Doc Savage

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File:Millennium's Doc Savage - The Man of Bronze cover.jpg

Doc Savage is a fictional character originally published in American pulp magazines during the 1930s and 1940s. Created by Lester Dent, Doc Savage is a physician, scientist, adventurer, and inventor who fights against evil and injustice. He is often considered one of the first superheroes in popular culture.

Character Overview

Doc Savage, whose real name is Clark Savage Jr., is a man of exceptional physical and mental abilities. Trained from birth by his father and a team of scientists, he possesses extraordinary strength, intelligence, and a vast array of skills. His bronze skin and golden eyes give him a distinctive appearance, earning him the nickname "The Man of Bronze."

Abilities

Doc Savage is a polymath with expertise in numerous fields, including medicine, engineering, and the sciences. He is a master of martial arts and possesses photographic memory. His physical prowess is matched by his moral integrity, as he is dedicated to helping those in need and fighting against tyranny and corruption.

The Fabulous Five

Doc Savage is often accompanied by a group of five loyal aides, known as "The Fabulous Five":

• Monk Mayfair, a chemist with a simian appearance.
• Ham Brooks, a dapper lawyer and master of disguise.
• Renny Renwick, an engineer with enormous fists.
• Johnny Littlejohn, an archaeologist and geologist.
• Long Tom Roberts, an electrical engineer.

Each member of the team is an expert in their respective field, and together they assist Doc Savage in his adventures.

Publication History

Doc Savage first appeared in Doc Savage Magazine in March 1933, published by Street & Smith. The character was created by Lester Dent, who wrote most of the stories under the house name Kenneth Robeson. The series was immensely popular, leading to 181 original stories published until 1949.

Cultural Impact

Doc Savage has had a significant influence on the development of the superhero genre. His combination of scientific knowledge, physical prowess, and moral code set a template for future characters such as Superman and Batman. The character has been adapted into various media, including radio, film, and comic books.

Legacy

Doc Savage remains a cultural icon, representing the ideal of the "superman" who uses his abilities for the betterment of humanity. His stories continue to be reprinted and adapted, maintaining his status as a seminal figure in adventure fiction.

Also see

• Pulp magazine
• Lester Dent
• Superhero
• The Shadow
• The Avenger (pulp-magazine character)