The History of Tarzan of The Apes in Literature, Radio, Comics, Art, Cartoons, TV, and Film
Tarzan first appeared in the 1912 novel Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The character quickly became popular in literature, appearing in over two dozen sequels by Burroughs. The novel told the tale of John Clayton, born in the jungles of Africa, raised by apes, and later discovering his human heritage. Tarzan of the Apes has swung through the jungles of popular culture for over a century, captivating audiences across various mediums. This iconic character has left an indelible mark on literature, radio, comics, art, cartoons, TV, and film, with a unique and fascinating history. The success of the book spawned numerous sequels, creating a literary franchise that has stood the test of time.
In the late 1910s and 1920s, Tarzan made the leap to other media. There were several silent Tarzan films, most notably the 1918 film Tarzan of the Apes starring Elmo Lincoln. Tarzan was also adapted into newspaper comic strips, starting with Hal Foster's Tarzan comic in 1929.
The 1930s saw Tarzan enter the Golden Age of radio, with various radio serials airing Tarzan adventures. The adventures of the Lord of the Jungle were broadcast to millions of listeners, bringing the character's wild exploits to life through the power of audio. The radio adaptation helped maintain Tarzan's popularity during a time when radio dramas were a primary form of entertainment.
During this period. Tarzan of the Apes was adapted into newspaper strip form, first published January 7, 1929, with illustrations by Hal Foster. A full-page Sunday strip began on March 15, 1931, with artwork by Rex Maxon. United Feature Syndicate distributed the strip.
Over the years, many artists have drawn the Tarzan comic strip, Rex Maxon (1929–1947), Burne Hogarth (1937–1945, 1947–1950), Ruben Moreira (1945–1947), Dan Barry (1948), Paul Reinman (1949–1950), Bob Lubbers (1950–1954), John Celardo (1954–1967), Russ Manning (1967–1979), Gil Kane (1979–1981), Mike Grell (1981–1983), Gray Morrow (1983–2001) and Eric Battle (2001–2002)..This decade also marked the beginning of Tarzan comic books from publishers like Dell and Gold Key. Artists like Burne Hogarth developed a distinctive style for Tarzan comic art. The comics not only expanded Tarzan's reach but also showcased the Unique Art that brought the character to vivid life on the page.
The visual representation of Tarzan has been a crucial aspect of the character's appeal. Artists like Frank Frazzetta and Boris Vallejo contributed to a rich tapestry of Tarzan art, capturing the untamed essence of the jungle and the heroic nature of the character. Tarzan's artistic journey reflects evolving styles and interpretations over the decades.
Tarzan remained popular in the 1940s and 50s. Notable films included the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan movies of the 30s and 40s. On TV, Ron Ely starred in the 1966-68 series Tarzan. The WB network had a short-lived TV series in the 90s.
Tarzan's global appeal led to unauthorized foreign adaptations. These films, often produced without the approval of Edgar Rice Burroughs' estate, demonstrated the character's widespread popularity. Despite facing legal challenges, these unauthorized films served as a testament to Tarzan's status as a cultural phenomenon.
The first Tarzan cartoon was released in the 1930s However, it is unclear which specific year the first Tarzan cartoon was released. The first animated major motion picture version of the story was released in 1999 by Walt Disney Pictures. Over the years there have been direct to Video animated Tarzen films made for the home video market.
In more recent decades, Tarzan has continued to appear in films, comics, cartoons and other media. Disney's 1999 animated Tarzan film led to a TV spinoff series. The character remains an iconic figure in popular culture.
Tarzan of the Apes has traversed through the realms of literature, radio, comics, art, cartoons, TV, and film, leaving an indomitable legacy in its wake. The character's ability to adapt and evolve across different mediums is a testament to its enduring appeal. As Tarzan continues to swing through the cultural jungle, the Lord of the Apes remains an iconic figure, captivating audiences around the world.
While a full history would require quoting from the original sources, this summary hits the key highlights of Tarzan's appearances across different media over the past century, from Burroughs' first novel to the present day.
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