Vigilantes in fiction: The (anti)hero in comics
Since their inception, both DC Comics and Marvel Comics have introduced countless superheroes, each driven by their interpretation of justice. Except for those working for organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D., these crusaders are vigilantes.
Batman
In 1939, Bob Kane and Bill Finger's Detective Comics #27 introduced the iconic Caped Crusader, a character whose influence would extend across many media. The brooding Batman leads a double life: by day, a billionaire playboy; by night, a masked vigilante. After Bruce Wayne witnessed his parents’ murder as a child, he vowed to rid Gotham City of crime.
Batman’s popularity surged in the late 1980s, thanks to Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s Year One (1987) and Miller's The Dark Knight Returns (1986), which modernized the character and cemented his status as a comic book icon.
Since 1943, actors Lewis Wilson, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson, played Batman in movies.
The Punisher
In 1974, The Amazing Spider-Man #129 introduced The Punisher, a creation of writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru. Initially, he appeared as Spider-Man's enemy and assassin.
Driven by the mob's murder of his wife and kids, Francis “Frank” Castle, née Castiglione, wages an unrelenting war on crime. A war veteran, Castle is a master of close combat, stealth, strategic planning, and the handling of various weapons. In his relentless campaign against crime, this vigilante employs tactics such as murder, kidnapping, extortion, coercion, threats of violence, and torture.
A 1989 American action film featured Dolph Lundgren and Louis Gossett Jr. In 2004, Thomas Jane took on the role of the antihero, with John Travolta portraying the villain, Howard Saint. Recently, Jon Bernthal has taken up the mantle in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise.
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Daredevil
In 1964, Daredevil #1 introduced this vigilante, the brainchild of writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett. Blinded as a child in a chemical accident, Matt Murdock developed enhanced senses, incredible balance, and a radar sense. Following law school, Matt takes on the criminal underworld of Hell's Kitchen, using his extraordinary abilities to combat crime.
Daredevil’s popularity has expanded across various media platforms, most notably a 2003 film starring Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Colin Farrell. Charlie Cox currently plays the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Green Arrow
Mort Weisinger and George Papp are the creative minds behind Green Arrow, one of DC's most memorable superheroes. Green Arrow debuted in 1941 alongside his partner Speedy (Roy Harper) in More Fun Comics #73.
In his hometowns, Star City and Seattle, Oliver “Ollie” Queen, uses his exceptional archery skills to fight crime. Moreover, he's a respected member of the Justice League.
Stephen Amell starred as Green Arrow in a hit TV show from 2012 to 2020, alongside David Ramsey, Emily Bett Rickards, and Willa Holland.
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Blade
Blade, originally introduced by Marvel Comics in Tomb of Dracula #10 in 1973, is the vigilante alter ego of Eric Brooks. Blade's mother was bitten by vampire Deacon Frost during pregnancy, but his premature birth prevented him from becoming a full vampire.
The Dhampir's exceptional powers and immunity to sunlight earned him the title “Daywalker”. To keep his bloodlust in check, Blade uses a healing serum. From early wooden knives in the comics to later metal blades, Blade's arsenal reflects his ongoing battle with the undead.
The character’s story has been adapted into a trilogy of films, with Wesley Snipes portraying Blade. Mahershala Ali will play the iconic Marvel vigilante.
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