With the month of December flying by, another year of my life has been notated. Pretty much since I passed 50 years of age, I have taken each additional year as another blessing. However, since I started writing for the good folks here at GVN, I was just reminded (due to our own @TC_Stark) how many of the superheroes we know and love came into being in 1963. In essence, they are also 56 years of age. I wonder if they too have failing eyes, a weak back, and a receding hairline?
So here are some of the comic book heroes who share the same year of existence as myself. That alone makes them worthy of your attention.
Magnus: Robot Fighter
Created in February of 1963, Magnus Robot Fighter was a Gold Key Comics character created by Chase Craig, and Russ Manning. Magnus first appeared in Magnus Robot Fighter 4000 A.D. #1. The title was later published by Valiant Comics and Acclaim Comics in the 1990s, and was reintroduced by Dark Horse Comics in August 2010.
Magnus was trained by one of the first robots (1A). He trained Magnus to protect humans against both rogue robots, and humans who used normal robots for evil purposes. Even back in 63 those robots were causing problems. No wonder so much media was created about the “Robot” problem. (i.e. Terminator, I, Robot, etc.)
Iron Man
Created in March of 1963 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck. The character of Tony Stark is now a household name but back in 63, he was a new player in the growing Marvel Comics pantheon of heroes. He first appeared in issue# 39 of Tales to Astonish.
A wealthy American business magnate, playboy, and ingenious scientist, Anthony Edward Stark (Tony) suffers a severe chest injury during a kidnapping. His captors intentions are to force him to build a weapon of mass destruction. Instead, he instead creates a mechanized suit of armor to save his life and escape captivity. He soon finds that the chest plate he created is the only think preventing the shrapnel in his body from entering his heart. Emboldened by the success of his initial suit, Stark modifies his suit, adding weapons and other technological devices he designed through his company, Stark Industries. He then uses the suit and successive versions to protect the world as Iron Man. Needless to say, the character has done alright with himself since then…at least unless you count his cinematic demise.
Doom Patrol
Created in June of 1963, Doom Patrol is a superhero team from DC Comics. The original Doom Patrol first appeared in My Greatest Adventure #80 and was created by writers Arnold Drake and Bob Haney, and artist Bruno Premiani. It included The Chief (Niles Caulder), Robotman(Cliff Steele), Elasti-Girl (Rita Farr), and Negative Man (Larry Trainor) with additional members Beast Boy (Garfield Logan) & Mento (Steve Dayton) joining soon after.
Since then, Doom Patrol has appeared in different incarnations in multiple comics. Although not one of the most popular superhero teams, they have never been out of print for more than a few years since their introduction. Recently they can be seen in the streaming network DC Universe’s Doom Patrol Television series.
Dr. Strange
Created by artist Steve Ditko and writer Stan Lee, the character first appeared in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963). For his initial appearance however, the character does not appear on the cover.
Doctor Strange serves as the Sorcerer Supreme, the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats. Lee was inspired by stories of black magic and the character Chandu the Magician. Strange was created during the Silver Age of Comic Books. It was done with the hope to bring a different kind of character and themes of mysticism to Marvel Comics.
The character begins as an egotistical surgeon who loses the ability to operate after a car crash severely damages his hands. Unwilling to accept the reality, he searches the globe for healing. During his travel, he encounters the Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme. Strange eventually becomes his student, and learns to be a master of both the mystical and the martial arts. He also acquires an assortment of mystical objects. These include the powerful the Eye of Agamotto and Cloak of Levitation.
He takes up residence in a New York City mansion called the Sanctum Sanctorum. Once there, Strange assumes the title of Sorcerer Supreme and, with his friend and valet Wong, defends the world from mystical threats. Of course he can now be found in the MCU with Benedict Cumberbatch as the Sorcerer Supreme. As for me, I consider it a feat of magic if I can get out of bed in the morning.
The Avengers
The Avengers are a fictional team of superheroes appearing in and published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 (Sept. 1963) and was created by writer editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby. The Avengers were Lee and Kirby’s renovation of a previous superhero team, All-Winners Squad. They appeared in comic books series published by Marvel Comics’ predecessor Timely Comics. It was also Marvel’s attempt to compete with DC’s Justice League.
Advertised as “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”, the Avengers originally consisted of Ant-Man, the Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and the Wasp. In what came the norm for the series, changes were made as time went on. Ant-Man become Giant-Man by issue #2. The original Captain America was discovered trapped in ice in issue #4, and joined the group after they revived him.
This constantly rotating roster became the hallmark of the series. However, one theme remained consistent: the Avengers fight “the foes no single superhero can withstand.” The team, famous for its battle cry of “Avengers Assemble!”, has featured humans, mutants, Inhumans, androids, aliens, supernatural beings, and even former villains during its run. This diversity would serve the comic well and eventually reflect society as a whole.
The X-Men
Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the series launched in September 1963. In the first issue, the original five X-Men (Warren Worthington III/Angel, Hank McCoy/Beast, Scott Summers/Cyclops, Robert “Bobby” Drake/Iceman, and Jean Grey/Marvel Girl) we’re introduced. In addition, their teacher, Charles Xavier/Professor X as well as their nemesis, the supervillain Erik Magnus Lehnsherr/Magneto was also included. The original series was ended in 1970 with only reprints published until 1975.
From there, Marvel relaunched the X-Men under Chris Claremont as the Uncanny X-Men. It soon became the top selling title for Marvel. The X-Men became so popular that Fox adapted the comic into numerous films. Now that Disney has purchased Fox, it is assumed that eventually they will be joining the MCU. The timing for this is unknown at this time.
Where things go from here
So as I reach 56 years of age, I am somewhat heartened by the company I keep. Many of the comic book creations during this time are still going strong today…just like myself (in a matter of speaking). So with that in mind, I thank those who have taken the time to read and follow me and GeekVibesNation as a whole. With your support, there’s not telling how far we will go…together. And if you’re not a follower yet, please join us. Like The Avengers, we are always looking for new heroes to join the fray. (With apologies to the Avengers, “GeekVibesNation Assemble!”
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
