Edward L. “Buster” voice of Lothar in the animated Defenders of the Earth
Lothar (aka Prince Lothar, Prince of the Seven Nations)
Lothar is one of the first black crime fighting heroes in history as well as one of the first black characters to be treated with respect. Lothar made his first appearance alongside Mandrake in 1934 in the inaugural daily strip.
Lothar is the “Prince of the Seven Nations”, a federation of African jungle tribes. An extraordinary strongman, Lothar turned down becoming king of his people to fight for justice along with his friend Mandrake. This was anunusual role for a Black character in US comics in 1934, though for about thirty years he was portrayed as a dim-wited servant speaking in broken English. He was modernized in 1965 by artist Fred Fredericks. His clothes changed, he began speaking correct English and was portrayed more as Mandrake’s friend, partner and equal than as a simple manservant.
Lothar and Mandrake are considered one of if not the first interracial crime fighting teams. (via x / y)
1st appearance Mandrake the Magician (1934)