Peacemaker Day!

Pat Boyette was born on this date in 1923. Boyette was a Renaissance Man of sorts. He had a successful career in radio and television but left all that to create comics. His style was quite distinctive in his time. He avoided many of the typical methods to present action. His greatest creation was Peacemaker. His perfect kind of story was gothic horror. He worked tirelessly for Charlton, some for Warren, and later for DC briefly. 

Pat Boyette's Peacemaker is a concept which is mocked by some, and frankly I've never understood why. Christopher Smith was a diplomat who traveled the globe attempting to come to terms with the dangerous folks he encountered. When that failed, he donned his uniform and strapped on his weapons and confront the villain. It was a bit of wish fulfillment about how to handle the myriad problems the world confronts. Looking at the way we deal with world problems today makes me think of the well-meaning Christopher Smith and his spectacular helmet.

Peacemaker debuted in the back of The Fightin' Five. I love the "Action Heroes" from Charlton and Peacemaker though for a very long time was largely forgotten save in the guise of Alan Moore's Comedian.

Boyette created five issues of Peacemaker in 1967. 

There was a sixth issue of the series which has been travelling around the fan community for years. Sadly it wasn't included in the recent reprint of the series. Don't know why. 

DC was befuddled by the character, making him into a Punisher-like madman. Still, he wasn't mostly ignored as was Judomaster. 

In recent years Peacemaker has become a hit as portrayed by John Cena. The madness remains but cloaked in satire it's a bit easier to swallow. I confess to enjoying these strange adventures. 

Though I haven't bought any new Peacemaker comics. I'll make do with Pat Boyette's classic. It will serve. 

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