Doc Savage

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Doc Savage is a fictional character originally published in American pulp magazines during the 1930s and 1940s. He was created by publisher Henry W. Ralston and editor John L. Nanovic at Street & Smith Publications, with illustrator Walter Baumhofer designing the iconic look of the character for his first appearance in Doc Savage Magazine in March 1933. The character's real name is Clark Savage, Jr., and he is a physician, scientist, adventurer, inventor, explorer, and researcher with a superhuman level of intelligence and strength. Doc Savage was designed to be the perfect human, embodying the ideals of the pulp era's hero.

Publication History

Doc Savage's adventures were chronicled in 181 novels, mostly written by Lester Dent under the house name Kenneth Robeson. The series was published in Doc Savage Magazine until the title folded in 1949, and then in a series of paperback reprints in the 1960s and 1970s, which introduced the character to a new generation. The character has also appeared in comics, films, and radio dramas over the years.

Character Overview

Doc Savage is described as a man of bronze, both for his sun-kissed skin and his nearly superhuman physical and mental abilities. He stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and has a muscular frame. Savage was trained from birth by his father and a team of scientists to become the pinnacle of human potential. He possesses a vast knowledge of the sciences and arts, combined with peak physical strength and a strict moral code, which drives him to battle evil and protect the innocent.

Supporting Characters

Doc Savage is often accompanied by his "Fabulous Five," a group of experts in their own right, including:

• Monk Mayfair, an industrial chemist
• Ham Brooks, an attorney
• Renny Renwick, a construction engineer
• Long Tom Roberts, an electrical engineer
• Johnny Littlejohn, an archaeologist and geologist

Together, they embark on various adventures, tackling scientific mysteries, thwarting villains, and exploring exotic locales.

Influence and Legacy

Doc Savage has had a significant influence on the superhero genre, inspiring characters such as Superman and Batman. His blend of detective skills, scientific knowledge, and physical prowess set a template for many characters that followed. The character's emphasis on using intellect and morality to solve problems, rather than violence, was also ahead of its time.

Adaptations

Over the years, Doc Savage has been adapted into various media. A radio drama aired in the 1930s and 1940s, and a film, Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze, was released in 1975. The character has also appeared in numerous comic book series from publishers like Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Dark Horse Comics. Despite these adaptations, a definitive, modern cinematic portrayal of Doc Savage has yet to be realized, though there have been several attempts.

See Also

• Pulp magazine
• Superhero fiction
• Lester Dent