Brett Kelly Resurrects 1940s Comic Book Hero Scarab For His Latest Film

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources Brett Kelly / Avery Guerra

Director Brett Kelly is out of control. He is pumping out one movie after another. He doesn't even finish one film before he starts another one. Presently he is working on the remake of "Attack of the Giant Leeches", the sci fi based "Iron Soldier", the adventure film "Pirates: Quest for Snake Island" and now the superhero driven "The Scarab."

You can't blame Kelly for wanting to get into the Superhero market. Just about everyone is doing it, and it is big business.....at the box office that is.

Even the most 'hard-core' comic book fans may have trouble remembering the hero Kelly has chosen to make a film about. The Scarab first appeared in Neo Comics 'Startling Comics' series #34 way back in July of 1945.

In fact the character fell into the public domain before Alan Moore revisited The Scarab in 2001 for the 12th issue of his "Tom Strong" series and in the spin-off "Terra Obscura". Before these rare, later appearances, the character hadn't been seen since the 20th issue of "The Black Terror" in 1947.

Here is some historical info on "The Scarab" from Wikipedia:

The Scarab was the secret identity of Egyptologist Peter Ward. Ward was actually the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian high priest; by rubbing his magic scarab ring Ward would instantly transform into the super-powerful Scarab.

Alan Moore revived the Scarab, along with many other Nedor Comics characters that had entered the public domain, for his Tom Strong series. In Tom Strong #12 (June 2001), the Scarab was revealed to have been one of the members of SMASH that had been placed in suspended animation after an alien invasion from the moon in 1969. Awakened 30 years later, the Scarab joined his former comrades in the fight against the alien. SMASH disbanded shortly thereafter, but reformed three years later. The Scarab is a member of the reformed group.

In the Terra Obscura spin-off series, the Scarab allows himself to be bonded with the ancient Egyptian god Thoth in order to control one-time superhero Mystico (who is himself bonded with the god Seth).


At this time it is unknown if Kelly plans to use any of these prior stories in developing the plot for his film.

By choosing a very obscure comic book character Kelly certainly will be able to avoid 'fanboy' backlash if he strays away from the original plot from the 1940s. I doubt very seriously if there are many Scarab fanatics out there that need to be worried about when developing this one.

See Also: The First Look At Brett Kelly's Iron Soldier / Brett Kelly Is Remaking Corman's Leeches / Brett Kelly Talks About His Latest Film "Attack Of The Giant Leeches"