From Dave Price

CLDAbat, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Mention of The Lightning being the inspiration for Darth Vader brings to mind the "Bat-Men of Joba" in Clyde Beatty's 1936 serial "Darkest Africa." I've always wondered if these aerial warriors gave someone the idea for the flying monkeys in "The Wizard of Oz" three years later. Here's our hero being attacked by one of these fighting fliers.