Elvis Presley: Was His Look Inspired by a DC Superhero?
Elvis Presley is among the greatest rock ‘n’ roll icons of all time — his style didn’t come out of nowhere. This raises an interesting question – who was the inspiration for the King of Rock n’ Roll? Let’s take a look at one possible answer.
Elvis Presley’s love of comic books
Firstly, a little background. Nerdist reports the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll had a collection of Captain Marvel Jr. comic books. His collection is still in the attic at Graceland. In addition, a copy of Captain Marvel Jr. #51 sits on a desk in his childhood home in Memphis. It’s clear he was a fan of Captain Marvel Jr. – but did he take inspiration from the character?
The similarities between the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Captain Marvel Jr.
Elvis Australia points out that Captain Marvel Jr. might have been an influence on the King of Rock n Roll. Specifically, the theory is that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s hair, his concert outfits, and his TCB logo seems similar to elements of Captain Marvel Jr.
ScreenRant states Elvis’ hair is styled very similar to that of Freddy Freeman — the fictional boy who transformed into Captain Marvel Jr. Elvis’ later costumes with capes and collars also seem to reflect Captain Marvel Jr. – Captain Marvel Jr. wore a blue half cape outfit similar to what has been dubbed Elvis’ “Blue Owl” outfit. Finally, Elvis’ band name and logo “Taking Care of Business,” TCB, which means “taking care of business in a flash,” uses a lightning bolt that is like Captain Marvel Jr.’s emblem.
Where did Elvis Presley’s style come from?
In contradiction to the Captain Marvel Jr. theories, Neatorama tells us that Elvis’ slick black combed-back look was modeled after that of Tony Curtis. Elvis’ hair was actually a lighter sandy shade than what we know. From 1957 onward, the King of Rock n Roll’s hair was dyed black. Because Elvis was, at one time a truck driver, he wore long side burns that truck drivers often wore at that time.
As for Elvis’ trademark outfits, the Los Angeles Times tells us Bill Belew is responsible for the suits, the capes, and belts that are now associated with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis wanted something that he could move around in easily on stage as well as something unique. Belew said “I wanted the clothes to be easy and seductive. And I never wanted anything to compromise his masculinity. ”
The TCB logo was designed by Elvis and Priscilla Presley. He and Priscilla used a Beverly Hills jeweler to make necklaces for his entourage. It was a sort of “code” in his inner circle. And the lightning bolt? Priscilla added the bolt to the insignia after seeing lightning flash while traveling through a storm on an airplane. So could the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s early obsession with Captain Marvel Jr. been an influence on his style? Maybe, maybe not.
