In 1919, the superhero western character, Zorro, made an appearance. First, in a folktale and later in many movies, series, toys, and comics. Then, in 1933, The Lone Ranger first aired as a radio program but is most widely known for the television series with the same name. The Lone Ranger also told the story of a superhero western character. Both The Lone Ranger and Zorro show incredible similarities and often get mixed up because of this. Through this blog post, we will mention Zorro and Lone Ranger differences. We will go into the storyline of each character as well as the reasons the two are so similar. Follow along in this blog post to get to know these popular characters and learn about the differences between Zorro and The Lone Ranger.
Follow Along Through Zorro and Lone Ranger Differences
Join us as we dive into the western world of superheroes through Zorro and Lone Ranger differences. These two characters and storylines clearly spiked to popularity throughout the years and appear very similar. We hope to clear that up through this article and jump into the western lifestyle of the 20th century superheroes.
Zorro
The fictional character, Zorro, created in 1919 by Johnston McCulley appeared in novels, movies, television series, comics, and many other types of media. The storyline sets place in the Pueblo of Los Angeles in upper California (Alta California). Zorro appears in more than 40 different movies and 10 different television series, making him widely known with fans over many years.
Who is Zorro?
The storyline begins with the protagonist, Don Diego de la Vega, who became the masked vigilante named Zorro. In the story, Don Alejandro de la Vega, the widowed father of Diego de la Vega, was the richest land owner of California. After moving from Spain where he learned swordsmanship, Zorro then takes matters into his own hands to defend indigenous peoples and commoners of California against cruel enemies and villains. He not only specializes in acrobats but also weapons as seen by his initial ‘Z’ marked into objects and defeated villains. Zorro’s iconic signature look includes an all black costume with a cape, hat, and mask. Zorro also frequently accompanies his trusty black horse named Tornado.
In attempt to hide his identity, Zorro hides out at his father’s massive property. Through tunnels and passages, Zorro keeps his top secret cave which he uses for both his operations and hiding his horse. Also to hide his identity, he comes off as timid and hides his fighting abilities when seen as Diego. With his horse by his side and sword in his hand, Zorro successfully fights crime and keeps the people in California from harm.
Zorro Films
America
Beginning one year after the creation of the character Zorro, the first film released titled The Mark of Zorro in 1920. Along with this American film, 11 other films featuring Zorro released in America. Of these, Don Q, Son of Zorro (1925) and The Bold Caballero (1936) began the character’s popularity. Zorro’s Fighting Legion (1939), the Mark of Zorro (1940), and The Sign of Zorro (1958) followed next. After these, Zorro the Avenger (1959)(1962) and The Mark of Zorro (1964) came out. Lastly, Zorro the Gay Blade (1981), The Mask of Zorro (1998), and The Legend of Zorro (2005) released in America.
Europe
As well as the American films, 15 European Zorro films (three more than America) also released. The first of these, In the Way of Zorro released in 1926. The Dream of Zorro (1952), Lawless Mountain (1953), and Zorro at the Spanish Court (1962) released next. Following these were: Zorro the Avenger (1962), The Shadow of Zorro (1962), and The Three Swords of Zorro (1963). The next ones to release were: Zorro and the Three Musketeers (1963) and Samson and the Slave Queen (1963). Duel at the Rio Grande (1963), Behind the Mask of Zorro (1965), Zorro the Rebel (1966), and El Zorro (1968) came out next. The last two films to release in Europe were The Nephews of Zorro (1968) and Zorro Marchese Di Navarra. In addition to the Zorro films, productions in Europe also made films for a similar character named the Coyote.
Mexico, Turkey, Japan, and India
Although the films mainly released in Europe and America, Zorro showed popularity all around the world. Mexican films, Turkey films, Japanese films, and Indian films also released. The Mexican films released were: El Nieto Del Zorro (1948), La Gran Aventura Del Zorro (1974), The Black Wolf (1981), and Revenge of the Black Wolf (1981). The Turkey Film, Zorro Kamcili Suvari, released in 1969. The Indian film, titled Zorro, released in 1975. Lastly, the Japanese film, The Legend of Zorro, released in 1996.
Zorro Television Series
Along with many longer films, many television series released for the stealthy western superhero, Zorro. The first of these series came out back in 1957, titled Zorro. Walt Disney Studios produced this live action series that released from 1957-1959 and ran for 78 episodes. The next series, The New Adventures of Zorro of 1981 featured 13 animated episodes. Another live action series released in 1983, Zorro and Son, featured 5 comedic episodes. Also a live action series, New World Zorro, came out next and released 88 episodes from 1989-1994. The Legend of Zorro (1992) produced by Mondo, an Italian producer out of Rome, contains 52 animated episodes.
Next, Zorro the animated series of 1997 also aired with 26 episodes and was produced by Warner Bros, Fred Wolf Films, and Harvest Entertainment. Now entering the 21st century, Zorro the Sword and the Rose (2007) featured 122 live action episodes. Another 21st century series, Zorro: Generation Z, came out in 2008 and included 26 animated episodes. In 2015, Zorro the Chronicles became the first Zorro animated series produced in CGI and HD. The final and most recent series, Zorro, premiered on Amazon Prime on January 19, 2024. From 1957 to present day, Zorro continues to grow a fanbase of many generations through these television series.
The Lone Ranger
We will now dive into the background and storyline of The Lone Ranger to point out Zorro and Lone Ranger differences. The character, John Reid, appears as the Lone Ranger first in 1933 through a radio show on WXYZ Detroit. George W. Trendle and Fran Striker created this program and it proved to be an immediate success as it then moved to ABC as a television series.
Who is The Lone Ranger?
The story of The Lone Ranger begins with the Texas ranger, John Reid, traveling with his brother, Dan Reid, and four other rangers. These rangers set out to find a group of harmful outlaws led by the character, Butch Cavendish. As the rangers continued on their journey, a tracker of Cavendish named Collins led the group to the end of a canon where Cavendish and his men waited in ambush. Cavendish’s plan consisted of open firing until all 6 men were dead. Unfortunately, Cavendish successfully killed 5 men but John Reid remained as the only survivor. Shortly after the ambush, a trusted friend from John’s youth, Tonto, found him and nursed him back to health. Tonto gave John the nickname “kemo sabe” or “trusted friend/scout” when they were younger and now gives him the nickname “lone ranger” as he remains the only ranger standing.
In order to trick Cavendish and his men, John digs six graves while only burying the other five rangers so Cavendish won’t know he survived. Still determined to bring justice to Cavendish and his men, John Reid decides to leave his name and identity behind. He now becomes known as the Lone Ranger and makes a mask out of his brother’s cloth vest to conceal his identity. After finding a retired ranger, Jim, to work him and his brother’s mine for him, John sets out on his white horse, Silver, for the first time as the Lone Ranger. At first, the Lone Ranger takes on an outlaw image to make it easier to capture Cavendish’s men. Even through this, though, Tonto and the Lone Ranger were often recognized as heroes and champions of justice while helping anyone they could along the way.
Lone Ranger Films
The Lone Ranger, John Reid, appears in multiple films from 1938 until present day 21st century. Although the Lone Ranger does not appear in quite as many films as Zorro, he still holds high popularity throughout many decades.
The first Lone Ranger movie to release was titled The Lone Ranger and came out as a live action 1hr. 26 min. movie in 1938. Following this one, The Lone Ranger Rides Again in 1939 serves as a sequel to the previous film. After these two, The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1952), The Lone Ranger Rides Again (1955), and The Lone Ranger (1956) released. Next, The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold (1958), Return of the Lone Ranger (1961), and The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981) all came out. Finally, the last two movies released in the 21st century: The Lone Ranger (2003) and The Lone Ranger (2013).
Lone Ranger series
Continuing on to see more Lone Ranger and Zorro differences, we move on to the television series. The Lone Ranger 1949 series spiked the most popularity for the character and ran for 8 years. The series released from 1980 to 1982 and even featured both The Lone Ranger and Zorro. Among these, an animated Lone Ranger series also released.
1949 Series
This first Lone Ranger American western live action television series aired on ABC from September 15, 1949 to June 6, 1957. The series, created by Fran Striker and George W. Trendle, featured Clayton Moore as John Reid (for every season except season three with John Hart due to a contract dispute) and Jay Silverheels as Tonto. During the time of it’s airing, The Lone Ranger series quickly became the highest-rated program on ABC in the early 1950s. This series consisted of 221 episodes throughout 5 seasons. The first four seasons appeared in black and white with the fifth final season appearing in color.
1966 Series
Then, the first animated adaptation of The Lone Ranger released in 1966 and ran for 3 years on CBS. The series, produced by Herb Klynn and Jules Engel spanned for 26 episodes. Many of these episodes then separated into two or three mini episodes, each lasting about 7 minutes. Along with the design by Halas and Batchelor Cartoon Film Studios’ design, Tom Bailey, Ted Petengel. and Chris Miles set the graphic style and design for the background.
1980 Tarzan/ Lone Ranger/ Zorro Adventure Hour
Another animated Lone Ranger television series came out in 1980 and released 2 seasons of 28 episodes over the span of two years, ending January 30, 1982. The Tarzan/ Lone Ranger/ Zorro Adventure Hour series began with reruns of Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle and then incorporated Filmation’s versions of The Lone Ranger before adding in Zorro during season two. It was during this time of collaboration that they retitled the series and CBS later returned the show after it’s cancelation for seven months in 1984.
Final Thoughts on The Lone Ranger and Zorro Differences
Although the two characters come off as incredibly similar, there are many clear differences. Since both The Lone Ranger and Zorro ride a horse, fight for good under a disguise, wear a mask, and incorporate western elements, they often get mistaken for each other. Zorro rides a black horse named Tornado while The Lone Ranger rides a white horse named Silver. Zorro comes from Spanish descent while The Lone Ranger comes from American descent. Although The Lone Ranger also released in different languages, many of the Zorro movies released entirely in different languages from many different countries. Gabriel Industries released toys for both The Lone Ranger and Zorro. The Lone Ranger action figures first released in 1973, while the Zorro action figures released based off of the television cartoon in 1982.
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Chris Ingledue
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Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab Pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!