I posted this in another thread:



It made me want to start a thread. Here are the "rules." They're pretty flexible.

1. Post a character (images are great), and I will speculate what pop culture development (movie character, fad, etc.) the creators probably had in their mind when they created it.

2. OR, post one you want to speculate about -- answer your own question, so to speak. Character and pop culture development.

3. The pop culture element has to precede the character -- we are trying to pick into the brains of the creators, and think "what latest fad or movie went into this inspiration?"

4. Posting research/stories about the actual reported influence (like from interviews, etc.) is highly encouraged.

I described the Punisher above as the "Death Wish" type character -- the 1970's displayed a trend of backlash against crime, especially urban crime. It was as if the "common man" believed criminals were getting bolder, and the vengeful "Dirty Harry" type anti-hero emerged. Perhaps this coincides with the urban decay that was setting in at the largest U.S. cities.

However, according to the internetz, the Punisher appeared in Spidey 129, the February 1974 issue. The movie Death Wish (with Charles Bronson) was released in July of 1974.

What are some common influences for both? Where did that "take that, punk!" trend start?

The Punisher drew far more inspiration from the Executioner books, which began in 1969, than they did from any films. Actually, I think a case could be made that Frank Castle resembles Mack Bolan a bit too much.

Kurt with the softball -- the Planet of the Apes influence is obvious.

And there were many "earth apocalypse" type stories from at least 1968 on -- Planet of the Apes series, Omega Man, Logan's Run. Kamandi fits perfectly.

Nick Fury is James Bond inspired. Man from U.N.C.L.E. also maybe? I will check some dates on U.N.C.L.E. and return.

Ghost Rider toss up for the group



What do you think? The general occult themed trend from that time, PLUS the Easyrider influence (biking in general was hot). Easyrider was 1969, and Ghost Rider first appeared in 1972.

The return of Greg "The Vigilante" Saunders in 1970.

(I have my theories.)

"Evil" Knievel

Yep, I just checked some dates on Nick Fury.

As well all know, he started as a poor man's Sgt Rock.

He first appears as a present day CIA agent in December 1963.

He first appears as the head of an organization called S.H.I.E.L.D in the August 1965 Strange Tales 135.

The television show The Man from U.N.C.L.E. ran from September 1964 to 1968.

The Avengers TV show may have also been an influence. Lord knows Stan was aware of that title.

Excellent! I loved Evel Knievel as a wee lad. I had the action figures and everything.

From watching the movie, I knew that in the back of my mind, but I forgot it.

Although, there is some open road biking mixed into Ghost Rider. It's all in there.

Questprobe, anyone?

I forgot about Questprobe!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUgOrut7zP0[/youtube]

Prez hit stands during the 'youth movement' of the 60s and 70s, a couple years after Wild in the Streets became a cult movie favorite. I actually bought a few issues.