Red Bee (comics)

Red Bee
Jenna Raleigh, art by Daniel Acuña
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	(Rick) Hit Comics #1 (July 1940), (Jenna)
Created by	Toni Blum Charles Nicholas
In-story information
Alter ego	Richard Raleigh Jenna Raleigh
Team affiliations	(Rick): All-Star Squadron (Both): Freedom Fighters
Abilities	(Rick): Carries a special "Stinger Gun" Use of trained bees (Jenna): Currently: Human/insect biology that grants: Enhanced physical attributes Pheromone production Ability to "mark" people for later tracking Formerly: Use of two large robotic bees which fire electricity blasts Wears a mechanized battle suit that grants: Enhanced strength Flight

The Red Bee is the name of two fictional superheroes. The debuted in the Golden Age of Comics when he first appeared in Hit Comics #1, published in July 1940 by Quality Comics. The character was obtained by DC Comics in 1956. This version of the character has since fallen into public domain. The second, written as the grandniece of the original, first appeared in Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters #5.

The Red Bee's secret identity is Rick Raleigh, assistant district attorney in Superior City, Oregon. His superhero modus operandi is to put on a red and yellow costume and, with his trained bees and "stinger gun," fight Nazis and gangsters. His favorite bee is named Michael and lives inside his belt buckle for use in special circumstances. He has a series of adventures which lasts all the way until issue #24.

The character never became very popular, and was largely forgotten until reappearing in DC Comics' All-Star Squadron. In the 'Squadron', it is learned he was killed by the Nazi supervillain Baron Blitzkrieg while saving the lives of Hourman and other allies. The group Freedom Fighters was formed out of the Squadron and the Red Bee was made an honorary member.

Red Bee appears as a ghost in the pages of Starman. The focus of this appearance is a dinner party attended by many deceased heroes. Other heroes in attendance include the original Mr. Terrific and Hourman. The topic discussed is the intense appeal of the superhero life.