Bomba The Jungle Boy in The Swamp of Death or, The Sacred Alligators of Abarago

Bomba the Jungle Boy #7

by Roy Rockwood

The ongoing adventures of the courageous Bomba the Jungle Boy! In "Swamp of Death," Bomba wants to return to Gonibobo's camp to reclaim the pages of Japazy's notebook that were torn out there. Bomba and Gibo had barely escaped the cannibals but Bomba is determined to retrieve the torn pages. "Swamp of Death" is a fast-moving read, an exciting narrative of Bomba's many heroic exploits. It moves and reads like a comic book. Lacking the visual element, the book focuses on vivid descriptions of Bomba's rippling muscles and superior strength. With such amazing strength, it is no wonder that Bomba was willing to embark on a mission that would have been certain death for anyone else. The Bomba books always include cheerleader characters who rapturously voice their astonishment and amazement every time Bomba performs a feat of strength and courage.

210 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1929

About the author

Roy Rockwood was a house pseudonym used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate for boy's adventure books. The name is most well-remembered for the Bomba the Jungle Boy and Great Marvel series.

Reviews

[Feliks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The harrowing cover art of these 'Cupples & Leon' editions of the Bomba editions can work one into a nearly petrified state; before turning a single page of the ensuing adventure story. It is to shudder. Just look at that hair-raising alligator and those horrible snakes! Even the plant life represented, is evil-seeming; and the very tree-trunks are covered in slime. Every detail calculated to inspire dread, revulsion, and terror. Roy Rockwood's descriptions of the dangers of South America--however technically inaccurate--are superbly contrived to prey on one's mind. And this style of graphic cover art sure does the rest of the job. Burr!

It is my feeling that every boy today still oughta read these thrilling tales; far more so than anything being published recently. The Bomba saga is written at an almost fever-pitch of excitement. But its also an intensely human story. Sure, every few pages Bomba is grappling with pumas, jaguars, Amazon indians, hideous cayman alligators, volcanoes, floods, and fires. Sure, its a nonstop series of incredible athletic feats and narrow-escapes.

But Bomba is a tremendously 'feeling' character; obsessed with by the quest for his missing heritage and his lost parents; lonesome and wishing he had a family of his own; compassionate towards the elderly naturalist who raised him; and he is also just simply alive to every turn of his fate. You will never find a more focused, fused character in all adventure fiction. Bomba strides through the hideous Brazilian jungle tirelessly; with just a pouch of roasted tapir meat at his side; bow & arrows; a pistol; and a machete. In this environment even being grazed by a thorn can mean death! But each book in the series takes him closer to his goal of finding his parents.

Along the way, he is terrible to his enemies; loyal to his friends; bursting with raw courage; clean of heart, and filled with simple, open, honesty of character. Bomba treats everyone he meets based on how they treat him. A great role model for any young person!

[Vic Ing · Rating 1 out of 5]

4 stars for the spirited, pulp-fiction action/adventure, less 3 stars for the overt racism, glamorizing imperialism and white supremacy.