Question:
Here's one to think about. How many comic book villains can you think of who
were inspired in some way by Doc Savage villains; either in their name, their
gimmick, or some other way?
Stan Lee, who created most of Marvel Comics' inaugural line in the early 60s,
was a voracious reader of the pulps in general, and Doc Savage in particular.
Many of Marvel's early villains were Doc inspired in name or deed.
The Vanisher, from X-Men, borrowed his name from a Doc novel.
The Doc novel The Metal Master inspired two Marvel villains: an early Hulk
villain took his name, while Iron Man's longtime enemy the Melter had his
gimmick (to dissolve metal without heat).
The description of The Flying Goblin from the text of the novel ("A weird,
skinny figure riding what looks like an elongated barrel with wings") makes me
think of Spider-Man's classic enemy, the Green Goblin, on his goblin-glider.
Can anyone think of any other Doc-inspired comic book villains?
Answer:
"The Great Gold Steal" is a 1968 novel based on Marvel's Captain
America, and written by Ted White (who also wrote "The Oz Encounter"
based on a Doc spinoff character, Dr. Phoenix). It featured a minor
character named Andrew "Monk" Mayfair. This "Monk" seems to be a crook,
but is probably a police agent working under cover.
The reference is obvious but, sadly, not explored in any depth. I
remembered this from reading the book all those years ago and was able
to reinforce it when I found a copy of the book and re-read it a few
weeks ago.
