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SAMBOUKA

Real Name: Sambouka (presumably, see comments)

Identity/Class: Human

Occupation: Protester

Group Membership: None

Affiliations: Phil Chang, Flash Thompson, Mary Jane Parker, Peter Parker

Enemies: None

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: New York City, New York

First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man I#326 (December, 1989)

Powers/Abilities: Sambouka possessed no known superhuman abilities. Engaged and concerned, Sambouka was quick to champion causes and would vocally protest anything she felt was either barbaric or unjust.

closeup

Height: 5'7" (by approximation)
Weight: 125 lbs. (by approximation)
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black

History:
(Amazing Spider-Man I#326 (fb) - BTS) - Sambouka met Flash Thompson during a rally to save the Ecuadorian mealy-bug. The two hit it off and started dating.

(Amazing Spider-Man I#326 - BTS) - To protest the slave-like oppression of her brothers and sisters among the South African people, Sambouka decided to start fasting (see comments).

(Amazing Spider-Man I#326) - Sambouka accompanied Flash to Soho where they attended Peter and Mary Jane's house warming party. Flash introduced her to his friends, but Sambouka kept her polite distance, reminding them she was fasting when offered a snack by Phil Chang. She guilt tripped Flash into declining the treat as well. At the end of the party, Sambouka and Flash accompanied Peter who had to go to the Daily Bugle. Making their way uptown, Flash invited his friend to come see his boxing match the next night, leading Sambouka to dryly comment that boxing is barbaric. She kept quiet as Peter and Flash got into an argument about Thompson's decision to become a professional fighter, with Flash angrily declaring he was tired of being a loser in life and that he was just using his best asset in life: physical strength. Sambouka remained quiet as they reached the Bugle and Peter promised to attend the fight.

(Amazing Spider-Man I#327 - BTS) - Flash and Sambouka broke up.

Comments: Created by David Michelinie (writer), Colleen Doran (pencils), Andy Mushysnky (inks)

Sambouka was part of a running gag involving Flash Thompson's terrible luck with (and taste in) women David Michelinie introduced when he was on Amazing Spider-Man. For a few issues, poor Flash would introduce Peter and Mary Jane to the newest love of his life, all women who were clearly a terrible match for him but the love struck Flash was always blind to their obvious faults. None of the women stuck around for more than an issue and the revolving door of love interests seemed an innocent gag until Flash showed up with Felicia Hardy in #329.

Sambouka claimed to be fasting because her South African brothers and sisters were still suffering under the regime. Now, given that this comic was published in 1989, she was refering to Apartheid. But even though she has what looks like an afro and wears African inspired clothes and earrings, she's clearly white. Guess she was so taken with the cause, she dressed the part. Who knows, maybe that's where the name "Sambouka" comes from. Which still sounds a lot like the very offensive "sambo".

Profile by Norvo.

CLARIFICATIONS:
 Sambouka should not be confused with


images: (without ads)
Amazing Spider-Man I#326, p2, pan3 (mainimage)
Amazing Spider-Man I#326, p2, pan4 (closeup)


Appearances:
Amazing Spider-Man I#326 (December, 1989) - David Michelinie (writer), Colleen Doran (pencils), Andy Mushynsky (inks), Jim Salicrup (editor)


First Posted: 05/12/2018
Last Updated: 05/12/2018

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

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