Often, even the most outlandish fiction has a basis in reality, and that remains true for superheroes. Many fictional heroes are actually based on real people, either in personality, appearance, or both.
Here are 10 examples of superheroes that are based on real people.
1
The Hulk: A Mother Saving Her Child
Hulk creator Jack Kirby stated that he was inspired by watching a mother lift a car in a moment of distress, to save her child. The Hulk later went through many changes, but that was the basis.
2
Mary-Jane: Ann-Margret
Ann-Margret was a 1960s red-headed actress, whose look was used by illustrator John Romita Sr. as inspiration to bring Spider-Man’s love interest to life.
3
J. Jonah Jameson: Stan Lee
Stan Lee actually modeled the infamous Spider-Man newspaper publisher after a supposed much grumpier version of himself.
4
Professor X: David Ben-Gurion
Professor X was modeled after Israel's founder and first prime minister David Ben-Gurion, who differed in his approach to the nation to the next person on this list…
5
Magneto: Menachem Begin
Like Ben-Gurion, Begin believed in Israel, but went about his goals in a more militant zionist manner. The two political figures mirror the relationship and goals between the characters in the comic series.
6
Nick Fury: Samuel L. Jackson
When the character of Nick Fury was first put to the modern page in the Ultimate Marvel universe comics, his appearance was modeled after Samuel L. Jackson. It was after these comics, that Marvel was able to secure Jackson’s services.
7
Wolverine: Paul D’Amato
When Wolverine was added to the struggling X-Men series, he was given the look of Slapshot actor Paul D’Amato by artist and writer John Byrne.
8
Bucky Barnes: Bucky Pierson
Bucky Barnes was co-created by Joe Simon, who allegedly named the character after his own friend Bucky Pierson who also served in World War II. Others think he was based on a Sergeant James Barnes, who was killed during the war. However, not everyone believes these rumors.
9
Tony Stark: Howard Hughes
Stark was modeled after the real-life eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. Stark’s dad is named Howard, a nod to Hughes.
10
Thanos: Freud
The MCU’s supervillain and his brooding nature was inspired by the infamous “psychologist.” Freud believed in a human “death drive,” leading us all towards self-destruction. He called it Thanatos.
