Strange Tales 169

If planning a little after Christmas travel, here’s a thought:  Benin, Africa – for January 10. That puts you right in the heart of the Fete du Vodoun Festival.

Literally translated, that’s Vodoun Festival, also known as Traditional Religions Day.

Strange Tales 169

Vodoun was officially declared a religion in Benin in 1996. It begins with the slaughter of a goat in honor of the spirits. The remainder of the celebration is filled with singing, dancing and the imbibing of liquor, especially gin.

If that sounds a little intimidating or your passport is just expired, maybe something a little closer to home. Like a comfy chair and a copy of Strange Tales 169. The book features Dr. Jericho Drumm, created by Marvel publisher Stan Lee, writer Len Wein and artist John Romita Sr.

Included in the village that spawned and raised him was Marvel editor-in-chief Roy Thomas who suggested the name Doctor Voodoo. Fortunately cooler heads prevailed and he was christened Brother Voodoo. Gene Colan handled the art chores.

Brother Voodoo began his journey through the Marvel U in Strange Tales 169 through 173 and culminated the initial adventure as a backup story in Marvel’s horror magazine Tales of the Zombie issue six.

Brother Voodoo continues to this day, though Marvel did receive some negative letters from religious groups in the beginning. The Sci-Fi Channel announced in 2003 an ongoing series, but it never materialized.