Airboy
Real Name: Davy Nelson II
Identity/Class: Normal human
Occupation: Aviator
Affiliations: Brother Francis Martier (deceased), Valkyrie
Enemies: Misery, formerly Valkyrie
Known Relatives: Davy Nelson (father)
Aliases: None
Base of Operations: U.S.A.
First Appearance: Air Fighters Comics #2 (Hillman Periodicals, 1942)
Powers/Abilities: Highly skilled aviator, excellent fighter. Pilots the highly advanced bat-winged prototype plane "Birdie," which possessed exceptional maneouverability.
History: Franciscan monk Brother Francis Martier was a skilled aviator and inventor as well as being a man of God, and created a unique and highly maneouverable plane which flew by flapping bat-like wings, Unfortunately, he crashed and died while testing it. His friend, U.S. government scientist Davy Nelson, inherited the wreckage, and gave it to his son, Davy Nelson II, who was a top pilot in spite of his tender years, nicknamed "Airboy." After repairing the plane, which he dubbed "Birdie," Davy II donned a costume which had been in Martier's family since the French Revolution, and took to the air to battle Axis forces. His adventures continued for some time after the war ended, but eventually he retired, put Birdie into storage, and founded an aircraft manufacturing company. During the 1980s Davy Nelson was assassinated by mercenaries from Bogantilla, a small South American nation, prompting his son, Davy Nelson III, to become the new Airboy.
Comments: Created by Charles Biro, Dick Wood and Al Camy.
Although one source says he first appeared in Airfighters Magazine, another says it's Air Fighters Comics. Likewise, one source says the publisher was Hillman Comics, and a different source claims Hillman Periodicals. The difference is probably splitting hairs, but if anyone knows which one it is for sure, let me know.
In the 1980's Eclipse acquired the rights to the Hillman properties and launched a new Airboy series.
CLARIFICATIONS: Not to be confused with
Airboy, his son
Airmale, Golden age hero
Air Man, Golden age hero with winged costume
Airman, Revived version of above as one of the Protectors
Any Additions/Corrections? Please let me know.
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