Introduction
“Sailor Costigan and the Yellow Cobra” is a gripping tale set in the vibrant and perilous backdrop of Fusan, Korea, showcasing Robert E. Howard’s skill in weaving action-packed narratives outside of his more widely known sword and sorcery genres. This story features Sailor Steve Costigan, a tough and hearty sea-faring boxer, who, alongside his faithful bulldog Mike, becomes embroiled in a dangerous adventure that pits him against the nefarious Yellow Cobras, a secret society with far-reaching and deadly influence.
Featuring Sailor Steve Costigan. Howard sent Otis Adelbert Kline a finished typescript entitled “Sailor Costigan and the Yellow Cobra.” This typescript was first corrected, and then later changed into the Dennis Dorgan story “Sailor Dorgan and the Yellow Cobra” by Patrick Ervin. It was sold to MAGIC CARPET MAGAZINE, but never published by them. The typescript at the Cross Plains Library is Howard’s, but correction tape has been used to change Howard to Ervin, Costigan to Dorgan, Mike to Spike, The Sea Girl to The Python, etc.) Still, later, a “clean copy” was produced that incorporated all the changes and corrections.
There is also an original Costigan typescript, titled “The Fangs of the Yellow Cobra.”
“A Korean Night” is a slightly different, earlier original draft of the Costigan version.
Upon the Sea Girl’s arrival in Fusan, Costigan is reluctantly drawn into a boxing match arranged by his friend Bill O’Brien. His plans for a peaceful shore leave quickly unravel when he encounters Jack Randal, a mining engineer with a harrowing tale of escape from a gang of bandits in northern Manchuria. Randal is being hunted by the Yellow Cobras for his knowledge of their operations. Despite his initial reluctance, Costigan’s sense of duty and adventure propels him into a perilous journey to save Randal, leading to a whirlwind of brawls, narrow escapes, and a climactic confrontation with the Cobras in their lair.
The story
Steve Costigan, intent on a quiet shore leave with his bulldog Mike, is surprised to find himself matched in a boxing bout by his friend Bill O’Brien. His shore leave takes a turn when he meets Jack Randal, who reveals his harrowing escape from a Chinese gang operating secret mines with slave labor in Manchuria. Randal is being pursued by the Yellow Cobras, a secret society that has trailed him to Fusan.
Ignoring his boxing commitments, Costigan vows to help Randal, who plans to lay low in a hideout. Despite Costigan’s proposal for Randal to stay on the Sea Girl for safety, Randal insists on his plan, leading to his disappearance and Costigan’s subsequent quest to find him. The search takes Costigan through the dark underbelly of Fusan, culminating in a dramatic rescue operation from the clutches of the Yellow Cobras, with the help of his trusty Mike. In a desperate, action-filled night, Costigan battles both the Cobras and time to save Randal, eventually seeing him safely off to Japan.
Throughout the adventure, Costigan’s raw physical strength, quick thinking, and unwavering loyalty to friends shine as he navigates through fights, captures, and a daring rescue, all while maintaining his unique sense of humor and perspective on life’s absurdities.
Characters, animals and ships
- Steve Costigan: The protagonist, a sailor and boxer aboard the Sea Girl, known for his physical prowess and sense of justice.
- Mike: Costigan’s loyal white bulldog, an integral companion in his adventures.
- Bill O’Brien: Costigan’s friend who informs him about the boxing match.
- Jack Randal: A mining engineer with a perilous story, pursued by the Yellow Cobras after escaping slave labor conditions in Manchuria.
- The Yellow Cobras: A dangerous secret society with a network across the East, responsible for Randal’s pursuit and subsequent capture.
- Bull Richardson: Costigan’s boxing opponent from the ship Ashanti.
- Dutchy Grober: The organizer of the fight show in Fusan.
- Tao Tsang: A member of the Yellow Cobras, encountered during the rescue of Randal.
- The Eurasian: A spy for the Yellow Cobras, identified by a scar running from his left ear down his jaw.
- Sea Girl: The ship on which Costigan serves.
- Ashanti: The ship Bull Richardson serves on, mentioned in the context of the arranged fight.
Alternate titles:
THE YELLOW COBRA, SAILOR DORGAN AND THE YELLOW COBRA, THE FANGS OF THE YELLOW COBRA, A NIGHT ASHORE, and A KOREAN NIGHT.
Published in:
- REH: TWO-GUN RACONTEUR #15, The Black Coast Press, June 2011
- THE COLLECTED BOXING FICTION OF ROBERT E. HOWARD: FISTS OF IRON ROUND 3, REH Foundation Press, November 2014
- STEVE COSTIGAN. PUGNI, PUPE & PERICOLI, Providence Press, December 2018 (Italian)
- STEVE COSTIGAN. PUGNI, PUPE & PERICOLI DELUXE EDITION, Providence Press, April 2019 (Italian)
Source: Howard Works.