It is probably safe to say that everyone has heard of Robin Hood, the medieval woodsman who steals from the rich to give to the poor. While he and his band of “Merry Men” have literary roots, the characters and versions of their stories have developed into theater, radio, television, live (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, for example) and animated (Walt Disney’s Robin Hood depicted a fox as the famous character) films, and have even ventured into comic books.
Quality Comics debuted the comic title Robin Hood Tales in February 1956. Usually compiled of three or four small stories centered around Robin, one additional story depicted the adventures of the Third Crusade. When DC (then National Comics) took over Quality Comics in 1957, Robin Hood Tales was at issue #7. DC was already publishing a Robin Hood comic called The Brave and the Bold. This eight-page title also contained a couple of adventure stories as well as a few educational pages that taught readers interesting facts about medieval history. Robin Hood Tales ceased publication with issue 14 in April 1958, but DC kept The Brave and the Bold going for a while longer.
Provision 1 of the Comics Code of 1954 demanded that “Crimes shall never be presented in such a way as to create sympathy for the criminal, to promote distrust of the forces of law and justice, or to inspire others with a desire to imitate criminals.” But of course, the legend of Robin Hood is entirely centered around a man who is in fact, a criminal, but since he commits his crimes for the greater good, we tend to see his actions as just. In order to meet Comics Code standards, the comics presented Robin Hood as fiercely loyal to the good King George, whose lands were seized by the evil Prince John. Since Robin’s criminal acts were committed in favor of the rightful King and against the usurping Prince, he was viewed as upholding true law and justice.
The Quality Comics tended to draw their stories from the actual ballad poems from which the legend of Robin Hood originates. When DC took over, they ventured away from the ballads and Robin Hood became more like a superhero. Although he never had any special powers, he was always fighting for what was right against evil villains, usually barons who were loyal to Robin’s enemy, Prince John.
The legend of Robin Hood has been around for centuries, and persists today because of its far-reaching themes of good and evil and law and justice. The character, and elements of his story, have been portrayed in nearly every aspect of pop culture today, and will continue to for many years to come.
