Comic book lore runs deeper than any movie budget. Creators add real-world details to ground these stories, helping audiences build a genuine connection. Swipe to see how reality shapes your favorite heroes.

Deadpool | Denis Leary

Writer Fabian Nicieza created the "Merc with a Mouth" in 1991. He told Vulture that he wanted Deadpool to “sound like 1992 Denis Leary in an echo chamber." Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds brought the anti-hero to life in the eponymous 2016 hit movie.

Wolverine | Paul D’Amato in “Slap Shot”

Artist and writer John Byrne is the man responsible for Wolverine’s prolific rise to comic book stardom. Wolverine, also known by Logan, was named after the highest peak in Canada, Mount Logan, and his look was based on the villain from a popular 1970s hockey movie.

Blade l Jim Brown

The Daywalker debuted in 1973 as one of the first Black superheroes. Creator Gene Colan – also responsible for co-creating Falcon – based Blade on a few prominent Black actors of the time. The one person he’s mentioned by name is film actor and NFL Hall of Fame running back, Jim Brown.

Iron Man | Howard Hughes

Stan Lee himself confirmed that eccentric business magnate Howard Hughes was the main influence behind the Tony Stark character. Lee’s goal was to create a troubled character that would test the beliefs of 1960’s anti-war comic book readers.

Professor X & Magneto | David Ben-Gurion & Menachem Begin

X-Men writer Chris Claremont based Professor X and Magneto's relationship on two Zionist Prime Ministers in Israel that had differing approaches to gaining Israeli independence. Ben-Gurion’s approach was similar to Professor X, while Begin took a more radical approach similar to Magneto's.

Superman | Douglas Fairbanks

Silent film actor Douglas Fairbanks played major roles like Zorro, Robin Hood and Don Juan. Creators Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel based Superman’s recognizable pose, flying style, and even his playing tone on Fairbanks. His alter ego was based on silent film comedian Harold Lloyd.

Batman’s Cape | Leonardo da Vinci’s Ornithopter

In 1939, creator Bob Kane came across drawings of a flying machine that Leonardo da Vinci designed in 1480. He incorporated the wings of this unrealized contraption into early drawings of The Dark Knight’s cape and now the shape is an iconic part of his silhouette.