Gun:Buck Rogers 25th Century XZ-31 Rocket Pistol

Anthony "Buck" Rogers first appeared in Philip Francis Nowlan's science-fiction tale "Armageddon 2419 A.D." in 1928. In the following year, Nowlan collaborated with John Flint Dille on the first science-fiction comic strip in national syndication, "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century." The comic ran from 1929 to 1967. As the story begins when Buck, a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, is inadvertently transported 500 years into the future. He finds a United States ruled by evil "Red Mongols." The comics record his constant battles with the "Hans" and his mortal enemy, Killer Kane. Wilma Deering provides Buck's love interest; and Dr. Huer fills in as the scientist. (The Sunday comics also featured Wilma's brother Buddy and a Princess Alura of Mars.) In addition to comics and a radio serial, Buck Rogers appeared in juvenile books, a television serial (1950-1953), a TV series (1979-1981), and a feature-length film of 1979. A film serial of 12 episodes released in 1939 proved Buck's continued popularity. These segments reedited and presented as a feature film appeared in 1953 as "Planet Outlaws." Combined a second time in 1965, the serial reached theaters as "Destination Saturn." Buck Rogers has remained popular for most of the 20th century. He represents a heroic figure of the future triumphing over evil--a character and setting that picques Americans' visions of adventure, space exploration, and conquest. Over the years, Buck Rogers's character has inspired hundreds of toys, playthings, and other consumer goods. The Buck Rogers 25th Century XZ-31 Rocket pistol was the first mass produced toy ray gun.