Healer Randolf is a fascinating character in the history of DC comics. He was one of the first black superheroes to appear on the pages of the publisher, and he had a unique role as a medic and a healer in Tomahawk’s Rangers, a group of freedom fighters during the American Revolutionary War.
Healer Randolf debuted in Tomahawk #128 (June 1970), created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Frank Thorne. He was initially an enslaved person who learned about healing herbs from tribal shamans in his native Africa. He was brought to America by his master, Dr. Randolf, a physician, and a patriot. Healer saved Dr. Randolf from a deadly snakebite one day using his herbal knowledge. In gratitude, Dr. Randolf gave Healer his freedom, taught him all he knew of medicine, and let him bear his last name.
Healer Randolf joined Tomahawk’s Rangers, a band of rebels led by Tom Hawk, who fought against the British forces during the war. The healer was the only non-white member of the team, and he faced racism and prejudice from some of his comrades. He also refused to carry weapons or kill anyone, preferring to heal and save lives. He used his herbs and skills to treat the wounded on both sides of the conflict, earning respect and admiration from many.
Healer Randolf appeared in five issues of Tomahawk, from #128 to #134 (June 1971). He was part of essential storylines, such as helping Tomahawk rescue George Washington from a British trap, fighting against a mad scientist who created monstrous creatures, and defending a fort from a Native American attack. He also had some personal moments, such as falling in love with a white woman named Prudence, who a British officer kidnaped, and meeting his long-lost brother, a loyalist soldier.
Healer Randolf was one of the few black characters in DC comics at the time, representing a positive and heroic image of African Americans in history. He was also one of the earliest examples of a superhero with healing powers, predating characters like Zatanna or Raven. He was part of the Earth-Two continuity, which was later erased from existence after the Crisis on Infinite Earths event in 1985-86. However, he was later restored to the DC multiverse during the Dark Crisis of 2022-23.
