Getting Deep into Johnny Cloud's Identity: Magical Connections

The past few posts have examined Johnny Cloud's claim to Superhero status. Now we examine some of his more personal experiences that are associated with his powers (or magic).

In sharp contrast to his officer and gentleman routine, Cloud’s recounting of events shows his Navajo perspective in full color – one that is laced with metaphor and magic. Three signposts tell the story: his Big Brother, the Smoke-maker’s prophecies, and his adoption by the Hawks.

The crux is Cloud’s connection to the Great Warrior Spirit that we know as his Big Brother – a warrior wielding a tomahawk on a winged horse in the form of a cloud. His father saw the apparition and so did the Smoke-maker. Cloud once described the role of his Big Brother as a guardian that warns him whenever the wings of death wait to beat you down. Yet, we have seen that his connection is more than that.

We can debate if Cloud’s Big Brother is magic or just a way of seeing, but I think the answer is clear. Here’s a potent example: during a friendly chat with Jeb Stuart, commander of the Haunted Tank, Cloud stopped and said: “He’s warning me! Listen! Beware of hawks hiding in the sun – with fire in their claws!” Just then two Fw-190s came raging out of the sky. Certainly, this episode suggests that Cloud’s Big Brother directly intervenes and warns him of danger.

So too, Cloud consulted his Big Brother frequently – in fact, his spirit appeared in 23 (out of 34) of his adventures. More specifically, he appeared in the first 20 AAMOW issues. Cloud asked for and received help in tense combat situations; this help included: cloud cover, guidance to his target, keeping up the fight, getting back to base, landing safely while parachuting, taking off in a combat zone while under fire, and jumping from his burning plane (after a full-on taren attack!). Plus, there are fantastic situations when it appears that his Big Brother gave Cloud opportunities to win the day – examples include the second chance to save Tex in Fighting Blind and the opportunity to save his base in Broken Ace.

Of course, it’s not always clear if he actually got the help or if he attributed his good fortune to his Big Brother. So again, we are left with the big question: Was this Navajo magic or just a way of seeing? It was likely both. Cloud was gifted, yet he was mostly unaware. He reached out to his Big Brother not appreciating that he was being guided.

Let that sink in. Cloud was destined to be the earthly hand of the Great Warrior Spirit for whom he was named. He was born to fight in WW2. No other war comic hero sits at this table. Not Sgt. Rock. Not Jeb Stuart.

Image Credit:

AAMOW #82 (December 1960); Story Art: I. Novick; Writer: R. Kanigher.

Johnny Cloud TM DC Comics

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

Johnny Cloud's Mission -- Part Two

Johnny Cloud was destined to fight against evil. This was made clear shortly after his birth when his father, a great chief, witnessed an apparition in the sky that depicted a warrior riding a winged stallion. So too, young Cloud saw the same apparition many times while growing up -- he called the Great Warrior his Big Brother in the Sky.

As noted in my last post, the Smoke-maker gave Cloud a glimpse of his destiny -- that is, to lead a flight of warriors into battle ... all this, long before WW2 had been declared, and long before the P-51 had been designed and built.

No other DC Comics war hero can make such a claim. Johnny Cloud was special from the start.

Once he had his wings, Cloud risked his life many times to complete his mission. His complete mission statement was revealed in the closing scenes of AAMOW#84: I fought not for myself alone … but for all men who never had the American chance of battling tyrants who called themselves the “master race” – face to face – man to man. 

Out on patrol, Cloud reminded himself that he was fighting against the foes of freedom. His mission statement is similar to those made by Superman and Batman, only here it is shaped by a melding his Navajo perspective with the ideals of American Freedom.

Consequently, Cloud volunteered for extra missions despite mounting stress that kept him awake at night. And when the medical officer grounded him for combat fatigue, Cloud pleaded: “Not now Doc – not now – when every pilot is needed in the air every hour of the day and night! You can’t ground me now!”

Cloud was particularly concerned about the Nazi terror rockets – V-1 and V-2 bombs that rained down on Britain late in the war. He witnessed the terror directly during a five-day R&R pass to London when a young girl named Lily handed him a flower – “from one ally to another” she said – but moments later she was killed by a V-1 bomb. Cloud abruptly cancelled his pass, and the next day found him leading a patrol called Lily Flight.

Without a doubt, Cloud’s devotion to duty took precedence over his own safety. He sang his Death Song at least 14 times in combat. Take aerial ramming for example: He had little hope of survival, yet he chose to gamble his life with taren on eight different occasions. As previously noted, he once rammed two bandits at once to save a B-17 returning from a reconnaissance mission with information about terror rocket launchers – as such, he risked his life for his bomber buddies and for civilians like Lily.

Another one of Cloud’s priorities was to protect his men, particularly the new pilots with no combat experience. We learn early on that Cloud adopted the credo from his first flight leader Mack. Never lose a man on their first flight.

In his second adventure, Cloud nearly loses Tex who, by his own arrogance, gets shot down after ignoring Cloud’s pleas to hang back. The next day, Cloud risks capture by rescuing Tex in occupied Holland. Tex is incredulous, but he is schooled by his flight leader’s gallantry, and he devotes himself to protecting Cloud from then on.

As these examples show, Johnny Cloud was wholly devoted to the mission. He was born to be a winged warrior. So, what’s the verdict on Mission? Does Cloud’s devotion push him into superhero territory? Again, he squeezes in by a wingtip. Even if he goes home after the war, and never flies again, he will have proven the point.

Image Credit:
AAMOW#84 (April 1961). Story Art: I. Novick; Writer: R. Kanigher.
Johnny Cloud TM DC Comics

Is Johnny Cloud a Superhero? The Mission

In this posting, we return to our discussion about what makes a superhero and whether or not Johnny Cloud is a superhero.

Remember that a superhero must: 1) possess a super power or a set of extraordinary skills; 2) devote oneself to a mission to help others at all costs; and 3) have a secret identity often marked by a costume.

We have examined the first element a while back, and it is clear that Cloud sure seems to get an edge when he needs it. He is unstoppable. The hand of his Big Brother is on his shoulder, tilting the scales of fortune in his favor. Whatever it takes: This is Cloud’s superpower – he is invincible! But let's go a step farther: Johnny Cloud is the avatar of the Great Warrior Spirit (aka his Big Brother).

So, let’s move on to talk about The Mission. Superheroes are defined by it! With few exceptions, superheroes are the good guys, and they dedicate their lives to this duty.

A young Clark Kent decided he must turn his titanic strength into channels that would benefit mankind. He realized early on that his powers demanded that he act responsibly. He had been given a gift, and within a few years Superman became champion of the helpless and oppressed.

Batman, too, took on the noble mission, but for him, he was motivated by the death of his parents, killed by robbers with him watching helplessly. It was a grieving Bruce Wayne who made the declaration: I swear by the spirits of my parents to avenge their deaths by spending the rest of my life warring on all criminals.

Unlike Superman and Batman, Johnny Cloud was assigned his mission by the Air Force. But he chose to be a fighter pilot. Or did he? Was it preordained that he become the winged warrior? Let’s review …

When he was a newborn, his father looked to the skies for a sign that would suggest a name for his son. That’s when he saw the apparition: A warrior riding a winged stallion. Suddenly the sky darkened with lightning and thunder, but the warrior remained bright. His father observed that the flying cloud does not shrink from combat! This was Cloud’s destiny: He was to become this warrior!

As the years passed, young Cloud would see the Great Warrior Spirit many times, prompting him to question if he was destined to ride a winged horse in the sky. Was this a mission in the making?

Later on, Cloud was shown a glimpse of the future by the Smoke Maker. Cloud saw himself flying a strange iron bird (a P-51) and leading a flight of airborne warriors. Once again, we see that Cloud's destiny was determined.

The first mention of a "mission" occurred when his father bid him farewell (in a flashback): "Johnny Flying Cloud -- you leave to battle the enemies of freedom." 

No other Big Five war hero was born to fight. Johnny Cloud was unique. He was scripted into this special role by Robert Kanigher from the start.

But there is more ... until next time.

Image Credit:

AAMOW#82 (December 1960). Story Art: I. Novick; Writer: R. Kanigher.

Johnny Cloud TM DC Comics

Mission Six: Broken Ace - The Debriefing

Broken Ace is another tour de force with fast action in the wake of overwhelming stress. 

We learn that Johnny Cloud is volunteering for more combat missions than anyone else, not because of gallantry, but because he takes the war personally. He is frantic to stop the destruction wrought by the German offensive. But even heroes have their limits, and the nightmares show a man desperate to reach beyond his capabilities.

He can’t fly every mission! And, trying to do so crushes him. Not only is he frustrated by the grounding order, but also, he is racked with shame. Is there a life lesson for the reader here?

Maybe. Perhaps the lesson is this: One man cannot do it all, all the time – or something like that. Even Superman had to grapple with this reality.

But then comes the twist: Cloud is given an opportunity to save his base. In fact, the situation demands as much.

Did his Big Brother answer his early lament that he is in the air all the time? And More: Did he give Cloud the job of defending the base?

Perhaps the Great Warrior Spirit is more subtle that we think. He forced Cloud to take a break to recharge, but in doing so, he called on him to fight when the battle came to him. We can only guess how the calculus works. Either way, Kanigher’s writing is keen and leaves us pondering!

And so it goes, when the enemy strafes his field, Cloud leaps into action and wins the day.

Go Johnny Cloud!

Next Up:  We will continue our exploration of whether or not Johnny Cloud is a superhero or just a hero that is super ...

Image Credit:

AAMOW#87 (October 1961); Story Art: I. Novick; Writer: R. Kanigher

Johnny Cloud TM DC Comics

Mission Six: Broken Ace Part 2

Last time we checked, Johnny Cloud was told by his CO to stop volunteering for extra patrols. He wants to fight, but he is having combat nightmares. He needs rest.

After a night of fitful sleep, Cloud prepares for another patrol. But, he is exhausted. Cloud overshoots the runway on takeoff and folds his P-51 into a tree. The flight surgeon grounds him and orders him to rest. 

Cloud is frustrated. He watches his flight take off without him and bemoans to his Big Brother that he is a Broken Ace.

Moments later, bandits attack the base and blast aircraft parked along the runway. Cloud ducks behind a burning hulk and fires his Colt at the marauders. As the bandits circle back for a second pass, Cloud runs across the tarmac to one of the damaged planes.

He motors down the runway even though the Mustang cannot fly. 

His foil draws in a Me-109, foolishly swooping low on a head-on strafing pass. Cloud’s thumb is on the trigger, and he destroys the bandit. Then he angles his damaged P-51 atop a small mound so as to aim his wings guns upward at a second bandit roaring in higher this time. Another attacker angles in behind Cloud, leveling off just yards from the ground. The Mustang is pinched between them. 

Cloud opens fire without effect, but the Huns break in the same direction and collide in fiery CRAASH!

Cloud climbs out of the grounded Mustang feeling vindicated. The flight surgeon and the CO gasp in disbelief. “Nobody can really ground an ace,” the surgeon remarks. And so, Cloud was cleared to fly.

Image Credit:

AAMOW#87 (October 1961); Story Art: I. Novick; Writer: R. Kanigher.

Johnny Cloud TM DC Comics

Mission Six: Broken Ace

Johnny Cloud's next few missions are non-stop. A good sleep is rare.

This saga starts with a scramble. A division of Tiger tanks has launched an offensive, and Cloud’s flight is called to respond, double quick.

Cloud laments that he is constantly in the air – he looks to his Big Brother and bewails: “We spend as much time up here now – as you do.”

The Happy Braves hit the tanks. The firefight is fierce, and several Mustangs are lost. Cloud nails a Tiger and pulls up to confront a swarm of Me-109s diving out of the sun. Cloud meets them head-on and unloads on the first bandit. The leader blows up causing a chain reaction that collects two more in the fury. CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! Cloud downs another before the dogfight is over, but his Mustang is thrashed, and his flight is badly mauled. They limp back to base, exhausted.

The scrambles continue, day and night. The CO sees that Cloud is exhausted and stops him from volunteering for additional patrols. He threatens to ground the Navajo ace if he does not rest.

In the predawn black, Cloud’s sleep is interrupted. Another scramble! Cloud hastens his men to get ready. Every minute of delay cost lives! This time, the flight intercepts German bombers roaring towards the sleeping cities. The Happy Braves attack, and several bombers are destroyed, but as the Mustangs regroup, a second wave forms overhead and begins raining explosives on them. Cloud is frantic to retake the offensive when suddenly his men shake him awake.

It was all a nightmare!

Afterwards, Cloud drifts in and out of a fitful sleep, when suddenly he hears the alarm again: “scramble, scramble.” He rushes to wake his men, frantic as before, but again they shake him awake.

Another nightmare!

The next day, Cloud overshoots the runway on takeoff and folds his P-51 into a tree. The flight surgeon grounds him and orders him to rest. 

Cloud is demoralized. He watches his flight take off without him and bemoans to his Big Brother that he is a Broken Ace.

Image Credit:

AAMOW#87 (October 1961): Story Art: I. Novick; Writer: R. Kanigher.

Johnny Cloud TM DC Comics