Plot
The perfectly preserved body of Nusta Calixapas, daughter of the last of the Inca kings, comes to life when it is discovered during an archaeological expedition. Nusta refuses to be separated from Melanie Mace, an archaeologist’s daughter, whom she makes her personal maid. So Nusta comes to England and Melanie’s boarding school, but her haughtiness as a royal is not making her popular. She also starts developing strange fainting fits, but recovers in the sunlight.
Notes:
Appeared:
- Princess of the Sun– Bunty: #876 (26 October 1974) – #888 (18 January 1975)
Has anyone got this story scanned, please? I remember it inspired me (aged 9) to delve into my Dad’s old copy of Prescott’s History of the Conquest of Peru…
There were some oddities about it, though: the mummy was depicted lying flat in a sarcophagus, Egyptian-style, rather than a crouched ‘mummy bundle’, Inca-style. Ñusta is the Quechua word for ‘Princess’ rather than a given name.
Also wondering… How did this story end?
I remember the fainting (explained by her being adapted to high altitude life), the argument with the teacher against Spanish imperialism, and the basketball-type game… but not what happened in the end.
In the last issue the doctor treating her finds that she needs sunlight to keep from fainting. They get her a sun-ray lamp for her to use as England doesn’t get much sun in the winter. Nusta then becomes unhappy because no one likes her. She gives up the captaincy of the basketball team which causes the other girls to give her a second chance. They then play a basketball game against the best team in the country. She plays team basketball with the other girls, and they win. She played well and unselfishly. The other girls become her friends. It then ends with Nusta asking Melanie if she could brush her hair. While Nusta is brushing her hair, Melanie says: It’s not every personal maid that gets a princess to brush her hair! Nusta then says: But you’re not a maid and I’m not a princess. This is the twentieth century!
Thanks! I wasn’t sure if she was going to go back to being a mummy.
Your welcome.
I’m disappointed that it went down this route into being just another ‘misfit at school’ sport and school story. Of course, this was pre-‘Misty’, but I’m sorry it didn’t have more of a supernatural flavour.
“Princess of the Sun” begins in Bunty #876 (October 26, 1974).
Thanks Ronnie