Photon Torpedoes: Satana the Devil’s Daughter: A Symbol of Women’s Lib

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October 23, 2006

Satana the Devil’s Daughter: A Symbol of Women’s Lib

Satana, the Devil's Daughter, was conceived by Marvel at the same time as the Son of Satan. In Marvel Spotlight #12 (Hellstrom's first solo story), Daimon says to Johnny Blaze: "…until I gain the final, ultimate revenge-for what he did to my mother and sister!*" Roy Thomas' editorial note follows the asterisk: "*More on the mother next ish! And as for his sultry sister Satana, you can get a fleeting glimpse of her in our current giant-size Vampire Tales #2, now on sale!"

The original model for Satana was developed by Roy Thomas and John Romita. Satana was a succubus, able to steal men's souls with a kiss. She was taught black magic as well, but unlike Daimon, in the beginning she was loyal to Satan. In Marvel Spotlight #13, Satana sacrifices a cat to her father's name, much to the horror of her (human) mother. While Satana never had a strong run of stories, in many ways her debut in Vampire Tales #2 was the most remarkable story of all. It left an impression on me that I'll never forget.

It was a four page story by Thomas and Romita. Romita's artwork was stunning in black and white. It starts off wordlessly, with a classic Romita girl-with his Romance background-walking through the deserted streets of New York City at night. She looks apprehensive, afraid-then looks back at the sound of footsteps following her.

Satana turns a corner and walks into an alleyway. She gets cornered by a rough looking man. Romita's craftsmanship is undeniable her, as he does a close-up on the girl's horrified face. I read this as a 12-year old kid. I didn't know what rape was, but I knew something bad was going to happen to this pretty, innocent looking girl.

Things start to shift around when the rapist removes the girl's overcoat and finds Satana's breast-bearing sexy outfit. He thinks this is going to be a lot of fun. Then Satana suddenly takes his head and kisses him. Now she's in control, using her sexuality as a weapon: "Yes, indeed, that's the way I want it!" And now it's the rapist who is afraid!

Satana is triumphant in the last few panels. The rapist is dead and she's eaten his soul. She takes off her overcoat, scarf, and headpiece, walking away casually with her long hair dangling behind her back. Now Satana is walking down the street at night, unafraid of anything! To fully appreciate this story, you have to remember that it was published in 1973, the era of the sexual revolution and the women's liberation movement. Women in the United States were going to college, getting jobs, burning their bras, and realizing that they didn't have to be married to scum-bag husbands who cheated on them left and right. In four pages, this story symbolizes that societal change perfectly. John Romita, who drew hundreds of classic Romance stories featuring helpless young women vying for the attention of handsome suitors, used his skills to draw a woman who feigns innocence, then takes charge. Fantastic work, I only wish Romita had worked more in the black and white medium. Nuff said.