The Black Beetle (Dark Horse Comics)

The Black Beetle is a masked pulp hero created by Francesco Francavilla, published by Dark Horse Comics. The character and his adventures are heavily influenced by classic pulp magazines, Golden Age comic books, and serial films of the 1930s and 1940s. The Black Beetle operates as a vigilante in Colt City, a fictional metropolis plagued by gangsters, mad scientists, and other nefarious threats.

The Black Beetle's origin remains shrouded in mystery, with various hints and flashbacks provided throughout the series suggesting a complex and potentially tragic past. He is a skilled detective, hand-to-hand combatant, and marksman, often employing an array of gadgets and vehicles in his crime-fighting endeavors. His costume, featuring a distinctive helmet and beetle-themed insignia, contributes to his imposing presence.

The character debuted in the anthology Dark Horse Presents before headlining his own miniseries, including Night Shift, Necrologue, and Kara Bocek. These stories typically involve intricate plots, colorful villains, and a blend of action, suspense, and mystery characteristic of the pulp genre.

Francesco Francavilla serves as the writer, artist, and colorist for the Black Beetle series, lending a distinctive visual style that evokes the aesthetics of classic pulp illustrations and comic book art. His use of vibrant colors, stark shadows, and dynamic panel layouts further enhances the pulp atmosphere of the stories.

The Black Beetle has garnered critical acclaim for its authentic recreation of the pulp era, Francavilla's distinctive artwork, and its engaging storylines. The series has attracted a dedicated following of fans of pulp fiction, comic books, and retro-inspired superhero adventures.