by Paul Green
See: The Ginger Star; The Hounds of Skaith
Red Hawk
[Comic book character; WMW]
First appearance: Straight Arrow #2; Art: Bob Powell; Publisher: Magazine Enterprises.
Set in an early American West, the adventures of Cheyenne brave Red Hawk featured many Weird Menace tales including:
“THE FANGED KILLER” [WMW]
First publication: Straight Arrow #18 (October 1951).
A disguised Comanche who lives among wolves has the power to command them to attack hunters and steal their furs.
“CLAWS OF DEATH” [WMW]
First publication: Straight Arrow #27 (October 1952).
A panther woman creates the illusion of her transformation into a black panther.
“THE FLYING HORROR” [WMW]
First publication: Straight Arrow #31 (June 1953).
An Indian tribe is convinced that the legendary Pa'aka the flying cat woman has come to life. But unknown to them, the Cheyenne woman known as Featherfoot is exploiting their fears with an outfit of feathered wings, claws and a fearsome mask.
“THE BEAR STICK” [WMW]
First publication: Straight Arrow #33 (October 1953).
Singing Doe, believed to dead following an attack by the Sioux, is painted in phosphorescent paint by Red Hawk to trick his friend Wolfpaw into thinking she is a ghost.
“LANDS BEYOND THE SUNSET” [WMW]
First publication: Straight Arrow #36 (April 1954).
A medicine man promises paradise in the Indian version of Heaven known as “The Happy Hunting Grounds.” But it is all a scam to steal wampum. Indian Zombies feature in one panel.
“CANYON BEAST” [WW]
First publication: Straight Arrow #39 (October 1954).
A dinosaur menaces the Cheyenne after it hatches from a prehistoric egg and grows to huge proportions.
Bob Powell provided the art for the entire 54-issue run in Straight Arrow. Powell also illustrated Red Hawk in his one-issue solo title in 1953 and in Bobby Benson's B-Bar-B Riders.
Red Larabee, the Gunhawk
[Comic book character]
First appearance: Wild Western #15 (April 1951); Art: Joe Maneely; Publisher: Atlas Comics.
Vowing to avenge the murder of his father, Preston Hardwick assumes the identity of Red Larabee. Complete with bulletproof vest, he uses his gunfighting skills to battle crime and bring killers to justice. His ten-issue run in Wild Western included two Weird Western stories.
“THE ALTAR OF QUAPULTEC” [WW]
First publication: Wild Western #20 (February 1952); Art: Chic Stone.
Aztecs living in the heart of a Sierra Madre volcano guard a golden key that can alter history and offer Red Larabee as a sacrifice to their gods.
“LEGION OF THE DEAD” [WW]
First publication: Wild Western #22 (June 1952); Art: Chic Stone.
Four executed murderers return from the dead.
Red Mask
[Comic book character; Comic book; WW]
1. First appearance: Tim Holt #20 (November 1950); Creators: Ray Krank, Frank Bolle; Publisher: Magazine Enterprises.
Tim Holt adopted the alter ego Redmask to fight crime in issue #20 of his own title. The change in direction allowed for more colorful and offbeat characters including a lady with attitude who would eventually become his partner, the Black Phantom.
2. First publication: #42 (June-July 1954); Publisher: Magazine Enterprises.
Red Mask continued the numbering of its predecessor Tim Holt when it changed titles in June 1954. The comic book continued to publish Ghost Rider until issue #50 with The Presto Kid replacing it until the final issue #54 in September 1957.
Red Prophet: The Tales of Alvin Maker
[Comic book; SFW]
First publication: March 2006; Creator: Orson Scott Card; Publisher: Marvel Comics, Dabel Brothers Publishing.
A six-issue adaptation of Orson Scott Card's Red Prophet: Tales of Alvin Maker series. This alternate history of the American frontier involves the magical world of young Alvin Maker, a witness to history (the war between the red men and whites) along the Mizzipy River.
Red Wolf
[Comic book character; WW]
1. First appearance: Marvel Spotlight #1, November 1971; Creators: Gardner Fox, Syd Shores; Publisher: Marvel Comics.
The first incarnation saw Red Wolf as an adopted Cheyenne named Johnny Wakeley in the late 1800s. Raised by white foster parents who were brutally murdered by Native Americans, Wakeley was granted the power of the late warrior Red Wolf by the Cheyenne spirit god Owayodata.
2. First appearance: The Avengers #80, September 1970; Creators: Roy Thomas, John Buscema; Publisher: Marvel Comics.
Following the murder of his family, William Talltrees swears vengeance on the murderers and is visited by Owayodata, who passes on the power of Red Wolf to a new generation.
The second incarnation of Red Wolf alias William Talltrees was published 14 months before the complete story of his first incarnation was revealed.
Redblade
[Comic book character; WW]
“STRANGE ON THE RANGE”
First appearance: Marvel Fanfare #49 (February 1990); Story-Art: Alan Weiss; Publisher: Marvel Comics.
Marvel's regular characters Dr. Strange, Nick Fury and Dum Dum Dugan traveled through time to feature in this one-off appearance by Chief Redblade of the Huachaqua Apaches. Redblade seeks revenge on the white man by using his mystical powers as a medicine man to transform himself into a giant beast.
Reed, Ishmael
(1938-) [Author]
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and raised in Buffalo, New York, Reed co-founded the underground newspaper The East Village Other in 1965. His first novel, The Free-Lance Pallbearers, was published two years later. A move to California and a teaching position at the University of California at Berkeley followed. Reed is an accomplished African-American author who challenges literary conventions and standard views of American culture and society.
Selected works: The Free-Lance Pallbearers (1967), Yellow Back Radio Broke-Down (1969), Mumbo Jumbo (1972), Flight to Canada (1976), Reckless Eyeballing (1986), Japanese by Spring (1993).
El Regreso del Monstruo
(1959) [Film; Mexico; WW]
Premiere: August 12, 1959; Main Cast: Luis Aguilar as El Zorro Escarlata, Tere Velazquez as Young Lady, Jaime Fernandez as Sergio; Producer: Luis Manrique; Story: Luis Manrique, Antonio Orellana, Fernando Osés; Director: Joselito Rodríguez; 63 min.; Filmadora Méxicana S.A.; Spanish; B/W.
El Zorro Escarlata confronts a Frankenstein-like monster and a talking skeleton.
Renegade (2004)
[Film; France; WW]
U.S. release title for Blueberry: L'Expérience Secrète.
Resnick, Mike
(1942-) [Author]
Five-time Hugo Award-winning author Mike Resnick was born in Chicago, Illinois. He began his, prolific career in 1964 writing numerous “adult” novels under a pseudonym. Resnick has written over 50 science fiction novels and more than 175 short stories. His books can be divided into various fiction series including Tales of the Galactic Midway, Eros, The Chronicles of Lucifer Jones, Widowmaker, Oracle and Galactic Comedy. Many include Western genre influences.
Selected works: The Soul Eater (1981), Sideshow (1982), The Best Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Gunslinger in the Whole Damned Galaxy (1983), Eros Ascending (1984), Adventures (1985), Santiago: A Myth of the Far Future (1986), Paradise (1989), Soothsayer (1991), The Widowmaker (1996), The Outpost (2001)
The Return of Santiago
[Novel; SW]
Author: Mike Resnick; First publication: New York: Tor, 2003.
Danny Briggs is a small-time thief with a mission to resurrect the legend of Santiago, outlaw of the Inner Frontier. Together with sidekick Virgil Soaring Hawk, he chronicles the exploits of the new legends of the Inner Frontier in his search for Santiago.
See: Santiago: A Myth of the Far Future
&n
bsp; The Return of the Indian
[Juvenile novel; Film; WW]
Author: Lynne Reid Banks; First publication: Garden City NY: Doubleday, 1986.
Fearing the consequences of Little Bear becoming trapped in the world of “giants,” Omri entrusts his mother with the magical key to the cupboard. But temptation overcomes Omri and he uses the key once again only to discover Little Bear has been badly wounded in the Indian Wars. Omri must save his Indian friend and his village from destruction.
Sequel to The Indian in the Cupboard.
Richfield Presents Rockets and Range Riders
[Comic book; SFW]
First publication: May 1957; Art: Alex Toth; Distributor: Richfield Oil Corporation.
As a family watches a rocket test in the American West, the grandfather recalls his time as a prospector in the Old West when gunslingers stole his gold and he was left with common borax. His grandson explains that Borax is now called Boron and is invaluable in the manufacture of rocket fuel. The father reminds them both that Boron is used in gasoline produced by Richfield Oil Corporation.
One-shot 16-page educational giveaway comic book to promote Boron gasoline.
Ricochet Rabbit & Droop-a-Long
(1964) [Animated TV series]
Animated tales of Sheriff Ricochet Rabbit of Hoop 'n' Holler and his deputy Droop-a-Long Coyote. Originally a segment of The Magilla Gorilla Show before moving to the series Peter Potamus for the second season.
Voice Cast: Don Messick as Ricochet Rabbit, Mel Blanc as Droop-a-Long; Stories: Tony Benedict, Warren Foster, Dalon Sandifer; Hanna-Barbera Productions; 23 × 7 min.; Color.
“MOSTLY GHOSTLY” (2:05) [WW]
Air date: October 9, 1965; Directors: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera.
When Ghost Town Gus robs a stagecoach, Richochet and Droopy enlist the aid of Great Granddaddy Richochet's ghost to capture the mischievous spirit.
“SPACE SHERIFF” (2:11) [SFW]
Air date: November 20, 1965; Directors: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera.
Ricochet and Droopy travel to Mars to help the Martians battle the monster known as Gruesome Grock. Richochet defeats him with the help of his Super-Squelch bullets but on his return to Earth he discovers Gruesome is the new sheriff.
Riders of the Whistling Skull
(1937) [Film; SFW]
Premiere: January 4, 1937; Main Cast: Bob Livingston as Stony Brooke, Ray “Crash” Corrigan as Tucson Smith, Max Terhune as Lullaby Joslin, Mary Russell as Betty Marsh, Yakima Canutt as Otah, Chief Thunder Cloud as High Priest; Producer: Nat Levine; Story: Oliver Drake, Bernard McConville, John Rathmell. Based on characters created by William Colt MacDonald; Director: Mack V. Wright; 58 min.; Republic Pictures; B/W.
The Three Mesquiteers' search for missing scientists and the lost Indian city of Lukachuke takes them to Whistling Skull, a rock formation resembling a human skull. The fourth movie in Republic Pictures' Three Mesquiteers series features an Indian mummy restored to life and idol-worshipping Indians.
Ringo, It's Massacre Time
(1970) [Film; Italy; WW]
U.S. release title for Giunse Ringo e ... fu tempo di massacro.
El Río de las Ánimas
(1963) [Film; Mexico; WW]
Premiere: February 13, 1964; Main Cast: Joaquín Cordero as Leonardo Moncada, Alma Delia Fuentes, Andrés Soler; Story-Director: Juan José Ortega; 95 min.; Productora Fílmica México; Spanish; B/W.
A fire spirit warns of impending danger in this Mexican horror Western.
Rio Kid
[Comic book character; Italy; WW]
International name for Il Cavaliere del Texas.
Ripclaw
[Comic book character; WW]
First appearance: Cyberforce #1, 1992; Creator: Marc Silvestri; Publisher: Top Cow Productions.
American Indian Robert Berresford discovers his true heritage when a shaman introduces him to the spirits of his ancestors. After they tell him of his future destiny as leader of the Indian nation, he learns of his real name Robert Bearclaw and discovers his ability to shape shift his hands into bear claws. Bearclaw is captured by Cyberdata who surgically removes his hands and replaces them with cybernetic replacements that he can also transform into bear claws.
Bearclaw alias Ripclaw converses with the spirit world of his ancestors and is often surrounded by ghosts asking to be avenged for their deaths.
River o' Blood
[RPG book; WW]
Author: John Goff; First publication: 1998; Setting: Deadlands: The Weird West; Publisher: Pinnacle Entertainment Group.
Location book for the Mississippi River and New Orleans adventure “Trouble A-Brewin'.”
The Road to Hell: Devil's Tower 1
[RPG book; WW]
Authors: Paul Beakley, John Hopler; First publication: 1998; Setting: Deadlands: The Weird West; Publisher: Pinnacle Entertainment Group.
Adventure set in the City o' Gloom, Salt Lake City. The posse of heroes must discover who is killing the scientists working for Professor Darius Hellstromme. The first part in the Devil's Tower trilogy.
See: Heart o' Darkness: Devil's Tower 2; Fortress o' Fear: Devil's Tower 3
Road Warriors
[RPG book; WW]
Author: John Hopler; First publication: 1998; Setting: Deadlands: Hell on Earth; Publisher: Pinnacle Entertainment Group.
Vehicle and highways of Hell on Earth location sourcebook. Includes the adventure “Hell Riders.”
The Roaring Whispers
(2007) [Film; Australia]
Premiere: September 2007; Main Cast: Dave W. Phillips as Clem, Sari Sheehan as Charlotte; Executive Producers: James Barahanos, Sean Phillips, Sylvia Phillips; Story: Dave W. Phillips, Michael Zadro; Director: Dave W. Phillips; 65 min.; Barahanos Productions; Color.
A hit-man, a “dead” girl and a young manattempt to bring down a huge corporation that is draining the world's natural resources. This low-budget film was described by director Phillips as containing elements of Mad Max and Django.
Robotika
[Comic book; SFW]
First publication: December 2005; Creator-Art: Alex Sheikman; Story: Alex Sheikman, David Moran; Publisher: Archaia Studios Press.
Elite bodyguard corps member Niko must recover a stolen invention that has the potential for untold harm in the wrong hands. Set on the fringes of civilized society where chaos and violence are the order of the day, this title is a blending of the Old West, science fiction, cyberpunk, steampunk and Japanese samurai tales.
Creator Alex Sheikman stated, “I grew up in the Soviet Union and as a kid was fascinated by the American Westerns. 'Freedom' was what those movies shouted to me. As I grew up and got exposed to spaghetti Westerns and later on to the samurai epics that inspired them I started to understand the complex story ideas that were explored in these tales. Robotika is my attempt to re-visit the hero's journey that the Westerns describe so well and by combining the eastern and the Western themes, I invented a whole new genre ... the Sushi Western.”
Poster of Robotika. Artwork by Alex Sheikman. © 2009 Alex Sheikman. Used with permission.
Robotika strip by Alex Sheikman. © 2009 Alex Sheikman. Used with permission.
Rocket Robin Hood
(1966) [Animated TV series; Canada]
The space adventures of Rocket Robin Hood and his Merry Men in the year 3000.
“JESSE JAMES RIDES AGAIN” (1:08) [SW]
Air date: November 12, 1967; Voice Cast: Ed McNamara as Rocket Robin Hood; Director: Shamus Culhane; 22 min.; Trillium Productions, Krantz Films, Grantray-Lawrence Animation; Color.
On a hunting expedition, Rocket Robin and Will Scarlet encounter an elderly descendant of the Old West outlaw Jesse James. With the help of his rocket-powered horse, Jesse James robs from the rich and keeps it for himself. Rocket Robin Hood arranges for the descendant to hold up a fake Interplanetary Stagecoach but complications ensue.
The episode is divided into three acts—“Jesse James Rides Again,” “Th
e Slowest Gun in the Universe” and “The Big Heist.”
Rod Serling's Night Gallery
(1970) [TV series]
Anthology series of tales of science fiction, horror and fantasy, hosted by Rod Serling.
“DR. STRINGFELLOW'S REJUVENATOR” (2:28) [WW]
Air date: November 17, 1971; Main Cast: Forrest Tucker as Dr. Stringfellow, Murray Hamilton as Snyder, Don Pedro Colley as Rolpho; Producer: Jack Laird; Story: Rod Serling; Director: Jerrold Freedman; 50 min.; Universal Television; Color.
Dr. Stringfellow, peddler of fake medicinal cures, becomes the victim of his own unscrupulous nature when a young woman dies.
“THE DARK BOY” (2:30) [WW]
Air date: November 24, 1971; Main Cast: Elizabeth Hartman as Mrs. Judith Timm, Michael Baseleon as Tom Robb, Michael Laird as Joel Robb, Steven Lorange as Edward Robb; ; Producer: Jack Laird; Original story: August Derleth; Teleplay: Halsted Welles; Director: John Astin; 50 min.; Universal Television; Color.
Judith Timm's new teaching job in Montana is disturbed by the figure of youngster Joel Robb who, she learns, died two years earlier. Halsted Welles switched the original story's New England location to Montana in his teleplay.
