Panel Discussion: Celebrity Influence on our Favorite Comic Characters!

Martinex1: Did you ever wonder how comic book artists are inspired to invent such lasting characters and situations?  Sometimes the inspiration for character design comes from real life.  Sometimes the "models" are famous Hollyood actors and actresses.  Today, let's look at a few such cases in which movie celebrities may or may not have become comic book stars.

It has been said that John Romita saw Ann-Margaret in the 1963 film Bye Bye Birdie, and Mary Jane evolved from the image of the carefree fun-loving dancing red head. What do you think?  Do you see the resemblance?  And if you've seen Ann-Margaret movies do you see aspects of the party girl Mary Jane was initially portrayed as?

For maybe a resemblance a little less subtle, take a look at silent film star Conrad Veidt.  He was a German actor in the early days of cinema and starred in classics like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.  The photos below come from his appearance in the 1928 romantic melodrama The Man Who Laughs.  Supposedly Bob Kane and Bill Finger drew their inspiration from Veidt's appearance and performance. That seems pretty clear.

Reportedly when Stan Lee created Tony Stark the industrialist and tycoon, he had a very famous movie mogul, aviator, and billionaire in mind - the legendary and eccentric Howard Hughes.  Silver Age depictions of the heroic inventor definitely resembled Hughes in his younger days.

Tony Stark seemed to de-age in the seventies and take on a much different look, but it is easy to see the Hughes influence in the Tales of Suspense Iron Man stories with Don Heck handling the artistic steps.

John Byrne may be most recognized for using film and television stars to influence comic characters with his iconic take on the Hellfire Club.  The entire concept was a blunt homage to an episode of the British television serial The Avengers.  One episode had John Steed and Emma Peel investigating and infiltrating the famed Hellfire Club.  Diana Rigg as Peel donned a sultry outfit much like the one worn by Jean Grey; in fact she was identified as the Queen of Sin in the show.  The episode is titled "A Touch of Brimstone" and guest stars actor Peter Wyngarde as the charming leader of the group (keep that in mind).

This was an extremely popular episode of the series and must have left quite an impression on the X-Men handlers.  Take a look.

Byrne went even further (and along with Chris Claremont as writer) designed the look and named each of the evil team's  comic characters after Hollywood elite.  Sebastian Shaw had a close resemblance to Robert Shaw.

Harry Leland had a definite Orson Welles vibe. Also note that two well known characters in Welles' films were Harry Lime (The Third Man) and Jed Leland (Citizen Kane).  A coincidence - I think not.

Remember Peter Wyngarde from the above mentioned television show, well here is Peter Wyngarde the actor next to Jason Wyngarde the mutant villain.  Note also that one of Peter Wyngarde's most famous roles was as Jason King in a couple of British programs from the early 1970s. Peter Wyngarde just passed away about a month ago at the age of 90.

And last but not least, cyborg Donald Pierce was based on Donald Sutherland, who portrayed Hawkeye Pierce in the movie version of M*A*S*H.

It is definitely fun to see how the artists draw from the culture around them to create the lasting images we so fondly remember.  Do you know of any other significant character inspirations?  Let's discuss them all today at BitBA.  Cheers!

Poached Eggs and Sundays!

Martinex1:We are expecting a snowstorm here in the Chicago area, but our hearts still burn with nostalgia for the Bronze Age.    Today is the day for a few reviews, previews, recommendations, and even a couple Sunday funnies.

THIS PAST WEEK: We gazed at original art from our collections in the new BITBA feature Show and Tell, we commented on Country Music when we followed the leader, we ranked superheroines, we reminisced about "Odd Rods," we discussed video games and the Comics Code Authority, and finally we critiqued Harlan Ellison's work.  

COMING SOON: There is much to explore on our sidebar, so jump in.  And come back in the coming week for even more fun! Throughout March, expect to see more Funny Books, Follow the Leader, The Quarter Bin, Sound and Fury, This & That, and so much more.   Redartz and I will keep you guessing each day,  but we've got everything from "Not Brand Echh" to "Dennis the Menace" to Sal Buscema to "Alpha Flight" to classic commercials on the docket.

RECOMMENDATIONS:  Here are a few suggestions for you; please feel free to add your own recommendations in the comments every Sunday!

Food: Shakshuka.  North African in origin and popular in the Middle East, this is a wonderful egg dish that is relatively simple to create but wonderfully flavorful for breakfast or any time.   In short form, add sliced or chopped onions, and red bell peppers, chillies, garlic, paprika, black pepper, and cumin into a pot of boiling canned tomatoes and tomato juice.   Essentially poach six eggs in that brew.   Top with black olives, cilantro, and feta cheese.   Create the seasoned pot with the spices and flavors you choose; mix it up as you see fit.  4.5 Bronze Medallions. Try it!

Film: Over the past couple of days, Charlie Horse 47 and I have been trading comments about various Sci-Fi influences and other topics.   In that conversation, there was mention of Orson Welles.   I am a great fan of his writing skill and directing technique and acting.   His work is generally fantastic.  Here are a few movies to seek out:

Citizen Kane: What can be said?   A true classic and ranked by many as the best movie of all time.   The 1941 masterpiece features an interesting plot and amazing camerawork and cinematography, but I have to add that I really enjoy the acting in the film - particularly that of Joseph Cotton and Welles himself.   5 Bronze Medallions (of course).

Touch of Evil:  This 1958 film is noir from the master and again it stars Welles in a villainous role that he just slayed.   It also stars Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, and Dennis Weaver.  Not well received at the time it was released, I have enjoyed this movie ever since studying it in college.  4 Bronze Medallions.

F for Fake: Welles' 1974 film is a strange one.   It is ostensibly a documentary about art forgery and illusion, but it is so much more.   Not for everybody perhaps, and I can understand the hesitancy, but if you want to see an intriguing and sometimes frustrating film unlike any other - then I suggest this one.   3.75 Bronze Medallions

Have a great week everybody!    Cheers!