Buzz
Superheroes dominate today's entertainment landscape, with their presence felt across numerous film franchises and TV shows. From their debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938 with Superman, they've become a staple of pop culture, showing no signs of fading away.
The 20th century saw the birth of most superheroes in comic books, crafted by talented artists and writers. These characters drew inspiration from diverse sources like science fiction, mythology, and even cinema. Interestingly, some were modeled after real individuals, blending reality with fantasy. Here are ten such superheroes rooted in actual people.
9. Wonder Woman
William Moulton Marston, a psychologist and feminist, envisioned Wonder Woman as a symbol of strength and empowerment for women. He introduced her as a formidable Amazon warrior from a women-only island, aiming to inspire young girls. Debuting in All Star Comics #8 in 1941, she quickly became one of America's most iconic superheroes.
Marston's progressive feminist views sparked debates in the 1940s, with critics challenging Wonder Woman's representation of women. His personal life was equally unconventional, as he shared a polyamorous relationship with his wife, Elizabeth Holloway, and their partner, Olive Byrne. Byrne, a former student of Marston and niece of feminist icon Margaret Sanger, played a significant role in shaping Wonder Woman's character.
Both Elizabeth Holloway and Olive Byrne influenced Wonder Woman's creation, with Marston blending their traits into the character. Byrne's choice of bracelets over a wedding ring mirrored Wonder Woman's iconic accessories. The New York Times highlighted Elizabeth Holloway as a key inspiration in her 1993 obituary, though both women contributed to the superhero's development.
9. Iron Man
Iron Man, or Tony Stark, is Marvel's affluent industrialist hero. Known as a 'genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist,' Stark's expertise in weapon design and government contracts made him immensely wealthy. His technological prowess gave him an advantage over adversaries. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby drew inspiration for Stark's persona from a real-life inventor who influenced the military-industrial complex.
Howard Hughes, a real-life eccentric and innovator, served as the blueprint for Iron Man. Hughes contributed to U.S. military efforts during World War II and the Cold War through funding and groundbreaking aircraft designs. His Hughes H-1 Racer broke speed records in 1937, while his ambitious but flawed Spruce Goose became the largest wooden plane ever built. These feats cemented Hughes' eccentric legacy, much like Tony Stark's in the comics.
8. Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers boasts an impressive background as a military pilot, magazine editor, and superhero. After accidentally gaining powers from the alien Mar-Vell, she became Captain Marvel. Over the years, she has also been known as Ms. Marvel and Binary, solidifying her status as one of Marvel's most formidable heroes since the 1970s.
Carol Danvers' trailblazing career as a female pilot mirrors that of Amelia Earhart, the renowned aviator who broke barriers for women. Earhart achieved milestones like flying solo across the Atlantic and vanished mysteriously in 1937 during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe.
Another iconic figure, Gloria Steinem, served as inspiration for Carol Danvers. Debuting as Ms. Marvel in 1977, Danvers transitioned from her military and NASA career to become the editor of
7. John Constantine
John Constantine, a mystical antihero from the DC series Hellblazer, made his debut in Swamp Thing #37. Crafted by Alan Moore, this trenchcoat-wearing magician breaks the mold of the traditional ivory tower sorcerer, embodying a gritty, working-class warlock. His widespread appeal has led to a film adaptation, a television series, and numerous crossovers within the DC universe.
Upon John Constantine's introduction, Swamp Thing illustrators Steve Bissette and John Totleben shared with Alan Moore their aspiration to depict a character resembling Sting, inspired by their admiration for the musician. Moore embraced this idea, designing a British occult specialist who bore a striking similarity to The Police's frontman. This character, John Constantine, was seamlessly woven into the Swamp Thing narrative.
6. The Thing
Ben Grimm, known as the ever-loving blue-eyed Thing, has been a cornerstone of the Fantastic Four since their inception in 1961. Conceived by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Grimm's journey from a humble upbringing on New York's fictional Yancy Street to a WWII pilot is a tale of resilience. His fate intertwined with Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four when he piloted Richards's spacecraft, despite his initial reluctance.
The team's exposure to cosmic radiation bestowed them with superhuman abilities, transforming Grimm into a formidable stone-like entity. Susan Storm's observation that he had become 'some kind of thing' led to his adoption of the name The Thing, marking a new chapter in his life.
Jack Kirby, the creator of the Thing, shared numerous similarities with his iconic character. Both experienced poverty during their upbringing in New York, with Kirby hailing from Delancey Street, mirroring the Thing's fictional Yancy Street roots. Kirby also served in WWII, much like the Thing's backstory. The Thing's temperament, marked by mood swings and bursts of anger, reflected Kirby's own personality. Additionally, the Thing was subtly portrayed as a Jewish superhero, a trait that has become more pronounced over time, aligning with Kirby's own Jewish heritage.
5. Popeye
Popeye the sailor made his debut in the comic strip “Thimble Theater,” crafted by Elzie Crisler Segar in 1919. His love for spinach quickly made him the strip's standout character, leading to a series of beloved animated shorts by Fleisher Studios. In 1980, a feature film featuring Robin Williams as the pipe-smoking sailor was released. Interestingly, many residents of Segar's hometown believe Popeye was heavily inspired by a real-life local figure.
Frank “Rocky” Fiegel, a bartender and laborer from Chester, Illinois, is said to be the real-life inspiration for Popeye. While not known for consuming spinach, Rocky shared many of Popeye's traits, including his distinctive chin and ever-present pipe. Renowned for his fighting skills and fearlessness in brawls, Rocky also had a gentle side, often entertaining and protecting local children from bullies.
Other characters from “Thimble Theater” and the “Popeye” cartoons also appear to be based on Chester locals. Olive Oyl is believed to be modeled after Dora Paskel, a store owner, while the hamburger-obsessed Wimpy likely draws inspiration from William Shuchert, manager of the Chester Opera House where Segar once worked.
4. Stargirl
Stargirl, whose real name is Courtney Whitmore, first appeared in Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. #0 in 1999. Designed by Geoff Johns, Courtney is a teenager who uncovers her stepfather’s secret history as a superhero. She dons his former sidekick’s outfit and wields the cosmic converter, teaming up with her stepfather in his S.T.R.I.P.E. armor as the Star-Spangled Kid. Later, she becomes a member of the Justice Society, where Starman gifts her his cosmic rod upon retirement, unlocking new abilities. In tribute to him, she adopts the name Stargirl. Her popularity has led to a starring role in a CW television series.
The character of Stargirl was inspired by someone very close to Geoff Johns. Courtney Whitmore is modeled after Johns’ late sister, also named Courtney, who tragically lost her life in the 1996 TWA Flight 800 disaster. The plane exploded and crashed, claiming the lives of all 230 passengers, including Courtney Johns.
Driven by his sister’s vibrant and courageous spirit, Johns crafted Stargirl to embody her essence. In an interview with the New York Times, he revealed, “My sister was a whirlwind of positivity and bravery. I wanted to immortalize that energy in a character who would endure through time.”
3. Green Lantern
Since Alan Scott first assumed the mantle in 1940, numerous DC heroes have carried the title of Green Lantern. Among them, Hal Jordan stands out as the most iconic, making his debut in D.C. Showcase #22 in 1959. Initially a daring test pilot, Jordan inherited a power ring from a dying alien and was mentored by the Green Lantern Corps. His former ally and mentor, Sinestro, eventually turned into one of his most formidable foes.
While Ryan Reynolds and Mark Strong portrayed these characters in a lackluster Hollywood adaptation, artist Gil Kane drew inspiration from real-life actors for their designs. Hal Jordan, known for his charm, was modeled after the dashing Paul Newman. Conversely, Sinestro’s appearance was heavily influenced by the distinguished British actor David Niven.
2. Dr. Strange
Dr. Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe, was once a brilliant surgeon who turned to the mystic arts to safeguard Earth from interdimensional threats. Introduced in 1963 by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, Dr. Strange was envisioned as a supernatural hero with a touch of horror. Stan Lee revealed that the character drew inspiration from the radio series “Chandu the Magician,” while his visual design was shaped by a real-life horror icon.
Steve Ditko, the illustrator, crafted Dr. Strange’s appearance based on Vincent Price, a legendary figure in horror cinema. Price’s eerie on-screen persona and roles in thrillers made him the perfect muse. In the 1963 film The Raven, Price portrayed Dr. Erasmus Craven, a sorcerer bearing a striking resemblance to Dr. Strange. The character’s middle name, Vincent, further pays homage to the iconic actor.
1. Professor X
Charles Xavier, the visionary leader of the X-Men, was introduced by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in X-Men #1 in 1963. Known as Professor X to his students, he assembled the X-Men to champion the rights of mutants, who serve as a metaphor for marginalized groups in society. Mutants, distinguished by their unique abilities like Professor X’s telepathy, face discrimination akin to real-world struggles based on race, religion, gender, or nationality.
Professor X’s mission is to foster harmony between humans and mutants, a vision starkly opposed by his adversary, Magneto, who advocates for mutant supremacy through any means. Their ideological clash mirrors the differing approaches of civil rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X. While rumors suggest these mutants were inspired by these leaders, the timeline doesn’t align. However, the parallels in their philosophies remain striking.
When Chris Claremont assumed writing duties for the X-Men series in 1975, he drew inspiration from other historical figures. Claremont likened Professor X to David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, who promoted Jewish migration to Israel and sought peaceful global relations during his tenure from 1948 to 1954.
In contrast, Magneto’s character was influenced by Menachem Begin, leader of the Zionist military group Irgun, labeled a terrorist organization by the British. Begin later became Israel’s prime minister in 1977, negotiating a historic peace treaty with Egypt and earning a Nobel Peace Prize. This evolution mirrors Magneto’s journey from antagonist to ally, aligning with the X-Men’s cause.
