Lamp, Acetylene
Summary
Acetylene Lamp first appeared in 1948 within the Jungle Kingdom. He is most famously recognized for a running gag involving a candle situated in a dent on the back of his head, an image derived from one of Osamu Tezuka’s childhood friends who shared similarities with the character. Acetylene Lamp is among the most frequently utilized villains in Tezuka’s works, often taking on significant roles such as Inspector Tomobiki in Black Jack, the prominent Acetylene Lampe in Adolf, and Drake Lamp in the 2003 Astro Boy adaptation. He has also appeared in minor capacities, such as the conductor of the Marine Express in Undersea Super Train Marine Express. In his earlier appearances, Lamp was characterized by a long face and large round eyes, later evolving to wear thick round glasses that completed his signature look. Although categorized as a villain, he has portrayed nearly every type of role, ranging from minor assistants to major propaganda activists.
