Step into the wild, untamed jungles of Zillikian, where the pulse-pounding Bunduki series by J.T. Edson awaits! This thrilling blend of jungle adventure and science fiction follows James Allenvale 'Bunduki' Gunn, the adopted son of Tarzan, and his fearless cousin Dawn Drummond-Clayton as they battle savage beasts and cunning foes on a counter-Earth planet. Perfect for fans of classic pulp adventures, Bunduki delivers action, survival, and a dash of otherworldly mystery.
With its roots in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan saga, the series captures the raw energy of jungle lore while catapulting readers into a sci-fi wilderness. Ready to swing through the vines of this hidden gem? Let’s explore the heart of Bunduki!
How Bunduki Began
J.T. Edson, a prolific British author known for his Westerns, ventured into new territory with Bunduki in 1975. Inspired by Burroughs’ Tarzan and authorized by his estate for the first three novels, Edson crafted a series that married jungle heroics with planetary romance. The concept of Zillikian, a counter-Earth teeming with Earth’s wildlife but untouched by industrialization, sprang from Edson’s love for action-packed escapism. Philip José Farmer’s Wold Newton family also influenced the series, tying Bunduki and Dawn to a broader literary universe.
Edson’s background as a former British Army dog handler and his fascination with survival tactics infused the series with vivid detail. Despite losing Tarzan’s name in later books due to estate disputes, Edson’s vision of a primal, alien world kept readers hooked.
The Heart of Bunduki
The Bunduki series spans four main novels, each a whirlwind of danger and derring-do. Bunduki (1975) kicks off the saga as Bunduki and Dawn are mysteriously transported to Zillikian after a Land Rover crash. Armed with primitive weapons, they navigate a jungle filled with wild animals and warring tribes. Bunduki and Dawn (1976) sees the duo facing captivity and betrayal, testing their Tarzan-honed skills. Sacrifice for the Quagga God (1976) raises the stakes with Dawn’s abduction for a deadly ritual, while Fearless Master of the Jungle (1980) brings back the cunning villainess Charole for a final showdown.
Themes of survival, courage, and love shine through the series. Zillikian’s untamed setting, populated by alien ‘Suppliers’ who orchestrate the planet’s wildlife preserve, adds a sci-fi twist to the classic jungle adventure. Edson’s meticulous attention to weapons and combat, paired with his fast-paced, B-movie-style prose, makes every page a thrill. The evolving romance between Bunduki and Dawn, from cousins to lovers, adds emotional depth to their high-stakes journey.
Fans praise the series for its escapist charm and Tarzan-inspired heroics, though some note its lighter psychological depth compared to Burroughs’ work. Still, the vivid world-building and relentless action make Bunduki a standout in pulp fiction.
Why Bunduki Resonates
Though niche, the Bunduki series carved a unique niche in 1970s science fiction and adventure literature. Its blend of Tarzan’s primal heroism with a counter-Earth setting appealed to readers craving fresh spins on classic tropes. Edson’s ability to craft relentless action sequences—think at least a dozen fights per book—kept fans coming back. The series’ influence lingers in its cult following, with readers on platforms like Goodreads lamenting the lack of more books.
In 2023, Piccadilly Publishing released the unfinished fifth novel, Amazons of Zillikian, delighting longtime fans. Bunduki’s legacy endures as a testament to Edson’s knack for spinning yarns that transport readers to wild, uncharted worlds.
- Publication Years: 1975–1980, plus 2023 for Amazons of Zillikian
- Number of Books: 4 main novels, 1 unfinished novel, and short stories
- Genre: Jungle adventure, science fiction, planetary romance
Grab Bunduki and dive into Zillikian’s thrilling jungles! Whether you’re a Tarzan fan or a sci-fi adventurer, this series promises a wild ride!