The Scarlet Pimpernel - Prototype - A 'Slight' History of Golden Age Comic Book: Super Heroes: What is a 'Super Hero'?

Another source of inspiration for the modern Super Hero came from the theatre. A play in 1903 written by Baroness Emmuska Orczy about fictional goings on in the French Revolution, set in 1792.

The play centers around a beautiful French woman who is married to a wealthy English Nobleman. She is shocked and horrified by the public executions of her fellow French Nobles and shows disdain for her husbands seeming disinterest in the injustices happening in her country. You see, Sir Percy, her husband, is a lazy, well-to-do, bored-with-life socialite who is only interested in living the good life.

Little does the Baroness know, but Sir Percy belongs to a secret society of "Righters of Wrongs" called "The Scarlet Pimpernel" which has pledged to bring justice to the world and stop these insidious crimes against the upper-crusts of society by the revolutionists. The Pimpernel is made up of 20 men, "One to lead, and nineteen to follow!", and they strike back under the cover of night, fighting for truth, justice and the "rich people"'s way!

That's right. A foppish, dandy. A wealthy playboy, seemingly disinterested in the goings on of the world. But by night, he is a daring, courageous, avenging angel!

Sound like Zorro? Or more to the point...Batman???

Ah, the duel identity is established. Comic books can't be far behind!

The play was not an initial success until the last act was rewritten and it premiered again in 1905. This time to rousing success, the play became a favorite of London audiences. It became such a success that Baroness Orcsy adapted it to a novel. Then, in the true vein of what was to come, a series of sequels of novels telling of the adventures of "The Scarlet Pimpernel"!

"I Will Repay" in 1906, "The Elusive Pimpernel" in 1908, "Eldorado" in 1913, "Lord Tony's Wife" in 1917, "The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel" in 1922, "Sir Percy Hit's Back" (my favorite title) in 1927, and a few others, some written by others after Orczy's death.

The novels even told of the Pimpernel's ancestors and descendants, creating a whole time-line of adventurers who would pop into action, whenever crimes against the rich were perpetrated.

I'm going to read these some day. The concept seems fun to me.

Of course the big difference between this hero and the comic book heroes we're really here to talk about is...this guy fights for the rich and entitled, while the heroes of the golden age of comic books are always for the underdog. The one's who cannot defend themselves. And that's where a lot of the appeal lies.

It was a different time.

There were film adaptations made, most famously starring Leslie Howard in 1934, but I think what is remembered most about this character in modern times is a little slice of genius from the mind of Chuck Jones.

Next up: The influences of dime novels and the American pulp magazine!