Join us in a Retrospective of Zorro. The franchise begins in 1919 when Johnston McCulley created this incredible superhero western character. Zorro first appeared in All-Story Weekly in August of 1919. This masked, swordsman vigilante in the Pueblo of Los Angeles in Alta California appears in many stories across practically every form of media for over a century. Inspired by the 19th century outlaw, Joaquin Murrieta, during the California Gold Rush of the early 1850s, Zorro defends the poor and victimized. With his trusty horse, Tornado, Zorro “The Fox” takes on many adventures.
The story of Zorro begins with Don Diego de la Vega, who became the masked character, Zorro. Don Diego de la Vega was the son of Don Alejandro de la Vega, widowed yet the richest land owner in California. Since moving from Spain, Zorro takes matters into his own hands to learn swordsmanship. He uses this skill to defend indigenous peoples and commoners against enemies and villains in California. Although his identity remains hidden by the community, Zorro leaves his initial ‘Z’ into objects and defeated villains to leave his mark. With his easily recognizable appearance, Zorro always appears in his signature all black mask, cape, and hat.
Join Us in a Retrospective of Zorro
From 1919 to present day, the character Zorro appears in numerous books, movies, television series, comics, toys, and video games. This well-known masked vigilante uses his sword and disguise, with his horse at his side, to fight off crime and keep the people in California from harm. Follow along in our Retrospective of Zorro to see more.
Zorro Books and Stories
First up on our Retrospective of Zorro, we have the books. Since the first Zorro story, The Curse of Capistrano, more than 60 other stories feature this masked vigilante. The Curse of Capistrano appeared in All-Story weekly magazine in 1919 and later reconstructed and re-published with the title, The Mark of Zorro. After this, McCulley also wrote The Further Adventures of Zorro (1922), Zorro Rides Again (1931), and The Sign of Zorro (1941). In between these three stories McCulley also wrote many novels and stories that didn’t feature Zorro as the main character. Then, from 1944 to 1951, a total of 53 short stories released in every issue of pulp West Magazine. Another story released in Max Brand’s Western Magazine in 1954. In 1959, the final Zorro story by McCulley came out in Short Story Magazine after his death. A Task for Zorro also released in 1947.
These books and stories not only starred the heroic character in many different adventures over decades, but also began the rest of the franchise. The 1919 original Zorro story sparked movies, television series, comics, video games, toys, and more!
Zorro Films
The Zorro films come next on this Retrospective of Zorro. Over forty Zorro films released all around the world, making this character incredibly well known and popular. From 1920-2005, a total of twelve Zorro films released in America. Six Mexican films released as well from 1948-1974. Two more Mexican films released in 1981 and featured a similar character “The Black Wolf”. A Total of fifteen European films released from 1926-1969. Some European films also featured a similar character called the Coyote. One Zorro film came out in 1969 in Turkey and one film also released in India in 1975. Lastly, one Japanese Zorro film came out in 1996 with both a Japanese voice and an American voice.
With the long list of Zorro films, many actors take on the role of Zorro throughout the years. Some of these actors include: Frank Langella, Antonio Banderas, George Hamilton, Tyrone Power, and Douglas Fairbanks. Along with these, Sean Connery, John Carroll, Duncan Regehr, German Valdes, and Reed Hadley also starred as Zorro among others.
Zorro Comic Books
The comic books appear next on our Retrospective of Zorro. Since the 1940s, Zorro has appeared in many comics worldwide. Released by a wide variety of popular publishing companies, the stories of Zorro through comic books bring his adventures to readers for generations. Zorro Man of the Dead comics released by Massive Comics group in 2024. This comic series features a modern reimagining of the original Zorro story told for decades. American Mythology not only released one comic series, but six. Each of these comic series features special artist covers for each issue as well as both classic Zorro tales and never-before-seen stories. Zorro: Swords of Hell, Zorro: Legendary Adventures, Zorro: Sacrilige, Zorro: Masters- Alex Toth Volume 1, Zorro: Rise of the Old Gods, and AM Archives: Mark of Zorro #1 all released from American Mythology.
Dynamite Entertainment, the publishing company of Dynamic Forces, also released many series of Zorro comic books. These include: Django/Zorro, Zorro Series, Zorro Rides Again, Death of Zorro: Zorro and the Lone Ranger, Matanzas Republication, Masks, and Lady Rawhide.
Zorro Television Series
Not only did Zorro appear in many movies and stories across multiple decades but he also appeared in many live action and animated television series. The first Zorro television series ran from 1957-1959. This live action series released by Disney and starred Guy Williams. The series consisted of seventy-eight episodes and released in black and while, but later colorized and distributed by Buena Vista. The New Adventures of Zorro distributed by Entertainment Rights in London. This thirteen episode animated series featured the voice of Henry Darrow as Zorro and was produced by Filmation in 1981. Zorro and Son featured a comedic live action version of the popular masked swordsman superhero. Walt Disney Studios produced this five episode series in 1983, starring Henry Darrow as Zorro and Paul Regina as his son.
The next series to release, New World Zorro, featured eighty-eight episodes of live action adventures. This series ran from 1989-1994 and starred Duncan Regehr. Then, in 1992, fifty-two episodes of the animated series, The Legend of Zorro, released by Mondo TV in Rome. Later, in 1997, Zorro the Animated Series came out by Warner Bros. and consisted of twenty-six episodes. On Nickelodeon, The Amazing Zorro animated series came out in 2002. Zorro, The Sword and The Rose live action series then came out in 2007. Generation Z included twenty-six episodes of Zorro animation and came out in 2008. The animated Zorro the Chronicles came out in 2015. Lastly, the live action Zorro series premiered on Amazon Prime in 2024.
Zorro Toys
The toys take the next spot on our Retrospective of Zorro. Gabriel toys first released a line of figures in 1981 and Disney released many toys after their show’s release. Along with these, Ron Barzso, Michigan Toy Soldier Company, Marx Toys, and Blitzway all came out with Zorro toys and playsets. First up, in 1981, Gabriel released their line of 3 3/4 inch Zorro toys. These toys not only featured the loved character but also three others and two horses. The line includes the characters Zorro, Amigo, Sergeant Gonzales, and Captain Raman. The two horses in the line include Tempest and Picaro. Walt Disney also released many toys for the franchise, including their wind-up Zorro.
Along with this, many playsets came out. One of these, the Barzso Zorro playset, released in 2009. This epic playset included an entire courtyard and many figures with accessories to recreate favorite Zorro scenes with many fun-filled play abilities. Then, in 2010, Michigan Toy Soldier Company released their 2 1/4 inch metal figure. This incredibly detailed Zorro figure features the masked character in his signature all black look. With his sword up and cape blowing behind him, this figure shows his heroic reputation. Lastly, in 2019, Blitzway released their $280 USD super realistic 29cm figure. This figure takes the likeness of Antonio Banderas as Zorro with an interchangeable masked head and unmasked head. Zorro also comes with interchangeable hands and many accessories. With over 30 points of articulation, this figure allows for many possible epic poses.
Zorro Video Games
Lastly, on our Retrospective of Zorro, we have the video games. From 1985 to present day, a total of 7 video games released for the franchise. The first game, Zorro by Datasoft, released on Amstrad CPC, Apple 2, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, as well as the Atari 8-bit. Also in 1985, another Zorro titled game released for the Microsoft PC. Then, in 2000, The Mask of Zorro game released for the Gameboy Color. This game followed the events and characters of the movie with the same name. The Shadow of Zorro game released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2 and PC.
Then, seven years later in 2009, The Destiny of Zorro came out for the Wii. This game draws inspiration from different cultures in the early 1800s as it’s set in the coast and desert landscape of Spanish California. With the same publisher of The Destiny of Zorro, this DS game also released in 2009 with the title Zorro: Quest for Justice. Also, on the cover, this DS game features the same artwork of Zorro in fighting action defending with his sword. Lastly, Zorro: The Chronicles game released in 2022 for many different platforms. The PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox series S/X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Google Stadia all hold the ability to play this Zorro game. Released by Nacon, this game features a modern twist on the story with Zorro’s twin sister, Ines.
Final Thoughts
For over a century, Zorro the superhero masked vigilante has brought life and adventure to people all over the world. Throughout many forms of media for decades, these stories cover many generations and continue to bring nostalgia to those young and old. Since 1919, Zorro has taken on many criminals and battles. His iconic character showcases the heroic ability to stand up and fight against harm. With new versions of this character continuing to release, Zorro will surely be around for many years to come.
Do You have Old And Used Zorro Toys?
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Made in Collaboration with:
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!