Dateline: Danger!
First African-American starring character of a comic strip: Danny Raven in Dateline: Danger! by Al McWilliams and John Saunders
“Dateline: Danger!” was a noteworthy American syndicated newspaper comic strip that graced the pages from November 11, 1968, to March 17, 1974. This captivating creation was brought to life by the collaborative talents of writer John Saunders and artist Al McWilliams.
The series revolved around the thrilling escapades of two intelligence agents who cleverly assumed the roles of undercover reporters. Notably, the comic strip introduced readers to the character Danny Raven, a pioneering figure as the first African-American lead character in a mainstream comic strip.
The inspiration for “Dateline: Danger!” can be traced back to the groundbreaking television series “I Spy,” which was the first dramatic show to feature an African-American in a prominent lead role. Building upon this milestone in television, John Saunders and Al McWilliams embarked on their creative journey, launching the adventure comic strip through the Publishers-Hall Syndicate. This innovative venture made its debut as both a daily and a color Sunday strip in November 1968, making it a trailblazer in the medium by featuring an African-American lead character, Danny Raven. The comic strip followed the format of the TV series, with the two protagonists assuming the roles of American secret agents who globe-trotted to various trouble spots, all while maintaining the facade of other professions.
As comics historian Maurice Horn noted, the 1960s witnessed comics syndicates emulating successful television shows in a bid to retain their dwindling readership. “Dateline: Danger!” was a standout entry in this era, drawing inspiration from the popular “I Spy” program, which starred Robert Culp and Bill Cosby. The comic strip, much like the TV show, brimmed with banter, humor, and action as the two partners raced cars, engaged in fisticuffs, and evaded bullets during their action-packed adventures. This riveting comic strip continued to captivate readers until 1974.