🪓 Kong The Untamed #1–5 (1975) – Comic Review
📚 Genre
Prehistoric Fantasy, Action-Adventure, Mythology
🧬 Main Characters
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Kong – A blonde-haired child born into a tribe of dark-haired people, seen as the prophesied warrior destined to challenge authority.
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Attu – Kong’s devoted mother who defies tribal law to protect her son, embodying maternal strength and sacrifice.
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Trog the One-Eyed – The fearful and tyrannical tribal leader who sees Kong as a threat to his rule.
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Various Tribal Figures – Supporting characters from different clans and regions who shape Kong’s journey through conflict and survival.
✍️ Writer
Jack Oleck – A prolific scribe of horror and war comics, Oleck brings emotional gravity and mythic overtones to this prehistoric tale.
🎨 Artists
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Alfredo Alcala (Issues #1–3) – Known for his intricate linework and moody textures, Alcala gives the series a visually rich, almost woodcut-like aesthetic.
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Bill Draut & Bernie Wrightson (Issues #4–5) – Draut’s clean layouts and Wrightson’s dramatic shadows deepen the visual tone as the narrative escalates.
🧑💼 Editor Details
Joe Orlando – Under his editorial guidance, the series maintained a balance between gritty storytelling and visual flair typical of DC's more mature 1970s titles.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
DC Comics – Though not part of a specific imprint like Vertigo or DC Black Label, the series reflected DC’s 1970s experimental tone, leaning into darker, more mythological content.
📅 Release Year
1975
🧭 Brief Plot Summary
Kong the Untamed opens with the tale of Attu, a mother who defies the brutal laws of her tribe to protect her son. Kong, born with blond hair—a rare trait that fulfills an ancient prophecy—becomes a symbol of both fear and hope. When Trog the One-Eyed kills Attu in a ruthless display of dominance, Kong's path transforms from survival to vengeance. Exiled and alone, Kong evolves from a vulnerable child to a fierce warrior, journeying across hostile lands and battling both nature and man to find justice for his mother and claim his destiny.
🧩 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Birth of the Legend – The first issue sets the tone by intertwining myth and raw emotion through Attu’s resistance and sacrifice.
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Exile and Survival – The middle issues showcase Kong’s growth and the brutal world he must navigate alone.
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Vengeance Reclaimed – The final chapters build toward a confrontation with Trog, paying off the prophecy that gave the series its mythic tone.
🤔 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Mythic Rebirth of Civilization – Some fans interpret Kong as a metaphorical “Adam” figure, representing the rise of justice and heroism in an uncivilized world.
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Genetic Anomaly as Destiny – Kong’s blond hair sparks fan discussions about the role of genetics and divine prophecy in ancient tribal cultures.
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Feminist Undertones – Attu’s fierce maternal role and the consequences of her defiance offer subtextual commentary on gender and power in primitive societies.
🧾 Review Summary
Kong the Untamed blends raw emotional storytelling with gritty, detailed visuals that elevate the prehistoric setting into something mythic and timeless. 💥 The writing is steeped in sorrow and survival, and though the dialogue can feel dated, it resonates with emotional authenticity. Kong himself grows into a compelling, layered character, shaped by trauma and destiny. The artwork—particularly Alcala’s—captures the savage beauty of an untamed world, with rich linework and haunting landscapes. While the series is short-lived, its intensity and thematic depth leave a lasting impression. 🌋🦣
📖 Kong the Untamed remains a hidden gem for fans of primal epics and emotionally charged storytelling. A brutal, beautiful, and bold comic worth discovering.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
