LIFTERS
Classification: Terrestrial technology (Eternal)
Creator: Makkari
User/Possessors: Hurricane Cab Co., Makkari, Ralph Rand
First Appearance: Captain America Comics I#1/5 (March, 1941)
Powers/Abilities/Functions: Lifters have the ability to impart superhuman speed and flight to whatever they rest upon. When placed on a humanoid being, that being gains superhuman speed and flight until the Lifters' power wears off. The full duration of a pair of Lifters enjoys without Makkari present to supply more cosmic energy has not been revealed.
History:
(Captain America Comics I#1/5) - While in his guise as Hurricane, Makkari went to Coast City to oppose the activities of Warlord Kro. Taking a taxi cab from the Hurricane Cab Co., Hurricane told the driver his cab could "do better than a crawling eighty" and placed his Lifters on the side of the cab. The Lifters granted the cab superhuman speed and made it levitate in the air as it sped to the location he'd requested.
(Captain America Comics I#2/5) - While in the jungles of Matto Grosso, Hurricane placed his Lifters on the back of Dr. Rand so that he could escape Warlord Kro's jungle base while carrying Ruth Holden in his arms.
(Marvel Universe I#6) - While working with the Monster Hunters as "Jake Curtiss," Makkari was with the team aboard a plane when they were fired upon by Warlord Kro's Raiding Craft, damaging both of their plane's port engines. Flying out of the plane, Makkari attached his Lifters to the ruined engines, enabling the plane to remain aloft until they could land near Midnight Mountain.
Comments: Created by an unidentified writer (likely Joe Simon) and Jack Kirby.
Profile by Prime Eternal.
CLARIFICATIONS:
Lifters should not be confused with:
The Hurricane Cab Co. was a taxi service in Coast City. When Makkari, as Hurricane, took one of the cabs, he used his Lifters to increase the cab's speed, enabling it to fly in mid-air as it traveled. Hurricane told the cab driver he'd recommend it to all of his friends and indicated how he approved of the symbol on the cab's doors, saying "Your cabs truly live up to the symbol they bear." Frightened by his encounter with Hurricane, the cab driver sped away.
--Captain America Comics I#1/5
images: (without ads)
Marvel Universe I#6, page 13, panel 3 (main)
Captain America Comics I#2/5, page 9, panel 1 (Ralph wearing Lifters)
Captain America Comics I#1/5, page 2, panel 7 (cab driver)
Captain America Comics I#1/5, page 2, panel 8 (cab logo)
Appearances:
Captain America Comics I#1/5 (March, 1941) - unidentified writer, Jack Kirby (artist), Joe Simon (editor)
Captain America Comics I#2/5 (April, 1941) - Joe Simon (writer, editor), Jack Kirby (writer, artist)
Marvel Universe I#6 (November, 1998) - Roger Stern (writer), Jason Armstrong (penciler), Mike Manley (inker), Tom Brevoort (editor)
First posted: 08/28/2026
Last updated:
08/28/2026
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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