Jon Valor

Disambiguation: Black Pirate

First published in: 1940

Description:

The Black Pirate was a privateer working in the interests of the English monarchy with his strong moral code of justice.

Husband of Donna Bonita. Father of Justin Valor. Ancestor of Jack Valor (the second Black Pirate).

Notes:

Created by Sheldon Moldoff.

The Black Pirate first appeared in Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #23 (April 1940).

In Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #23 (April 1940), the year of the Black Pirate's first adventure is given as 1800 AD. In Sensation Comics (DC, 1942 series) #1 (January 1942), the story takes place in 1558 AD; Jon Valor married Donna Bonita ("Bonnie") at the end of that story. His last Golden Age story, in All-American Comics (DC, 1939 series) #102 (October 1948), takes place in the 17th century. It is possible that the Black Pirate that appeared from Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #23 (April 1940) through #42 (November 1941) is actually a different version of the character that was active in the 19th century, however this has never been established.

As shown in DC Comics Presents (DC, 1978 series) #48 (August 1982), Jon believed that Justin had been killed by Spanish conquistadores who had been plaguing King Charles' shores. Jon was so distraught that he revealed his secret to King Charles and retired as the Black Pirate. Five years later, Jon discovered that Justin had survived and been found by Puritans, who tended to his wounds. He was stunned to learn that Justin himself had become a Puritan. Although he was tasked with fighting the Puritans, Jon aided his son in escaping with them to America. The reference to King Charles of England places the beginning of this story in 1625 or later, and the end in 1630 or later, making both Jon and Justin quite old in this story.

Details of Jon's death were given in Starman (DC, 1994 series) #31 (June 1997). A year or so after Justin left for America, Jon received a letter stating that Justin was in danger, so he left for America immediately. Justin was already dead when Jon arrived. Jon was betrayed by Justin's killer, and framed for his son's murder. Just before he was hanged, Jon put a curse on the town. He would haunt them until the truth was revealed and his innocence proven. Note: The Black Pirate story in Sensation Comics (DC, 1942 series) #17 (May 1943), set during World War II, says the Black Pirate and his son "died over 300 years ago", which is consistent with the 1630s date mentioned above.

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Pirate

Keywords

16th century; 17th century; 19th century; England; piracy

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Name:

Jon Valor

Appearances With a Character Origin Universe:

Appearances With a Story Universe:

Relations:

1. secret identity of - The Black Pirate [Jon Valor] (p. 1940)