Does Johnny Cloud have a Code Name or Special Costume?

The third defining feature of a superhero is the Costume that signals a special identity. All superheroes have a code name or brand. So, let’s see where Johnny Cloud stands on this final criterion. *We have already seen that he has access to super powers and has a mission statement wherein he is willing to risk his life to fight evil.

Some examples ... We start at the top: Superman. He wears red shorts over blue tights with a matching red cape and bright yellow belt. On his chest is a big red S within a shield. What a silly looking costume (if you want my opinion) – but it has been around so long that it has become mainstream. I have to admit that the Smallville Series wisely skipped the tights.

As I have said before, Batman has a better look when it comes to intimidating hoodlums. His black shorts over gray tights with sharply scalloped bat wings extending from his arms are scary. But the mask seals the deal: A thick headpiece covering the eyes with pointy ears gives warning that you’re done! Either way – mask or no mask – the costume marks the superhero.

So, what about Johnny Cloud? 

Cloud does not have a costume; instead, he wears a standard-issue flight suit – a uniform consisting of boots, overalls with heated coils, leather jacket, gloves, and helmet with goggles. But he has a logo and a code name that reflects his heritage. Painted on his P-51 and emblazoned on his jacket sleeves is an Indian warrior in full headdress wielding a tomahawk over his head and riding a winged stallion, all this mojo against a blood red background. Underneath the logo is Cloud’s codename: The Flying Chief. Like Batman’s points, the image is intimidating.

Johnny Cloud Brand showed the Great Warrior Spirit

Most WW2 fighter pilots chose their brand after being assigned their own aircraft, but Cloud did not have a say. Instead, his crew had an Indian-themed motif chosen before his first flight. It was taunting fun, but it annoyed Cloud. He desperately wanted to be accepted as one of the men without being branded. As it turned out, Cloud quickly earned the respect of his crew, and The Flying Chief became a badge of honor.

It is remarkable how prescient his crew was in choosing this logo, as they (presumably) did not know Cloud’s given name of Flying Cloud. More striking, they did not know about the Great Warrior Spirit known only to Cloud as his Big Brother. This underscores Cloud destiny. It is not a misfire. Cloud’s life was scripted from birth and although some readers have criticized these features, that is only because they fail to appreciate Cloud’s origin and trajectory.

Related to costumes is the secret identity. Most superheroes have an alter ego that allows them to blend in at cocktail parties. Superman becomes nerdy Clark Kent, whereas Batman morphs into rich but isolated Bruce Wayne. Secret identities provide a rich counterpoint to these characters. They also tap the readers’ own experience that one’s social façade hides a bigger truth – I am more than what you see!

Although Johnny Cloud does not have a secret identity, his social demeanor masks his complexity as a Navajo and Avatar of the Great Warrior Spirit. As flight leader he was firm and direct; he did not whoop or dance or use Indian-themed metaphors in front of his crew. Instead, he gave precise orders in plain language. The only exception was that he labeled his flight the Happy Braves, but even this ended after he was promoted to Captain, thereby changing it to C for Cloud Flight.

Image Credit:
AAMOW#82 (December 1960): Story Art: I.Novick; Writer: R.Kanigher.
Johnny Cloud TM DC Comics