Zorro

For other uses, seeZorro (disambiguation).

"Diego de la Vega" redirects here. For the Argentinean footballer, seeDiego de la Vega (footballer).

Zorro(Spanish:[ˈsoro]or[ˈθoro],Spanish for "fox" ) is a fictional character created in 1919 by AmericanpulpwriterJohnston McCulley,appearing in works set in thePueblo of Los AngelesinAlta California.He is typically portrayed as a dashing maskedvigilantewho defends thecommonersandIndigenous peoples of Californiaagainst corrupt, tyrannical officials and other villains. His signature all-blackcostumeincludes a cape, a hat known as asombrero cordobés,and a mask covering the upper half of his face.

Zorro
The Cover toThe Curse of CapistranobyJohnston McCulley,The All-Story Magazine, August 9, 1919, featuring the character
First appearance	All-Story Weekly(August 1919)
Created by	Johnston McCulley
Portrayed by	Douglas Fairbanks Robert Livingston Reed Hadley Tyrone Power José Suárez Clayton Moore Guy Williams Frank Langella Henry Darrow George Hamilton Rodolfo de Anda Patrick James Frank Latimore Duncan Regehr Anthony Hopkins Antonio Banderas Alain Delon Christian Meier Miguel Bernardeau Cristo Fernández Jean Dujardin
In-universe information
Full name	Don Diego de la Vega
Occupation	Nobleman, vigilante
Weapon	Rapier Bullwhip Pistol
Nationality	Californian(New SpainorMexico)

In the stories, Zorro has a highbountyon his head but is too skilled and cunning for the bumbling authorities to catch, and he also delights in publicly humiliating them. Because of this, the townspeople started calling him"El Zorro"because of his foxlike cunning and charm. Zorro is anacrobatand an expert in various weapons. Still, the one he employs most frequently is hisrapier,which he often uses to carve the initial "Z" on his defeated foes and other objects to "sign his work". He is also an accomplished rider, his trusty steed being a black horse calledTornado.

Zorro is thesecret identityofDon Diego de la Vega(originallyDon Diego Vega), a youngCalifornioman who is the only son of Don Alejandro de la Vega, the wealthiest landowner in California, while Diego's mother is dead. In most versions, Diego learned his swordsmanship while at university in Spain and created his masked alter ego after he was unexpectedly summoned home by his father because California had fallen into the hands of an oppressive dictator. Diego is usually shown living with his father in a vasthacienda,which contains many secret passages and tunnels leading to a secret cave that serves as headquarters for Zorro's operations and as Tornado's hiding place. To divert suspicion about his identity, Diego hides his fighting abilities while pretending to be a coward and afop.

Zorro debuted in the 1919 novelThe Curse of Capistrano,originally meant as a stand-alone story. However, the success of the 1920 film adaptationThe Mark of ZorrostarringDouglas FairbanksandNoah Beery,which introduced the popular Zorro costume, convinced McCulley to write more Zorro stories for about four decades; the character was featured in a total of five serialized stories and 57 short stories, the last one appearing in print posthumously in 1959, the year after his death.The Curse of Capistranoeventually sold more than 50 million copies, becoming one of thebest-selling booksof all time. While the rest of McCulley's Zorro stories did not enjoy the same popularity, as most of them were never reprinted until the 21st century, the character also appears in over 40 films and in ten TV series, the most famous being the Disney production,Zorro,of 1957–1959 starringGuy Williams.Other media featuring Zorro include stories by different authors, audio/radio dramas, comic books and strips, stage productions, and video games.

Being one of the earliest examples of a fictional masked avenger with a double identity, Zorro inspired the creation of several similar characters in pulp magazines and other media and is a precursor of thesuperheroesofAmerican comic books,withBatmanand theLone Rangerdrawing particularly close parallels to the character.

Publishing history

Zorro's debut in the novelThe Curse of Capistrano(1919).

Zorro debuted inJohnston McCulley's novelThe Curse of Capistrano,serialized in five parts between August 9 and September 6, 1919, in thepulp magazineAll-Story Weekly.The story was initially meant as a standalone tale; at thedenouement,Zorro's true identity is revealed to all.

Douglas FairbanksandMary Pickford,on theirhoneymoon,selected the story as the inaugural picture for their new studio,United Artists,beginning the character's cinematic tradition.The novel was adapted as the filmThe Mark of Zorro(1920), which Fairbanks produced, co-wrote, and starred in as Diego/Zorro. The movie was a commercial success,and the 1924 reprint of McCulley's story by publisherGrosset & Dunlapused the same title, capitalizing on the movie's popularity. The novel has since been reprinted using both titles.

In response to public demand fueled by the film, McCulley wrote more than sixty more Zorro stories, beginning in 1922 withThe Further Adventures of Zorro,also serialized inArgosy All-Story Weekly.Fairbanks picked up the movie rights for the sequel that year. However, Fairbanks's sequel,Don Q, Son of Zorro(1925), was based more on the 1919 novelDon Q's Love Storyby the mother–son duo Kate Prichard andHesketh Hesketh-Prichardthan onThe Further Adventures.Thus, McCulley received no credit for the film.

At first, the production of new Zorro stories proceeded irregularly: the third novel,Zorro Rides Again(not to be confused with the 1937 theatrical serial), was published in 1931, nine years after the second one. Then, between 1932 and 1941, McCulley wrote four short stories and two serialized novels. Zorro stories were published much more frequently between 1944 and 1951 when McCulley published 52 short stories with the character for theWest Magazine."Zorro Rides the Trail!", which appeared inMax Brand's Western Magazinein 1954, is the last story to be published during the author's lifetime and the second-to-last story overall. The last, "The Mask of Zorro" (not to be confused with the 1998 film), was published posthumously inShort Stories for Menin 1959. These storiesignoreZorro's public revelation of his identity.

The Curse of Capistranoeventually sold more than 50 million copies, becomingone of the best-selling books of all time.For the most part, McCulley's other Zorro stories remained overlooked and out-of-print until the 21st century. Bold Venture Press collected all of McCulley's Zorro storiesZorro: The Complete Pulp Adventures,in six volumes.

Over 40 Zorro-titled films were made over the years, includingThe Mark of Zorro,the 1940 classic starringTyrone PowerandBasil Rathbone.The character was also featured in ten TV series, the most famous being the Disney-producedZorroseries of 1957–59, starringGuy Williams.Zorro appears in several stories written by other authors, comics books and strips, stage productions, video games, and other media. McCulley died in 1958, just as Zorro was at the height of his popularity thanks to the Disney series.

Fictional character biography

Douglas Fairbanksin the first Zorro film,The Mark of Zorro(1920), which was instrumental in the early success of the character

InThe Curse of Capistrano,Señor Zorro became an outlaw in thepueblo of Los AngelesinCalifornia"to avenge the helpless, to punish cruel politicians, to aid the oppressed" and is dubbed the "Curse of Capistrano". The novel features Don Diego Vega and Zorro extensively, but the fact that they are the same person is not revealed to the reader until the end of the book. In the story, Diego and Zorro romance Lolita Pulido, an impoverished noblewoman. While Lolita is unimpressed with Diego, who pretends to be a passionlessfop,she is attracted to the dashing Zorro. The main villain is Captain Ramon, who also focuses on Lolita. Other characters include Sgt. Pedro Gonzales, Zorro's enemy but Diego's friend; Diego's deaf and mute servant Bernardo; his ally, Fray (Friar) Felipe; his father, Don Alejandro Vega, the wealthiest landowner in California and a widower; Don Carlos Pulido and his wife, Doña Catalina, Lolita's parents; and a group of noblemen (caballeros) who, at first, hunt Zorro but are then won over to his cause.

In later stories, McCulley introduces characters such as pirates and Native Americans, some of whom know Zorro's identity.

In McCulley's later stories, Diego's surname became de la Vega. The writer was wildly inconsistent. The first magazine serial ended with the villain dead, and Diego was publicly exposed as Zorro. But in the sequel, the villain was alive, and the next entry had the double identity still secret.

Several Zorro productions have expanded on the character's exploits. Many continuations feature a younger character taking up the mantle of Zorro.

McCulley's stories are set during the era ofSpanish California(1769–1821)and, although exact years are often vague, the presence of the Pueblo of Los Angeles means the stories cannot happen before 1781, the year it was founded. Some media adaptations of Zorro's story have placed him during the later era ofMexican California(1821–1848).

Character motifs

Zorro (Guy Williams) and Bernardo (Gene Sheldon) inWalt Disney's 1957–1959Zorrotelevision series

The character's visual motif is typically a black costume with a black flowingSpanish cloakor cloak, a black flat-brimmed hat known assombrero cordobés,and a black sackclothmaskthat covers the top half of his head. Sometimes the mask is a two-piece, the main item being a blindfold-type fabric with slits for the eyes, and the other item is a bandana over the head so that it is covered even if the hat is removed: this is the mask worn in the movieThe Mark of Zorro(1920) and in the television seriesZorro(1957–1959). Other times, the mask is a one-piece that unites both items described above: this mask was introduced inThe Mark of Zorro(1940) and appeared in many modern versions. Zorro's mask has also occasionally been shown as a roundeddomino mask,which he wore without wearing a bandana. In his first appearance, Zorro's cloak is purple, his hat is generically referred to as a "wide sombrero", and his black cloth veil mask with slits for eyes covers his whole face. Other features of the costume may vary.

His favored weapon is arapier,which he also uses to often leave his distinctive mark, a Z cut with three quick strokes, on his defeated foes and other objects to "sign his work". He also uses other weapons, including abullwhipand apistol.

Thefoxis never depicted as Zorro's emblem. It is used as a metaphor for the character's wiliness, such as in the lyrics "Zorro, 'the Fox', so cunning and free... "fromDisney's television seriestheme.

His heroic pose consists of rearing on his horse,Tornado,often saluting with his hand or raising his sword high. The logo of the company Zorro Productions, Inc. uses an image of Zorro rearing on his horse, sword raised high.

Douglas Fairbanks, Tyrone Power, and Guy Williams used an epee dueling blade with a saber hilt. Antonio Banderas used a transitional rapier.

Skills and resources

Poster for the serialZorro Rides Again(1937), starringJohn Carrollas a descendant of the original Zorro

Zorro specializes in infiltrating heavily guarded enemy structures or territories, espionage, and improvised explosive devices. He is also a weapons expert and a master of escape and camouflage. He is also good at deciphering numerous spoken and written languages, facilitating communication with locals regardless of ethnicity or language. Zorro is incredibly acrobatic, using his bullwhip as a gymnastic accouterment to swing through gaps between city roofs, and can land from great heights and take a fall. Although he is a master swordsman and marksman, he has repeatedly demonstrated his prowess in unarmed combat against multiple opponents.

In some versions, Zorro keeps a medium-sized dagger tucked in his left boot for emergencies. He has used his cape in creative ways as a blind, a trip-mat, and a disarming tool. Zorro's boots are also sometimes weighted, as is his hat, which he has thrown, Frisbee-style, as an efficiently substantial warning to enemies. He is also a skilled tactician, using mockery to goad his opponents into traps or to irritate them into fighting poorly.

Zorro is a skilled horseman. The name of his jet-black horse has varied through the years. InThe Curse of Capistrano,it was unnamed. In Disney'sZorrotelevision series, the horse gets the nameTornado,which has been kept in many later adaptations. In most versions, Zorro keeps Tornado in a secret cave, connected to hishaciendawith a system of secret passages and tunnels.

McCulley's concept of a band of men helping Zorro is often absent from other character versions. An exception isZorro's Fighting Legion(1939), starringReed Hadleyas Diego. In Douglas Fairbanks' version, he also has a band of masked men helping him. In McCulley's stories, Zorro was aided by a deaf-mute named Bernardo. In Disney'sZorrotelevision series, Bernardo is not deaf but pretends to be and serves as Zorro's secret agent. He is a capable and invaluable helper for Zorro, sometimes wearing the mask to reinforce his master's charade.The Family Channel'sZorrotelevision series replaces Bernardo with a teenager named Felipe, played byJuan Diego Botto,with a similar disability and pretense. In Isabel Allende'sZorro: A Novel,Bernardo is the child of the de la Vega's Native housemaid, Ana, who forms a bond with Regina de la Vega, a former Native warrior who is converted, christianized and married to Don Alejandro. Their dual pregnancies result in them giving birth the same night. Due to complications from birth, Regina cannot breastfeed her child, Diego, so Ana breastfeeds both boys, making them milk brothers. The two are shown to be inseparable, which helps Bernardo receive a more formal education and accompanies Diego to Barcelona. After a group of pirates invades the de la Vega home, Bernardo witnesses the rape and murder of his mother, and a result, stops speaking. Diego's grandmother, White Owl, concludes Bernardo refuses to speak as a form of mourning. He is shown to speak to Tornado in a spirit quest and later to a fellow native girl, Light-in-the-Night, whom he marries.

Characteristics

Zorro (Reed Hadley) in the serialZorro's Fighting Legion(1939)

InThe Curse of Capistrano,Diego is described as "a fair youth of excellent blood and twenty-four years, noted the length ofEl Camino Realfor his small interest in the really important things of life. "It is also said that" Don Diego was unlike the other full-blooded youths of the times. It appeared that he disliked action. He seldom wore his blade, except as a matter of style and apparel. He was damnably polite to all women and paid court to none.... Those who knew Don Diego best declared he yawned ten score times a day. "Though proud as befitting his class (and seemingly uncaring about the lower classes), he shuns action, rarely wearing his sword except for fashion, and is indifferent to romance with women. This is, of course, a sham. At the end of the novel, Diego explains that he has planned his double identity since he was fifteen:

"It began ten years ago, when I was but a lad of fifteen", he said. "I heard tales of persecution. I saw my friends, thefrailes,annoyed and robbed. I saw soldiers beat an old native who was my friend. And then I determined to play this game. "

"It would be a difficult game to play, I knew. So I pretended to have small interest in life, so that men never would connect my name with that of the highwayman I expected to become. In secret, I practiced horsemanship and learned how to handle a blade—"

"By the saints, he did", Sergeant Gonzales growled.

"One half of me was the languid Don Diego you all knew, and the other half was the Curse of Capistrano I hoped one day to be. And then the time came, and my work began."

"It is a peculiar thing to explain,señores.The moment I donned cloak and mask, the Don Diego part of me fell away. My body straightened, new blood seemed to course through my veins, my voice grew strong and firm, fire came to me! And the moment I removed cloak and mask I was the languid Don Diego again. Is it not a peculiar thing? "

This part of the backstory was changed in the 1920 filmThe Mark of Zorro.Diego recently returned fromSpainat the movie's start. Zorro later tells Lolita that he learned swordsmanship in Spain. The 1925 sequelDon Q, Son of Zorroexpands on this concept by saying that: "Though the home of the De Vegas has long been on California soil, the eldest son of each new generation returns to Spain for a period of travel and study." The 1940 filmThe Mark of Zorrokeeps the idea of Diego learning his swordsmanship in Spain and adds the idea of him being unexpectedly summoned home by his father, Don Alejandro, when California fell into the hand of an oppressing dictator. Both ideas would then be included in most retellings of the character's backstory.

With minor variations, McCulley's portrayal of Diego's personality is followed in most Zorro media.

A notable exception to this portrayal is Disney'sZorro(1957–1959), where Diego, despite using the original façade early in the series, instead becomes a passionate and compassionate crusader for justice and masquerades as "the most inept swordsman in all of California". In this show, everyone knows Diego would love to do what Zorro does but thinks he does not have the skill.

The Family Channel'sZorro(1990–1993) takes this concept further. While Diego pretends to be inept with a sword, the rest of his facade exaggerates his real interests. Diego is well-versed and interested in art, poetry, literature, and science. His facade is pretending to be interested in only these things and not interested in swordplay or action. In this version of the story, Zorro also has a well-equipped laboratory in his hidden cave.

In Isabel Allende's novel, Diego is a mestizo, the son of a Spanish aristocrat and a Shoshone warrior woman. Thus, as a child, Diego is caught between the divine right of nobility and the ways of his Native mother, grandmother, and ancestors.

Inspirations

The historical figure most often associated with the Zorro character isJoaquin Murrieta,whose life was fictionalized in the novelThe Life and Adventures of Joaquín Murieta(1854) byJohn Rollin Ridge.In the 1998 filmThe Mask of ZorroMurrieta's (fictitious) brother Alejandro succeeds Diego as Zorro. As a hero with a secret identity who taunts his foes by signing his deeds, Zorro finds a direct literary predecessor in Sir Percival Blakeney, hero of theScarlet Pimpernelpulp seriesbyEmma Orczy.

The character recalls other figures, such asRobin Hood,Reynard the Fox,Salomon Pico,Manuel Rodríguez Erdoíza,andTiburcio Vasquez.Another possible historical inspiration isWilliam Lamport,an Irish soldier who lived in Mexico in the seventeenth century. His life was the subject of a fictive book byVicente Riva Palacio;The Irish Zorro(2004) is a recent biography. Another isEstanislao,aYokutsman who led a revolt against theMission San Josein 1827.

The 1860s, 1880s, and 1900spenny dreadfultreatment of theSpring-heeled Jackcharacter as a masked avenger may have inspired some aspects of Zorro's heroic persona.Spring Heeled Jack was portrayed as a nobleman who created a flamboyant, maskedalter egoto fight injustice, frequently demonstrated exceptional athletic and combative skills, maintained a hidden lair and was known to carve the letter "S" into walls with his rapier as a calling card.

Like Sir Percy inThe Scarlet Pimpernel,Don Diego avoids suspicion by playing the role of an effetedandywho wears lace, writes poetry, and shuns violence. The all-black Fairbanks film costume, which with variations has remained the standard costume for the character, was likely adapted from the Arrow serial film characterThe Masked Rider(1919). This character was the first Mexican black-clad masked rider on a black horse to appear on the silver screen. Fairbanks's costume inThe Mark of Zorro,released the following year, resembled that of the Rider with only slight differences in the mask and hat.

In1860,Mór Jókaipublished his novel "Szegény Gazdagok"(Poor Richmen), where the main character is theHungarianBaron Lénárd Hátszegi, who is supposed to have the alterego of the "Fatia Negra" (The one with the Black face), an outlaw who robs local people during the night, and during the day lives an aristocratic life. The novel's character was inspired by the real-lifeHungarianBaron László Nopcsa (1794–1884), who, according to the local legends, had a similar type of alterego.

Copyright and trademark disputes

Thecopyrightandtrademarkstatus of the Zorro character and stories have been disputed. At least five works are in thepublic domainin the United States because at least 95 years have passed after their first release: the 1919 novelThe Curse of Capistrano,the 1920 filmThe Mark of Zorro,the 1922 novelThe Further Adventures of Zorro,the 1925 filmDon Q, Son of Zorro,and the 1926 filmIn the Way of Zorro.Still, many later Zorro stories are still protected by copyright, and many of those copyrights are owned or controlled by Zorro Productions, Inc., which asserts it "controls the worldwide trademarks and copyrights in the name, visual likeness and the character of Zorro."It further states "[t]he unauthorized, unlicensed use of the name, character and/or likeness of 'Zorro' is an infringement and a violation of state and federal laws."

In 1999,TriStar Pictures,a division ofSony Pictures,sued Del Taco, Inc., due to a fast-food restaurant advertising campaign that allegedly infringed Zorro Productions' claims to a trademark on the character of Zorro. Sony and TriStar had paid licensing fees to Zorro Productions, Inc. for the 1998 filmThe Mask of Zorro.In an August 1999 order, the court ruled that it would not invalidate Zorro Productions' trademarks because the defendant argued that certain copyrights in Zorro were in the public domain or owned by third parties.

Tessie Santiagoas the Queen of Swords

A dispute took place in the 2001 case ofSony Pictures Entertainment v. Fireworks Ent. Group.On January 24, 2001, Sony Pictures, TriStar Pictures and Zorro Productions, Inc., suedFireworks Entertainment,Paramount Pictures,andMercury Entertainment,claiming that theQueen of Swordstelevision series infringed upon thecopyrightsandtrademarksof Zorro and associated characters.Queen of Swordsis a 2000–2001 television series set inSpanish Californiaduring the early 19th century and featuring a hero who wore a black costume with a red sash and demonstrated similarities to the character of Zorro, including the sword-fighting skills, use of a whip andbolas,and horse-riding skills.

Zorro Productions, Inc. argued that it owned the copyright to the original character because Johnston McCulley assigned his Zorro rights to Mitchell Gertz in 1949. Gertz died in 1961, and his estate was transferred to his children, who created Zorro Productions, Inc. Fireworks Entertainment argued that the original rights had already been transferred toDouglas Fairbanks, Sr.in 1920 and provided documents showing this was legally affirmed in 1929, and also questioned whether the copyright was still valid.

The court ruled that "since the copyrights inThe Curse of CapistranoandThe Mark of Zorrolapsed in 1995 or before, the character Zorro has been in the public domain ".Judge Collins also stated, "Plaintiffs' argument that they have a trademark in Zorro because they licensed others to use Zorro, however, is specious. It assumes that ZPI had the right to demand licenses to use Zorro at all." Judge Collins subsequently vacated her ruling following an unopposed motion filed by Sony Pictures, TriStar Pictures, and Zorro Productions, Inc.

In another legal action in 2010, Zorro Productions, Inc., suedMars, Incorporated,makers ofM&M'schocolate candies, and ad agencyBBDO Worldwideover a commercial featuring a Zorro-like costume.The case was settled ( "each party shall bear its own costs incurred in connection with this action, including its attorney's fees and costs" ) on August 13, 2010.

In March 2013, Robert W. Cabell, author ofZ – the Musical of Zorro(1998), filed another lawsuit against Zorro Productions, Inc. The lawsuit asserted that the Zorro character is in the public domain and that the trademark registrations by Zorro Productions, Inc., are therefore fraudulent.In October 2014, Cabell's lawsuit was dismissed, with the judge ruling that the state of Washington (where the case was filed) did not have jurisdiction over the matter.However the judge later reversed his decision and had the case transferred to California.In May 2017, U.S. District Judge Davila granted Zorro Productions, Inc.'s motion to dismiss Cabell's claim to cancel its federal trademark registrations.Cabell did not appeal.

In June 2015, Robert W. Cabell's legal dispute with Zorro Productions, Inc. resulted in theCommunity Trade Markfor "Zorro" being declared invalid by the European Union's Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market for goods of classes 16 and 41.This follows the 'Winnetou' ruling of the Office's First Board of Appealin which the Board of Appeal ruled that the name of famous characters cannot be protected as a trademark in these classes. Zorro Productions appealed the decision, and on December 19, 2017, the EUIPO Fourth Board of Appeal nullified the lower court's ruling, declaring the contested trademarks as valid, and required Cabell to pay the costs of the legal action, the appeal and Zorro Productions' legal fees and costs.Zorro Productions, Inc. owns approximately 1,300 other Zorro-related trademarks worldwide.In May 2018, JudgeEdward Davilaprocessed a complaint by Cabell to find Zorro Productions infringed copyright on his musical.

Legacy

Texas Tech'sThe Masked Rider

The 1936 filmThe Vigilantes Are Comingfeatures a masked vigilante with a costume similar to Zorro, which led several countries to name the movie after Zorro: the film was namedZorro l'indomptablein France,Zorro – Der blutrote Adlerin Germany,Zorro – den blodrøde ørnin Denmark andZorro – veripunainen kotkain Finland. The main character, The Eagle, is played byRobert Livingston,who would then play the actual Zorro in the movieThe Bold Caballero,also released in 1936.The Vigilantes Are Coming"was a reworking ofThe Eagle,Rudolph Valentino's silent film. "In the film, Valentino plays the masked hero Black Eagle.The Eaglewas based on the posthumously published 1841 novelDubrovskybyAlexander Pushkin;the Black Eagle does not exist in the novel and was inspired by the performance of Douglas Fairbanks as Zorro inThe Mark of Zorro.

The Masked Rider,the primarymascotofTexas Tech University,is similar to Zorro. Originally called "Ghost Rider", it was an unofficial mascot appearing in a few games in 1936 and then became the official mascot with the 1954 Gator Bowl.

Being one of the earliest examples of a fictional avenger with a double identity, Zorro inspired the creation of several similar characters in pulp magazines and other media and is a precursor of thesuperheroesofAmerican comic books,Jerry Siegelhas credited Zorro along withThe Scarlet Pimpernelas one of the inspirations for the creation ofSupermanparticularly the concept of his dual identity as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, as Clark Kent's harmless facade and dual identity were inspired by the protagonists of such movies as Don Diego de la Vega inThe Mark of Zorroand Sir Percy Blakeney inThe Scarlet Pimpernel,Siegel thought this would make for interesting dramatic contrast and good humor.Superman's stance as theChampion of the Oppressedand devil-may-care attitude during his early Golden Age appearances were influenced by the characters ofThe Mark of Zorrostar Douglas Fairbanks, who starred in similar adventure films such asRobin Hood.

Also,Bob Kanehas credited Zorro, as one of the earliest examples of a fictional masked avenger with a dual identity, as part of the inspiration for the characterBatman,which was created in 1939.Like Don Diego de la Vega, Bruce Wayne isaffluent,the heir of wealth built by his parents. His everyday persona encourages others to think of him as shallow, foolish, and uncaring to throw off suspicion.Frank Miller's comic book miniseriesThe Dark Knight Returns(1986) andThe Dark Knight Strikes Again(2001–2002) both include multiple Zorro references, such as Batman inscribing a Z on a defeated foe. In later tellings of Batman's origins, Bruce Wayne's parents are murdered by a robber as the family leaves a showing of the 1940 filmThe Mark of Zorro,starringTyrone Power.

Poster fromMan with the Steel Whip (1954)

Zorro inspired a similar pulp character known asEl Coyote,which was created in 1943 by José Mallorquí. A sample superhero character called The Fox appearing in theSuperssupplement of theGURPS role-playing systemis also based on Zorro.

The Republic Pictures serialsDon Daredevil Rides Again(1951) andMan with the Steel Whip(1954) feature masked heroes similar to Zorro: Don Daredevil and El Latigo. Republic had previously released five Zorro serials between 1937 and 1949 but had since lost the license for the character and could not use him anymore. The serial makes frequent use ofstock footagefrom all five Zorro serials, with scenes originally showing Zorro now being interpreted as showing Don Daredevil and El Latigo: the result of this is that the costume and body shape of Don Daredevil and El Latigo keeps changing between scenes, even becoming female in scenes taken fromZorro's Black Whip(1944).

The 1956 musical comedyThe Court Jesterfeatures a masked freedom fighter called The Black Fox (played byEdward Ashley), who combines aspects of both Zorro andRobin Hood.

Hanna-Barbera Productions' animated seriesPixie and Dixie and Mr. Jinks(1958–1961) featured a Zorro-like character with a mask, cape, and sword known in the episode "Mark of the Mouse" (1959). Hanna-Barbera Production's animated seriesThe Quick Draw McGraw Show(1959–1962) features El Kabong, an alternate persona of the main characterQuick Draw McGraw,which is loosely based upon Zorro.

In the animated seriesJustice League(2001–2004), a DC Comics character,El Diablo,bears a striking similarity to Zorro, in that he wears the same style hat, mask, sash, and cape. The main difference is that his primary weapon is a whip. The Lazarus Lane version of El Diablo appears inJustice League Unlimited(2004–2006), voiced byNestor Carbonell.While designed after his comic appearance, elements from Zorro's appearance were added. Seen in the episode "The Once and Future Thing"(2005), he appears alongsidePow Wow Smith,Bat Lash,andJonah Hex.

In 2015, the M7 Con Western Convention, held at theLos Angeles Convention Center,featured a segment on the history of Zorro in film and television. The presentation focused on the great Zorro actors includingDouglas Fairbanks,Tyrone Power,Guy Williams,andDuncan Regehr.Maestro Ramon Martinez and actorAlex Kruzgave a live demonstration of theSpanishstyle of fencing known as La VerdaderaDestreza.The two dueled live as Zorro and the Comandante, much to the crowd's delight.

A cave that was used as a filming location in various Zorro productions is now known as "Zorro's Cave" and remains in place, now hidden behind a condominium complex, on land that was once theIverson Movie RanchinChatsworth, Los Angeles,recognized as the most widely filmed outdoor shooting location in the history of Hollywood.

TheDreamWorkscharacterPuss in Boots,an anthropomorphic cat sporting high boots, a broad-brimmed and feathered sombrero, and a rapier, was also heavily inspired by Zorro (though ultimately based on the earlier Italian fairy tale character of the same name). Portrayed byAntonio Banderas,who had also earlier played Zorro, he premiered as a character inShrek 2(2004) and in the later sequels, as well as inspiring spin-off films,Puss in Boots(2011) andPuss in Boots: The Last Wish(2022).

Appearances in media

Stories by Johnston McCulley

The Further Adventures of Zorro,ArgosyVol. 142 No. 4, May 6, 1922.

The original stories were published in pulp magazines from the 1910s to the 1950s. Most remained unpublished in book form until the series of collected editions ofZorro: The Complete Pulp Adventures,issued in 2016 and 2017.

• Zorro: The Complete Pulp Adventures Vol. 1(2016)
  • The Curse of Capistrano,All-Story WeeklyVol. 100 No. 2 – Vol. 101 No. 2, serialized in five parts, August 9, 1919 – September 6, 1919 – novellaThe Curse of Capistranopublished byGrosset & Dunlapin 1919, and reissued asThe Mark of Zorroin 1924 by the same editor
  • "Zorro Saves A Friend",ArgosyVol. 234 No. 1, November 12, 1932
  • "Zorro Hunts A Jackal",ArgosyVol. 237 No. 6, April 22, 1933 (a.k.a.Zorro Hunts by Night)
• Zorro: The Complete Pulp Adventures Vol. 2(2016)
  • The Further Adventures of Zorro,ArgosyVol. 142 No. 4 – Vol. 143 No. 3, serialized in six parts, May 6, 1922 – June 10, 1922
  • "Zorro Deals With Treason",ArgosyVol. 249 No. 2, August 18, 1934
  • "Mysterious Don Miguel",Argosy Weekly,Vol. 258 No. 5 – No. 6, serialized in two parts, September 21, 1935 – September 28, 1935
• Zorro: The Complete Pulp Adventures Vol. 3(2016)
  • Zorro Rides Again,ArgosyVol. 224 No. 3 – Vol. 224 No. 6, serialized in four parts, October 3, 1931 – October 24, 1931
  • "Zorro Draws a Blade",West MagazineVol. 56 No. 2, July 1944
  • "Zorro Upsets a Plot",West MagazineVol. 56 No. 3, September 1944
  • "Zorro Strikes Again",West MagazineVol. 57 No. 1, November 1944
  • "Zorro Saves a Herd",West MagazineVol. 57 No. 2, January 1945
  • "Zorro Runs the Gauntlet",West MagazineVol. 57 No. 3, March 1945
  • "Zorro Fights a Duel",West MagazineVol. 58 No. 1, May 1945
  • "Zorro Opens a Cage",West MagazineVol. 58 No. 2, July 1945
  • "Zorro Prevents a War",West MagazineVol. 58 No. 3, September 1945
  • "Zorro Fights a Friend",West MagazineVol. 59 No. 1, October 1945
  • "Zorro's Hour of Peril",West MagazineVol. 59 No. 2, November 1945
  • "Zorro Lays a Ghost",West MagazineVol. 59 No. 3, December 1945
• Zorro: The Complete Pulp Adventures Vol. 4(2016)
  • The Sign of Zorro,ArgosyVol. 305 No. 2 – Vol. 305 No. 6, serialized in five parts, January 25, 1941 – February 22, 1941
  • "Zorro Frees Some Slaves",West MagazineVol. 60 No. 1, January 1946
  • "Zorro's Double Danger",West MagazineVol. 60 No. 2, February 1946
  • "Zorro's Masquerade",West MagazineVol. 60 No. 3, March 1946
  • "Zorro Stops a Panic",West MagazineVol. 61 No. 1, April 1946
  • "Zorro's Twin Perils",West MagazineVol. 61 No. 2, May 1946
  • "Zorro Plucks a Pigeon",West MagazineVol. 61 No. 3, June 1946
  • "Zorro Rides at Dawn"West MagazineVol. 62 No. 1, July 1946
  • "Zorro Takes the Bait",West MagazineVol. 62 No. 2, August 1946
  • "Zorro Raids a Caravan",West MagazineVol. 62 No. 3, October 1946
  • "Zorro's Moment of Fear",West MagazineVol. 63 No. 3, January 1947
• Zorro: The Complete Pulp Adventures Vol. 5(2017)
  • "A Task for Zorro",West MagazineVol. 65 No. 2, June 1947
  • "Zorro Saves His Honor",West MagazineVol. 64 No. 1, February 1947
  • "Zorro and the Pirate",West MagazineVol. 64 No. 2, March 1947
  • "Zorro Beats the Drum",West MagazineVol. 64 No. 3, April 1947
  • "Zorro's Strange Duel",West MagazineVol. 65 No. 1, May 1947
  • "Zorro's Masked Menace",West MagazineVol. 65 No. 3, July 1947
  • "Zorro Aids an Invalid",West MagazineVol. 66 No. 1, August 1947
  • "Zorro Saves an American",West MagazineVol. 66 No. 2, September 1947
  • "Zorro Meets a Rogue",West MagazineVol. 66 No. 3, October 1947
  • "Zorro Races with Death",West MagazineVol. 67 No. 1, November 1947
  • "Zorro Fights for Peace",West MagazineVol. 67 No. 2, December 1947
  • "Zorro Serenades a Siren",West MagazineVol. 68 No. 1, February 1948
  • "Zorro Meets a Wizard",West MagazineVol. 68 No. 2, March 1948
  • "Zorro Fights with Fire",West MagazineVol. 68 No. 3, April 1948
  • "Gold for a Tyrant",West MagazineVol. 69 No. 1, May 1948
  • "The Hide Hunter",West MagazineVol. 69 No. 2, July 1948
• Zorro: The Complete Pulp Adventures Vol. 6(2017)
  • "Zorro's Fight for Life",West Magazine,Vol. 74 No. 2, July 1951
  • "Zorro Shears Some Wolves",West MagazineVol. 69 No. 3, September 1948
  • "The Face Behind the Mask",West MagazineVol. 70 No. 1, November 1948
  • "Zorro Starts the New Year",West MagazineVol. 67 No. 3, January 1948
  • "Hangnoose Reward",West MagazineVol. 70 No. 3, March 1949
  • "Zorro's Hostile Friends",West MagazineVol. 71 No. 1, May 1949
  • "Zorro's Hot Tortillas",West MagazineVol. 71 No. 2, July 1949
  • "An Ambush for Zorro",West MagazineVol. 71 No. 3, September 1949
  • "Zorro Gives Evidence",West MagazineVol. 72 No. 1, November 1949
  • "Rancho Marauders",West MagazineVol. 72 No. 2, January 1950
  • "Zorro's Stolen Steed"West MagazineVol. 73 No. 3, March 1950
  • "Zorro Curbs a Riot",West MagazineVol. 73 No. 3, September 1950
  • "The Three Stage Peons",West MagazineVol. 74 No. 1, November 1950
  • "Zorro Nabs a Cutthroat",West MagazineVol. 74 No. 2, January 1951
  • "Zorro Gathers Taxes",West MagazineVol. 74 No. 3, March 1951
  • "Zorro Rides the Trail!",Max Brand's Western Magazine,May 1954
  • "The Mask of Zorro",Short Stories for MenVol. 221 No. 2, April 1959

Stories by other authors

• Walt Disney's ZorrobySteve Frazee1958Whitman Publishing Company,novelization of some episodes of the 1957ZorroTV series
• "Zorro Outwits Death",Walt Disney's MagazineVol. III No. 3, April 1958. Loosely based on the episode "Zorro's Secret Passage" of the 1957ZorroTV series
• "Zorro's Merry Chase",Walt Disney's Magazine,Vol. III No. 5, August 1958
• "The Fire of the Night",Walt Disney's Magazine,Vol. III No. 6, October 1958 and Vol. IV No. 1, 1958
• "Zorro and the Missing Father",Walt Disney's Magazine,Vol. IV No. 3, April 1959 and No. 4, June 1959. Adapted from the episodes "The Missing Father", "Please Believe Me", and "The Brooch" of the 1957ZorroTV series
• ZorrobyOlivier Séchan1959Hachette
• Il Ritorno di Zorroby B.F. Deakin 1968Arnoldo Mondadori Editore,anthology of nine short stories
• Zorro arrive!by Jacques Van Hauten 1971 Hachette, novelization of some episodes of the 1957ZorroTV series
• Le Retour de ZorrobyJean-Claude Deret1972 Hachette, novelization of some episodes of the 1957ZorroTV series
• Zorro et le sergent Garciaby Thérèse Bertels 1973 Hachette, novelization of some episodes of the 1957ZorroTV series
• Zorro et le trésor du Pérouby Thérèse Bertels 1973 Hachette
• Zorro contre le gouverneurby Jean-Claude Deret 1974 Hachette, novelization of some episodes of the 1957ZorroTV series
• L'Épée de Zorroby Jean-Claude Deret 1975 Hachette
• Zorro et l'épee du cid1991 HachetteISBN9782010182556
• Zorro et la forteresse du diableby Valentin Dechemin 1991 HachetteISBN9782010182549,novelization of some episodes of the 1990ZorroTV series
• Zorro and the Jaguar Warriorsby Jerome Preisler September 1998 Tom Doherty Associates, Inc. BooksISBN978-0-8125-6767-0
• The Mask of Zorro: A NovelizationbyJames Luceno1998Pocket BooksISBN978-0671519896,novelization of the 1998 movieThe Mask of Zorro
• The Treasure of Don Diegoby William McCay 1998 Minstrel BooksISBN978-0-671-51968-1,based on the filmThe Mask of Zorro
• Zorro and The Dragon Ridersby David Bergantino March 1999 Tom Doherty Associates, Inc. BooksISBN978-0-8125-6768-7
• Skull and Crossbonesby Frank Lauria 1999 Minstrel BooksISBN978-0-671-51970-4,based on the filmThe Mask of Zorro
• The Secret Swordsmanby William McCay 1999 Minstrel BooksISBN978-0-671-51969-8,based on the filmThe Mask of Zorro
• The Lost Templeby Frank Lauria 1999 Minstrel Books, based on the filmThe Mask of Zorro
• Lo Spirito e la Spadaby Louis A. Tartaglia 1999
• Zorro!by Sally M. Stockton 1999 Cideb, based on the novellaThe Curse of Capistrano
• El Zorroby Margarita Barberá Quiles 1999 Cideb, based on the novellaThe Curse of Capistrano
• Zorro and the Witch's Curseby John Whitman April 2000 Tom Doherty Associates, Inc. BooksISBN978-0-8125-6769-4
• La vera storia di Zorroby Isabella Parrini 2000 Alberti & C.ISBN978-8887936056
• Zorro: l'ultima avventura ovvero la storia di Zorro,Volume 2 by Isabella Parrini 2001 Alberti & C.
• The Legend of Zorro: A NovelizationbyScott Ciencin2005HarperCollinsISBN978-0060833046,novelization of the 2005 movieThe Legend of Zorro
• The Lone Ranger/Zorro: The Death Of ZorroByAnde Parks2012 Simon Bowlands Crossover between The Lone Ranger and Zorro
• ZorrobyIsabel Allende2005 HarperCollinsISBN0-06-077897-0
• Young Zorro: The Iron Brandby Jan Adkins 2005 HarperCollinsISBN978-0060839468
• Zorro l'angelo nero della Californiaby Irene Sartini 2007 Alberti & CISBN9788889664407
• Zorro l'angelo nero della California – L'avventura continuaby Irene Sartini 2008 Alberti & CISBN9788889664575
• Tales of Zorroanthology of 17 short stories written by 22 authors, edited byRichard Dean Starr2008Moonstone BooksISBN978-1-933076-31-7
• Zorro and the Little DevilbyPeter David2018 Bold Venture PressISBN978-1-7193-7410-1
• Zorro: The Daring Escapadesanthology of 16 short stories, edited by Audrey Parente and Daryl McCullough 2020 Bold Venture PressISBN979-8637608508.

Films

The character has been adapted for over forty films.They include:

American feature films

Original Theatrical feature films:

• The Mark of Zorro(1920), withDouglas Fairbanks,directed byFred Niblo
• Don Q, Son of Zorro(1925), withDouglas Fairbanks,directed byDonald Crisp
• The Bold Caballero(1936), withRobert Livingston,directed byWells Root
• The Mark of Zorro(1940), withTyrone Power,directed byRouben Mamoulian
• The Erotic Adventures of Zorro(1972), an erotic parody of the masked avenger, co-produced in Italy and Germany, Douglas Frey
• Zorro, The Gay Blade(1981), aparodydirected byPeter MedakwithGeorge Hamiltonas Diego Jr. and his twin brother Ramon. Diego Jr. succeeds his late father as Zorro, but he soon breaks his leg, and Ramon fills in while Diego Jr. recuperates.
• The Mask of Zorro(1998), directed byMartin CampbellwithAnthony Hopkinsas an aged Don Diego de la Vega andAntonio Banderasas Alejandro Murrieta, a misfit outlaw/cowboy who is trained to become the next Zorro, with Alejandro eventually marrying Diego's daughter Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones)
• The Legend of Zorro(2005), the sequel to 1998'sThe Mask of Zorro,again starring Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and directed by Martin Campbell

Compilation theatrical feature films:

• The Sign of Zorro(1958), withGuy Williams,portions of the first 13ZorroTV episodes edited into a feature film, released overseas in 1958 and domestically in 1960
• Zorro, the Avenger(1959), with Guy Williams, a second theatrical compilation filmZorroTV episodes, exclusively released overseas.*

TV films:

• The Mark of Zorro(1974), amade for television moviewhich is a remake of the 1940 film, withFrank Langellaas Zorro, directed byDon McDougall

American film serials

• Zorro Rides Again(1937), withJohn Carrollas a modern-day descendant, James Vega
• Zorro's Fighting Legion(1939), withReed Hadleyas the original Zorro/Don Diego de la Vega
• Son of Zorro(1947), with George Turner as a Civil War descendant, Jeff Stewart
• Ghost of Zorro(1949), withClayton Mooreas Ken Mason, Zorro's grandson/ "The Ghost of Zorro"

Despite the title and a credit to McCulley,Zorro's Black Whip(1944), withLinda Stirlingas an 1880s masked avenger known as The Black Whip, has nothing to do with Zorro.

Mexican films

• El nieto del Zorro(1948) Mexican Western withResortes
• El Zorro Escarlata(1959), Mexican Western withLuis Aguilar
• El regreso del monstruo(1959), Mexican Western with Luis Aguilar
• El Zorro escarlata en diligencia fantasma(1959), Mexican Western with Luis Aguilar
• El correo del norte(1960), Mexican Western with Luis Aguilar
• La máscara de la muerte(1961), Mexican Western with Luis Aguilar
• La trampa mortal(1962), Mexican Western with Luis Aguilar
• La venganza de la Sombra(1962), Mexican Western with Luis Aguilar
• El Zorro Vengador(1962), Mexican Western with Luis Aguilar
• La Gran Aventura Del Zorro(1976), Mexican Western withRodolfo de Anda,set in a very primitiveSan Francisco Bay Area.

European films

• À la manière de Zorro/In the Way of Zorro(1926) Belgium William Elie – Unofficial
• Il sogno di Zorro/The Dream of Zorro/Zorro's Dream(1952) ItalyWalter Chiari
• La montaña sin ley/Lawless Mountain(1953) SpainJosé Suárez
• Zorro alla corte di Spagna/Zorro at the Spanish Court(1962) ItalyGeorge Ardisson
• La venganza del Zorro/Zorro il vendicatore/Zorro the Avenger(1962) Spain & ItalyFrank Latimore
• Cabalgando hacia la muerte/L'ombra di Zorro/The Shadow of Zorro(1962) Spain & Italy Frank Latimore
• Le tre spade di Zorro/The Three Swords of Zorro(1963) Spain & ItalyGuy Stockwell
• Zorro e i tre moschettieri/Zorro and the Three Musketeers(1963) ItalyGordon Scott
• Zorro contro Maciste/Samson and the Slave Queen(1963) Italy & SpainPierre Brice
• Il segno di Zorro/Duel at the Rio Grande/Sign of Zorro(1963) Spain, Italy & FranceSean Flynn
• El Zorro cabalga otra vez(1965) Italy & SpainTony Russel
• Zorro il ribelle/Zorro the Rebel(1966) ItalyHoward Ross
• El Zorro/La Volpe/Zorro the Fox(1968) Italy & Spain George Ardisson
• I nipoti di Zorro/The Nephews of Zorro(1968) Italy, comedy withFranco and Ciccioas Franco La Vacca and Ciccio La Vacca, nephews of Don Diego de la Vega's late wife.Dean Reedplays Raphael de la Vega, son of Don Diego and the new Zorro, whileFranco Fantasiaplays an aged Don Diego, who has retired from being Zorro.
• Zorro marchese di Navarra/Zorro, the Navarra Marquis(1969) Italy Nadir Moretti
• Zorro alla corte d'Inghilterra/Zorro in the Court of England(1969) ItalySpiros Focás
• E continuavano a chiamarlo figlio di.../El Zorro justiciero/The Avenger, Zorro(1969) Italy & SpainFabio Testi
• La última aventura del Zorro/Zorro il dominatore/Zorro's Latest Adventure(1969) Spain & ItalyCarlos Quiney
• Zorro, il cavaliere della vendetta/El Zorro, caballero de la justicia/Zorro, Rider of Vengeance(1971) Spain & Italy Carlos Quiney
• El Zorro de Monterrey/Zorro, la maschera della vendetta/Zorro the Invincible(1971) Spain & Italy Carlos Quiney
• Les aventures galantes de Zorro/Red Hot Zorro(1972) France & Belgium Jean-Michel Dhermay
• Il figlio di Zorro/Son of Zorro/Man with the Golden Winchester(1973) Italy & SpainAlberto Dell'Acqua
• Il sogno di Zorro/Grandsons of Zorro/Dream of Zorro(1975) ItalyFranco Franchi
• Zorro(1975) Italy & FranceAlain Delon
• La marque de Zorro/The Mark of Zorro(1975) France; additional sequences added toLa venganza del Zorro(1962) with Frank Latimore renamed Clint Douglas
• Ah sì? E io lo dico a Zzzzorro!/Mark of Zorro/Who's Afraid of Zorro/They Call Him Zorro... Is He?(1975) Italy & SpainGeorge Hilton– Unofficial

Turkey:

• Zorro kamcili süvari(1969) TurkeyTamer Yiğit
• Zorro'nun intikami(1969) Turkey Tamer Yiğit

India:

• Zorro(1975) IndiaNavin Nischol

Note: Unofficial means not included in the official film list at zorro

Argentina

Zorro, el sentimiento de hierro(2019),fan film

Television series

American series – live-action

• Zorro,aDisneyhalf-hourtelevision series,running from 1957 to 1959, starringGuy Williamsas Zorro for 78 episodes. The two features listed above starring Guy Williams were episode compilations, and there were four one-hour follow-ups on theWalt Disney anthology television seriesin the 1960–1961 TV season.
• Zorro and Son,broadcast in 1983 for five episodes, was a situation comedy in which an aged Don Diego (Henry Darrow) trains his son Carlos (Paul Regina) to succeed him as Zorro.
• Zorro,also calledThe New Zorro,New World Zorro,orZorro 1990,was a television series which starredDuncan Regehras Zorro for 88 episodes onThe Family Channelfrom 1990 to 1993. Two feature-length videos were episode compilations. An unaired alternate pilot episode was included in the 2011 DVD release of the series: the pilot features a different cast and story, with Don Diego dying and Don Antonio de la Cruz (Patrick James) taking up the mantle of Zorro.
• In the series finale ofOnce Upon a Time,"Leaving Storybrooke"(aired May 18, 2018), Zorro is said to be able to shapeshift into a dragon, and in that form, fatheredMaleficent(Kristin Bauer van Straten)'s daughter, Lily (Nicole Muñoz(teen)/Agnes Bruckner(adult)). Zorro himself does not appear in the series, possibly due to cancellation. Lily appears in thefourth season (2014-2015)episodes, "Breaking Glass","Lily","Mother",and"Operation Mongoose: Part 2."
• In November 2019, it was announced that a new series was in development byNBCwith Alfredo Barrios Jr. as both writer and executive producer, with Propagate andCBS Television Studiosas producers. The series will have more of a "modern day" setting. They will follow Z, a female descendant from the Zorro bloodline, as she fulfills her duty to "protect the defenseless in her community".In December 2020,Robert RodriguezandSofía Vergarawere announced as executive producers.In January 2022, the series was moved from NBC toThe CWwho later ordered six scripts.However in May 2023, the CW chose not to move forward with the series, canceling it along with several other shows that were in early development.
• In December 2021, it was announced that a new series was in development byDisney-ABC.Wilmer Valderramawill executive produce and star as Diego de la Vega in what is described as a "reimagining" of the series. Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, stated that the series is "set in Pueblo de Los Angeles, but told in a very modern telenovela style".Valderrama confirmed that the series would be onDisney+.On March 6, 2023,Bryan Cogmanwas announced as series showrunner.

American series – animation

• The New Adventures of Zorro,1981 animated series fromFilmation,which consists of 13 episodes. Henry Darrow (later to star inZorro & Son) lends his voice to the title character.
• The New Adventures of Zorro,1997–1998 animated series fromFred Wolf Films,which consists of 26 episodes.
• The Amazing Zorro,2002 made for TV animated film created byDIC Entertainmentas part of theirDIC Movie Toonslineup. It premiered onNickelodeonand was later released on DVD and VHS shortly afterward byMGM Home Entertainment.
• Zorro: Generation Z,2006 animated series fromBKN Internationalwhich consists of 26 episodes. It follows a descendant of the original Zorro, also named Diego De La Vega, fighting crime and the corrupt government of Pueblo Grande in a future setting.

International series

• Kaiketsu Zorro,(1996–1997) Japaneseanimeversion fromNHKandAshi Productions,which consists of 52 episodes.
• Zorro: La Espada y la Rosa(The Sword and the Rose), a 2007Spanish languagetelenovelafromSony PicturesandTelemundo,starringChristian Meieras Don Diego de la Vega/Zorro. It consists of 112 episodes.
• Zorro,a 2009 TV series from theGMA Networkof thePhilippines,starringRichard Gutierrez.It consists of 98 episodes.
• Zorro: The Chronicles,a French animated series (2015), voiced byJohnny Yong Bosch
• Zorro,a 2024 Spanish TV series produced by Secuoya Studios for Amazon Prime in Spain, Portugal, Andorra, Latin America, and the United States. The ten-episode series is directed by Javier Quintas, Jorge Saavedra and José Luis Alegría withMiguel Bernardeaucast in the lead, along withRenata Notni.It debuted January 19, 2024.
• On October 14, 2022, it was announced that a French television series based on the character was in development forFrance Télévisions,starringJean Dujardinas Don Diego / Zorro.Bought byParamount+in March 2024 for France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Latin America,Zorropremiered on the streaming service on September 6, 2024 before being broadcast on France Télévisions.

Audio/radio dramas

• Walt Disney'sZorro:[1. Presenting Señor Zorro; 2. Zorro Frees The Indians; 3. Zorro And The Ghost; 4. Zorro's Daring Rescue] (1957) released byDisneyland Records.This album retold stories from the DisneyZorrotelevision series. It featuredGuy Williamsas Zorro and Don Diego,Henry Calvinas Sergeant Garcia, Phil Ross as Monastario, Jan Arvan as Torres,Jimmie DoddfromThe Mickey Mouse Clubas Padre Felipe, with other voices by Dallas McKennon and sound effects byJimmy MacDonaldand Eddie Forrest. Record story adaptations by Bob Thomas and George Sherman. Music composed and conducted by William Lava.
• The Adventures of Zorro.(1957) Based on the original Johnston McCulley storyThe Curse of Capistrano(akaThe Mark of Zorro). It was written by Maria Little, directed by Robert M. Light, and produced by Mitchell Gertz. This short-lived radio show was a series of short episodes. Only a handful of episodes are known to have survived.
• The Mark of Zorro.(1997) [No longer available] Produced by the BBC, it starredMark Ardenas Zorro,Louise Lombardas Lolita, andGlyn Houstonas Friar Felipe. It aired in 5 parts. 1. July 3, 97 Night of the Fox: 2. July 10, 97 Deadly Reckonings: 3. July 17, 97 The Avenging Blade 4. July 24, 97 The Place of Skulls 5. July 31, 97 The Gathering Storm
• Zorro and the Pirate Raiders.(2009) Based on the D.J. Arneson adaptation of Johnston McCulley's The Further Adventures of Zorro. Produced byColonial Radio Theatre on the Air.Published by Brilliance Audio. It features Kevin Cirone, Shonna McEachern, Hugh Metzler, J.T. Turner, Sam Donato, Joseph Zamperelli Jr., and Dan Powell.
• Zorro Rides Again.(2011) Based on the D.J. Arneson adaptation of Johnston McCulley's "Zorro Rides Again". Produced by Colonial Theatre on the Air. It features the voice talents of Kevin Cirone, Jeremy Benson, Shonna McEachern, Shana Dirk, Sam Donato, and Hugh Metzler.
• The Mark of Zorro.(2011) Based onThe Curse of Capistrano.Produced byHollywood Theater of the Earfor Blackstone Audio. It features the voice talents ofVal Kilmeras Diego de la Vega/Zorro,Ruth Livieras Lolita Pulido,Elizabeth Peñaas Doña Catalina Pulido,Armin Shimermanas the Landlord, Mishach Taylor as Sgt Pedro Gonzalez,Keith Szarabajkaas Cpt Ramone,Ned Schmidtkeas Don Carlos Pulido,Scott Brickas the Governor, Stefan Rudnicki as Fray Felipe,Kristoffer Taborias Don Alejando de la Vega,Philip Proctoras Don Audre, John Sloan as the Magistrado, and Gordo Panza in numerous roles.

Toys

Due to the popularity of the Disney TV series, in 1958,The Topps Companyproduced an 88-card set featuring stills from that year's movie. The cards were rare and became collectors' items. In the same year, theLouis Marxcompany released a variety of Zorro toys, such as hats, swords, toy pistols, and aplayset,with the Lido company also making plastic figures.

A major toy line based on the classic Zorro characters, motifs, and styling was released by Italian toy giantGiochi Preziosi,master toy licensees of the property. The toy range was developed byPangea Corporationand released worldwide in 2005. It featured action figures in various scales, interactive playsets, and roleplaying items. New original characters were also introduced, including Senor Muerte, who served as a foil to Zorro.

In 2007, Brazilian toymaker Gulliver Toys licensed the rights toZorro: Generation Z,which was co-developed byBKNandPangea Corporation.The toy range was designed concurrently and in association with the animated program.

In 2011, US-based collectibles company Triad Toys released a 12-inch Zorro action figure.

Comics

Zorro#01, 2008, by Dynamite Entertainment

Zorro has appeared in many different comic book series over the decades. Zorro was adapted into comics in France in 1939 inJumbo.Its best-known artists were André Oulié (1947-1967), Eu. Gire (1949).

InHit Comics#55, published byQuality Comicsin November 1948, Zorro is summoned byKid Eternity,but in this version has only a whip and does not wear a mask.

Dell Comicspublished Zorro inFour Color Comics#228 (1949), 425 (1952), 497 (1953), 538 (1954), 574 (1954), 617 (1955) and 732 (1957). These stories featured artwork byEverett Raymond Kinstler(#497, 538, and 574),Bob Fujitani,Bob Correa andAlberto Giolitti.

Dell also had a license to publishDisney comicsin the United States and, following the launch of Disney'sZorroTV series in 1957, published seven more issues ofFour Colordedicated to Zorro between February 1958 and September 1959, under said license, with the first stories featuring artwork byAlex Toth.In December 1959, Dell started the publication of a standalone Disney-licensedZorrotitle, which started the numeration at #8 and continued to be published until issue #15 (September 1961). The character then appeared in four stories published in the monthlyWalt Disney's Comics and Stories(also published by Dell), one story per issue from #275 (August 1963) to #278 (November 1963): these were the last Zorro stories produced in the United States under the Disney license. However,Disneyproduced more stories from 1964 to 1978 through theDisney Studio Program,a unit producing comic book stories exclusively for foreign consumption.In addition to publishing translations of American stories and Disney Studio stories, many foreign publishers also produced their own original stories under the Disney licence: these countries are theNetherlands(1964–1967),Chile(1965–1974),Italy(1969–1971),Brazil(1973–1983),France(1974–1986)andGermany(1980–1982).

From 1964 to 1967, Hans Kresse (art) and Joop Termos (script) offered unpublished stories to the readers of the Dutch youth weeklyPep.

Gold Key Comicsstarted another Disney-licensedZorroseries in January 1966, but, like their contemporaneousLone Rangerseries, it featured only material reprinted from the earlier Dell comics and folded after nine issues in March 1968. The character remained dormant in the United States for the next twenty years until it was revived byMarvel Comicsin 1990 for a 12-issue tie-in with theDuncan Regehrtelevision seriesZorro.Many of these comics had Alex Toth covers.

In 1993,Topps Comicspublished a 2-issuelimited seriesDracula Versus Zorrofollowed by aZorroseries that ran 11 issues. Topps also published two limited series ofLady Rawhide,a spin-off from the Zorro stories created by writerDon McGregorand artist Mike Mayhew.McGregor subsequently scripted a limited series adaptation ofThe Mask of Zorrofilm forImage Comics.

A newspaper daily and Sunday strip were also published in the late 1990s. This was written by McGregor and rendered byTom Yeates.Papercutzonce published a Zorro series and graphic novels. This version is drawn in amangastyle.

Dynamite Entertainmentrelaunched the character with a 20-issueZorroseries which ran from 2008 to 2010, written byMatt Wagnerand drawn by multiple artists. The publisher also released an earlier unpublished tale called "Matanzas" byDon McGregorand artist Mike Mayhew. Zorro (here a 1930s descendant) also appears in the 2013 Dynamite eight-issue limited seriesMasksalongside theGreen HornetandKato,The Shadow,andThe Spider.It was written byChris Robersonwith art byAlex RossandDennis Calero.

Dynamite Entertainment also published a seven-issue series titledDjango/Zorrobetween November 2014 and May 2015, teaming Zorro with the character Django Freeman fromQuentin Tarantino's movieDjango Unchained(2012). The series was co-written by Tarantino and Matt Wagner, with art by Esteve Polls.

In 2018, American Mythology took the license, launched the seriesZorro Legendary Adventures,written by Jean-Marie Nadaud and drawn by Robert Rigotand limited seriesZorro: Swords of Hell,written by David Avallone and illustrated by Roy Allan Martinez.The company has since released crossovers featuring Zorro with their other licensed properties, namelyZorro in the Land that Time Forgotfeaturing Diego De La Vega accompanying an expedition to the lost world ofCaspakfrom theEdgar Rice Burroughsnovels.

In 2020, the French publisherDargaudlaunchedDon Vegaby Pierre Alary.

In 2023, it was announced thatSean Gordon Murphywould write and illustrate a four-issue miniseries for Massive Publishing entitledZorro: Man of the Dead,set for release in 2024.

Collected editions

Over the years, various English reprint volumes have been published. These include, but are not limited to:

• Zorro in Old California,Eclipse Books 1986.ISBN978-0-913035-12-2Reprinted stories previously published only in Europe, inLe Journal de Mickey.
• Zorro The Complete Classic AdventuresBy Alex Toth. Volume One, Image Comics 1998.ISBN9781582400143
• Zorro The Complete Classic AdventuresBy Alex Toth. Volume Two, Image Comics 1998.ISBN978-1582400273
• Zorro The Dailies – The First YearByDon McGregor,Thomas Yeates.Image Comics2001.ISBN1-58240-239-6
• Alex Toth's Zorro: The Complete Dell Comics Adventures.Hermes Press2013.ISBN978-1613450314
• Zorro: The Complete Dell Pre-Code Comics.Hermes Press 2014.ISBN9781613450666

Stage productions

Approximately 65 separate Zorro live productions have been produced. These have included traditional stage plays, comedies, melodramas, musicals, children's plays, stunt shows, and ballets. Some examples include:

• Ken Hillwrote and directed the musical production of Zorro, which opened on February 14, 1995, at the East Stratford Theater in London. Ken Hill died just days before the opening.
• Alvaro Cervino produced a musical comedy, "Zorro El Musical", in Mexico City, Mexico, in July 1996. Critics called it "a show that captivates audiences both by its performances and above all, by its magnificent musical numbers".
• Michael Nelson wrote a stage adaptation of Zorro for the Birmingham Children's Theater in 1996. Beaufort County Now called it "a fun and fast paced production perfect for children 6 and up." Abe Reybold directed with scenic design by Yoshi Tanokura and costume designs by Donna Meester. Jay Tumminello provided an original score.
• Theater Under the Stars in Houston, Texas, put onZorro, the Musicalas an opera in 1998. It was written and directed by Frank Young and starred Richard White as Zorro.
• Z – The Masked Musicalby Robert W. Cabell was released in 1998 as a CD. The CD premiere with Ruben Gomez (Zorro) and Debbie Gibson (Carlotta) is published as a CD. In 2000, the stage play premiered at the South Eugene High School in Eugene, Oregon, where it had four performances by the amateur group ACE. It was then produced on June 13, 2013, at the Clingenburg Festspiele in Klingenberg am Main, Bavaria, Germany, with Karl Grunewald and Philip Georgopoulos as alternating Zorros, Judith Perez as Carlotta, Daniel Coninx as Governor Juan Carlos, Daniel Pabst as Capitàn Raphaél Ramerez and Christian Theodoridis as Sergeant Santiago Garcia. This production was directed by Marcel Krohn and premiered in the composer's presence.
• In 1999, Anthony Rhine and Joseph Henson wroteZorro Live!,which was performed at the Riverside Light Opera theater.
• In 2000,Fernando Lúpizproduced his first original "Zorro" show. It was such a crowd-pleaser that he mounted a new production thereafter almost annually until 2014. His productions were performed most frequently in arenas, featuring live horses, rousing swordplay, and songs.
• In 2001, the Gaslight Theatre of Tucson, Arizona, reprised its 1994 spoof called "Zerro Rides Again" or "No Arrest for the Wicked". It was described as "full of silly wigs, ridiculous situations, songs that barely fit in, and dialogue so fat with wordplay that it's tough not to love it. 'Zerro' is a chance to laugh yourself silly. Seize it".
• In 2002, playwright Michael Harris wroteThe Legend of Zorro,which has been performed in many high schools.
• In 2002, Luis Alvarez produced hisEl Zorro El Spectaculoat the Teatro Calderon in Madrid, Spain. Critics lauded it, saying, "Manuel Bandera makes the ideal Zorro. We hope he has the stamina necessary to endure the long run this play deserves."
• Michael Smuin's critically lauded modern ballet version ofZorropremiered in the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco in 2003. ComposerCharles Foxprovided the score, and Matthew Robbins wrote the libretto. Ann Beck was the costume designer, and Douglas W. Schmidt was the set designer. Smuin himself choreographed with Fight Director Emeritus Richard Lane as Fencing Master.
• Culture Clash'sZorro in Hellopened in 2005 in the Berkeley Repertory Theater, then in 2006 in theLa Jolla Playhouseand the Montalban Theater in Los Angeles.Zorro In Hellwas written and performed by Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas, and Herbert Siguenza. Culture Clash used the legend of Zorro as a lens to examine California's cultural, economic, and historical issues. TheLA Timescalled it "a zany bicultural send-up of California history."
• Award-winning playwright Bernardo Solano wrote a modern adaptation of Zorro for TheatreWorks at the University of Colorado in 2007. Robert Castro directed, and Justin Huen starred as Zorro. The Denver Post called the production "a fresh take" and "a formula other companies should emulate."
• In Uppsala, Sweden,Erik Norbergwrote a Zorro stage adaptation for the Stadsteatern Theatre, directed by Alexander Oberg, starring Danilo Bejarano as Zorro. The production opened in 2008.
• A musical titledZorroopened in theWest End of Londonin 2008. It was written byHelen Edmundsonand Stephen Clark, with music by theGipsy KingsandJohn Cameron,and directed byChristopher Renshaw.It was nominated for 5 Oliviers, including Best Musical.It has since enjoyed professional productions in Tokyo, Paris, Amsterdam, Moscow, Prague, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Shanghai, São Paulo and elsewhere. The US premiere production took place in 2012 at Hale Centre Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a further production at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta, Georgia, where it won five awards, including Best Musical.
• The Scottish children's theater troupe Visible Fictions put on a touring production ofThe Mask of Zorroin 2009. Davey Anderson wrote the script, and Douglas Irvine directed it. Robin Peoples designed the sets, whichThe New York Timescalled "a triumph."
• Lifehouse Theater, a Redlands, CA-based company, put on 'Zorro,written and scored by Wayne Scott. Zorro opened in 2009.
• In 2012, Janet Allard and Eleanor Holdridge produced and directedZorroat theConstellation Theatrein Washington, DC. Holdridge directed, and Danny Gavigan played Zorro.The Washington Postsaid of the production, "Constellation augments its classical thrust in a thoughtful way with 'Zorro,' which continues the company's laudable efforts at delivering intimate theater with high standards for design."
• In 2012, Medina Produzioni, based in Rome, Italy, produced its musical, "W Zorro il Musical – liberamente ispirato alla storia di William Lamport" in numerous theatres throughout Italy.
• The Oregon-based ballet troupeBallet FantastiqueproducedZorro: The Balletas an opener to their 2013 season. Eugene Weekly called the ballet a "zesty, fresh, fantastic treat."
• Elenco Produções produced its musical, "Zorro", in Porto, Portugal, in 2013.

Music

On the commercial release of theZorro1957 Disney TV series' Zorro theme, the lead vocal was byHenry Calvin,the actor who played Sergeant Garcia on the program. The song was written byJimmie Dodd.

The Chordettessang the single version of the song, complete with the "Sounds of the Z" and the clip-clopping of Zorro's horse, which is heard at the song's end. The song hit Number 17 in 1958, according to the Billboard Charts.

In 1964,Henri Salvadorsang "Zorro est arrivé." It tells from a child's point of view how exciting it is whenever a villain threatens to kill a lady in the television series. But every time again, to his relief, the "great and beautiful" Zorro comes to the rescue. An early music video was made at the time.

Alice Cooper's 1982 albumZipper Catches Skinincludes the song "Zorro's Ascent", which is about Zorro facing his death.

The 1999 song "El Corona" bySuburban Legendstells the story of "Don Diego", the "hombre en negro" ( "man in black" ), a "tall Spaniard with a sharp sword" who was "down and out in LA" and defending the people from an unnamed corrupt ruler.

Video games

• Zorro(1985),Apple II,Atari 8-bit computers,Commodore 64,Amstrad CPC
• Zorro(1986),ZX Spectrum
• Zorro(1995),MS-DOS
• The Mask of Zorro(1999),Game Boy Color
• The Shadow of Zorro(2001),Windows,PlayStation 2
• The Destiny of Zorro(2008),Wii
• Zorro: Quest for Justice(2009),Nintendo DS
• There is a Zorro themedpoker machineat gaming establishments inAustraliaandNew Zealand.
• Zorro is Morgana's Persona inPersona 5(2017) and its revised version, Persona 5 Royal. In the latter, Diego, the real identity of the character, manifests as Morgana's third awakening Persona during the game's third semester.
• In the 2017 mobile appSouth Park: Phone Destroyer,the card Swordsman Garrison sees Mr. Garrison dressed up as Zorro.
• Zorro appears as a paid DLC Guest Fighter inGo All Out!,Windows,
• Zorro: The Chronicles(2022),Windows,Xbox,Nintendo Switch,PlayStation

Role-playing games

• In July 2001, the Gold Rush Games publishedThe Legacy of Zorro Introductory Adventure Game(ISBN1-890305-26-X) by Mark Arsenault forFuzion.
• In January 2019, Gallant Knight Games usedcrowdfundingplatformKickstarterto finance the gameZorro: The Roleplaying Gamefor theD6 System.

See also

• Gentleman thief

Bibliography

• Andes, Stephen Joseph Carl (2020).Zorro's Shadow: How a Mexican Legend Became America's First Superhero.Chicago Review Press.
• Andrae, Thomas (1983).Creators Of The Superheroes.Hermes Press.ISBN978-193256326-9.
• Curtis, Sandra (1998).Zorro Unmasked: The Official History.Hyperion.ISBN978-0-7868-8285-4.
• Yenne, Bill (1991).The Legend of Zorro.Mallard Press.ISBN978-0-7924-5547-9.

External links

• Zorro Productions, Inc.
• A guide to the Walt Disney television series version ofZorro
• A comprehensive guide to the New WorldZorrotelevision series
• The Legacy of the Fox: A Chronology of Zorro
• ZorroatInducks
• Don Diego de la Vegaat theINDUCKS