Top 10 Comics Superheroes You Didn’t Know Were Based On Real People

Ever wonder why some superheroes seem to have a strange resemblance to certain real-life people? Well, the answer is that many of them are based on real people. Artists and writers often choose those that they feel can personify certain characteristics like courage, strength, or intelligence. Check out this list and see if you recognize any from your favorite comics!

1. Supergirl in Comics

Supergirl, also known as Kara Zor-El, is one of the most popular superheroines in comic books and pop culture. She is the cousin of Superman and was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Supergirl first appeared in Action Comics #252 in 1959.

Supergirl possesses all of the same powers as her cousin Superman, including super strength, flight, invulnerability, x-ray vision, and heat vision. In addition, she also has enhanced hearing, which allows her to hear sounds that are beyond the range of human hearing. Supergirl is often portrayed as being more emotional than her cousin Superman and is known for her compassion and kindness.

Despite being one of the most popular superheroines, very little is known about Supergirl’s early life on Krypton. It is believed that she was born several years after her cousin Superman. When Krypton exploded, Supergirl was sent to Earth in a rocket ship by her parents. Like Superman, she was raised by human parents and discovered her powers during puberty.

Supergirl has had many adventures over the years and has been a member of both the Justice League and the Teen Titans. She has also had several solo series over the years. In recent years, Supergirl has become more popular than ever due to her appearances on television (in both live-action and animated form) and in movies.

2. Thor

In Norse mythology, Thor is a hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing and fertility. Thor was one of the most popular gods in Norse mythology and he was said to be the son of Odin and Jord.

In Marvel Comics, Thor is based on the Norse god of the same name. He first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 in August 1962. He is the Asgardian God of Thunder and possesses the enchanted hammer Mjolnir, which grants him the ability to fly and control the weather. Thor is a founding member of the Avengers.

3. Robin

In 1938, Bill Finger and Bob Kane created the character Batman for DC Comics. One of the people they based the character on was a Canadian named Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., who was an actor and producer in Hollywood at the time.

Another major character in the Batman universe is Robin. He was created in 1940 by Finger and Kane, and his look was based on a combination of two real people: Fredric Wertham, a psychiatrist who wrote a book called Seduction of the Innocent that warned about the dangers of comic books; and Dick Sprang, a comics artist who drew Batman during the 1950s.

Wertham’s work inspired Kane to make Robin more “human” and less “cartoonish”, while Sprang’s art style helped to shape the character’s visual appearance.

4. Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston, who was inspired by his wife Elizabeth Holloway Marston, and their polyamorous relationship with Olive Byrne. Wonder Woman first appeared in All-Star Comics #8 in December 1941 and has since become one of the most iconic superheroines in pop culture. She is known for her strength, compassion, and wisdom, as well as her lasso of truth and indestructible bracelets.

5. Batman

Many people know that Batman was inspired by Zorro and The Shadow, but did you know that he was also based on a real person? That’s right, the Caped Crusader was inspired by a man named Douglas Fairbanks Sr.

Fairbanks was an actor and producer in the early 1900s who was known for his swashbuckling roles. He even played Zorro in a 1920 silent film. It’s no wonder then that he would be an inspiration for Batman. After all, both men are skilled fighters and masters of disguise.

So there you have it, the next time you’re watching a Batman movie or reading a comic book, remember that the Dark Knight is based on a real-life superhero.

6. Spiderman

Spiderman is one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. He was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in 1962 and has been a staple of popular culture ever since. The character has been adapted for television, film, and video games, and his adventures have captivated audiences for generations.

But did you know that Spiderman is based on a real person? His original name was Peter Parker, and he was a student at the prestigious Midtown High School. When he was bitten by a radioactive spider, he gained the ability to climb walls and shoot webs from his wrists. He used his powers to fight crime and protect the people of New York City.

Today, Spiderman is one of the most popular superheroes in the world. But it all started with real-life inspiration.

7. Superman

Superman is one of the most iconic and well-known superheroes of all time. He has been featured in countless comic books, movies, television shows, and more. The character was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938 and has since become a pop culture icon.

However, many people don’t realize that Superman is based on a real person. His creators were inspired by the life of strongman Eugen Sandow. Sandow was born in Prussia in 1867 and was known for his incredible strength and physique. He toured the world as a professional wrestler and weightlifter, and even performed for royalty.

Siegel and Shuster were both big fans of Sandow, and they used him as the inspiration for Superman. They even gave the character his famous “S” shield logo, which is based on Sandow’s own personal monogram.

So next time you’re enjoying a Superman story, remember that he’s based on a real person who was just as strong and amazing as the superhero himself!

8. Iron Man

Iron Man is one of the most popular superheroes in the world, and it’s no surprise that he’s based on a real person. Tony Stark, the man behind the Iron Man suit, is based on Howard Hughes.

Howard Hughes was an American businessman, film director, and producer. He was also an aviator and set multiple world records for his flying abilities. Hughes was a brilliant mind and developed numerous businesses in different industries.

Much like Tony Stark, Hughes was a playboy and enjoyed the company of beautiful women. He was also known for his eccentricities, such as his fear of germs.

While there are many differences between the two men, it’s clear that Iron Man is based on the real-life Howard Hughes.

9. Captain America

Captain America is one of the most iconic superheroes in the Marvel Universe. He was created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon in 1941 and has been a mainstay of the Avengers team since 1963.

What many people don’t know is that Captain America is based on a real person: Jim Hammond. Hammond was an android created by scientist Phineas T. Horton in 1939. Horton’s creation was designed to be the perfect soldier, and Hammond had all the strength, speed, and agility of a human.

However, Hammond was also programmed with a strict code of honor, and he refused to kill enemies even when ordered to do so. This made him unpopular with his superiors, and he was eventually shut down.

Hammond was revived by the Avengers in 1964, and he has been fighting alongside them ever since. He remains one of the most stalwart members of the team, always ready to fight for justice.

10. The Rocketeer

The Rocketeer was one of the first superhero characters to be created in the 1930s. He was inspired by the character of the same name from the pulp fiction stories of the era. The Rocketeer’s alter ego, Cliff Secord is a stunt pilot who finds a jetpack that allows him to fly. He uses his newfound abilities to fight crime and save people in need.

The Rocketeer was one of the earliest examples of a superhero character based on a real person. His creator, Bob Staples, based the character on famed aviator Wiley Post. Post was a pioneer in aviation who made several record-breaking flights, including the first solo flight around the world. Sadly, He died in a plane crash in 1935, just a few years before The Rocketeer debuted.