RAKATU
Real Name: Rakatu
Identity/Class: Normal human (early 20th Century,
South Africa)
Occupation: Ruler of his tribe (name
unrevealed)
Group Membership: His tribe
Affiliations: His tribe
Enemies: Baku people, Waku and the Bantu
people (Baja, Lalei,
others), Gondo
Known Relatives: None
Aliases: None
Base of Operations: Region adjoining Bantu
territory,
South Africa
First Appearance: Jungle Tales I#4/2
(March, 1955)
Powers/Abilities: Rakatu is an aggressive and
bullying leader of his tribe, always keen for battle but usually
against a weaker foe or when he has a slight advantage. He displays
little honor in battle. Rakatu favors the spear as a weapon and has
excellent aim.
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
History:
(Jungle Tales I#4/2 (fb) - BTS) - Rakatu was a
warmongering leader of his people who sought to end the peace in the
jungle brought on by Prince Waku of the Bantu people. Rakatu wanted to
re-establish the ancient way of warriors in the region.
(Jungle Tales I#4/2) - Rakatu had his tribesmen
armed and ordered the drums of war begin their menacing beat. The Bantu
villagers were concerned with the sound, but Waku urged restraint and
patience; however, the drum beats led to panic and chaos among the
jungle creatures, and they attacked each other recklessly, as well as
stray Bantu villagers. Rakatu's aggressively led an unprovoked
raid against Baku hunters; the hunters were slaughtered with
overwhelming numbers against them. Rakatu believed this would send a
message that the Bantu should overthrow their peacemaker prince. Waku's
aide Baja urged action lest other tribes ally with Rakatu out of fear,
but Waku still chose patience. The jungle guardian gorilla Gondo,
sensing Waku was at the center of the frenetic jungle activity, lunged
for Waku, but took his beloved hostage instead and watched from the
treetops. Rakatu and his warriors stormed the Bantu village
and confronted Waku, who still urged restraint from his people and
instead confronted head on. Waku challenged Rakatu to a
leader-against-leader bout. Rakatu accepted but struck with a hurled
spear at the unarmed Waku. Gondo lunged out and stopped the spear so
that both men would be fighting on equal terms. Waku overpowered Rakatu
and the warmonger pleaded for mercy only so that he could cowardly land
an unsuspecting hit against Waku. Now truly angry, Waku grabbed Rakatu
and hurled him over the spears of his warriors. Identifying Rakatu as
the true source of the jungle chaos, the judgmental Gondo fiercely
pursued the fearful Rakatu into the jungle. After seeing that Waku was
ready to die to save lives, Rakatu's warriors acquiesced and left in
peace.
Comments: Created by Don Rico & Fred Kida.
Marvel Atlas #2 identifies Waku's reign of the Bantu tribe (located in South Africa) to be the early 20th Century.
Profile by Grendel Prime.
CLARIFICATIONS
:
Rakatu has no known connections to:
images:
(without ads)
Jungle Tales I#4/2, p1, pan1 (main image)
p3, pan1 (headshot)
Appearances:
Jungle Tales I#4/2 (March, 1955) - Don Rico (writer), Fred Kida
(pencils & inks), Stan Lee (editor)
First posted: 07/14/2025
Last updated:
07/14/2025
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
Non-Marvel Copyright info
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and © 1941-2099 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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