Created in 1919 by writer Johnston McCulley, the mysterious hero of Spanish/Mexican-era California first appeared in the pulp magazine All-Story Weekly. Nobleman Don Diego de la Vega, disgusted at despotic authorities, and outlaws, wears a black costume and mask to keep his identity a secret while defending the common people. Zorro is a master swordsman and athlete who sometimes carves a Z onto buildings or on the bodies of foes. Author McCullely's inspiration seems to have been the 1903 play and 1905 novel The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. There are a number of parallels, including the masked disguise, the foppish affectations of their true identities, and the leaving of a 'calling card' (the Pimpernel's is a small red flower). Other possible sources are real outlaws of California history, including the 'Mexican Robin Hood' Joaquin Murrieta.
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Zorro's first appearance; August 9, 1919.
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