Top Five Pulp Magazine Heroes

Our modern comics evolved from something that came before- the pulp magazines and pulp novels of the 1920's and 1930's. Since I enjoy exploring the roots of modern things (entertainment or otherwise), I figured I'd give you a list of my Top Five Pulp Magazine Heroes!

Doc Savage- The Man of Bronze himself. An adventurer who's trained his body and mind to be the pinnacle of human perfection (not to mention the perfect tan and widow's peak). With his trusty crew of geniuses and fighters, he traveled the world chasing international criminals and solving global conspiracies.

Six-Gun Gorilla- A gorilla named O'Neill raised by a prospector who taught him the ways of Humanity- including being able to use a six-shooter. Upon the prospector's murder by an outlaw gang, O'Neill donned his revolver, and set out on a bullet riddled rampage of revenge against the killers.

The Avenger- Richard Benson was a wealthy adventurer who's family disappeared during a flight without a trace- to the point where everyone on the flight denied they were even there. The shock, leaving his hair white and facial paralyzed, prompted him to seek out the truth. Now able to mold his face into that of anyone in the world, Benson gathers like-minded associates in his battle against the criminal element.

The Phantom Detective- Wealthy World War I veteran Richard Van Loan craves the action and excitement he experienced during the war. Upon being dared to solve a baffling crime, he discovers a skill for detective work in addition to the adrenaline rush he craved. Donning a mask, and cloak, Van Loan becomes The Phantom Detective... solving crimes and living a life of action and excitement.

The Shadow- The most mysterious and enigmatic pulp hero of them all. A shadowy figure that spits leaden death from the shadows against criminals. His team of agents filter information back to him, allowing him to set up the deadly ends of those whose "seeds of crime bear bitter fruit".

So, those are my Top Five Pulp Magazine Heroes! Who are yours?

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