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Creating Daredevil (part 2)
J David Spurlock
1 July 2016
Marvel's concept was very connected to circus daredevils — who often
wore yellow costumes. This ran through the work of Lee, Kirby,
Everett, & Ditko. The idea and look were both antiquated; the book —
and character — seemed doomed to an early death. Famous
cartoonist-illustrator-writer Wallace "Wally" Wood quickly recreated
Daredevil as a creature of the night — Wood made him a DEVIL in red.
Wood's quick DD revolution not only saved the character/book/property
but turned it into a hit monthly comic book & a property that was
being licensed for toys, cards, costumes, and more. Wood's red devil
continues in major motion pictures and TV shows now, 50 years later!
Patrick Ford: According to Steve Ditko, Stan Lee offered him the
Daredevil assignment telling Ditko that Martin Goodman had acquired
the rights to the Lev Gleason character. Lee told Ditko the Charles
Biro costume would/could be used. Ditko turned down the assignment.
It is suspected by some (and it makes sense) that Jack Kirby was then
approached and Kirby submitted a presentation based on his old
Stuntman character. A Stuntman and a Daredevil being about the same
thing. For some reason the assignment then went to Bill Everett.
Everett daughter Wendy claims that her father came up with the
"blindness" gimmick based on Wendy's poor eyesight.
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