George Menendez Rae (Canada Jack)

George Menendez Rae, front cover, Canadian Heroes Vol. 1, No. 5, March 1943 Copyright/Source

George Rae (ca. 1913–1992) was born in New York City, but lived most of his life in Canada. During the 1940s and 1950s, Rae was active as a freelance illustrator and designer. His work appeared in a variety of publications, including comic books and pulp magazines. He was also responsible for the artwork featured in a noted set of trading cards – Lowney's Sports: Yesterday and Today.

George Menendez Rae (script and art), Canadian Heroes Vol. 4, No. 2, p. 22, July 1944 Copyright/Source

In March 1943, Rae's national superhero, Canada Jack, made his debut in Educational Projects' Canadian Heroes. Although Rae was one of the most accomplished artists active during the Canadian Golden Age of Comics, he had no desire to continue working in the comics field following the demise of Educational Projects in the late 1940s. Later in his career, Rae became increasingly active as a fine artist, working in oils, watercolours and acrylics. A former president of the Arts Club of Montreal, he was particularly noted for his contributions to the arts in his home community of St. Bruno. His paintings are included in numerous corporate and private collections throughout North America.