enter the jungle and find your next favorite read!