With "The Beatles: Rock Band" hitting shelves today and creating a lot of buzz around the InterWebs and gaming scene, we figured it was a good time to take a look at the Fab Four's contributions to the comics world, too.
The Beatles' song catalog has a home deep in the heart of pop culture on both sides of the Atlantic, so it's appropriate that American and British comics creators alike have seen fit to give them cameos in some of the most celebrated series of all time. Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison and many more have integrated their lyrics, haircuts and mythology into their stories, and the following five issues showcase how diverse those appearances have been:
"HERBIE" #5 (1964): For anyone who doesn't understand how well Herbie Popnecker captured the spirit of his times in glorious, hilariously surreal superhero form, look no further than this issue's story "Herbie, Boy 'Beetle!'" where Herbie gets a call from the United Nations to save India from a Communist threat. Of course the quest leads him to a "Beetles" concert (yes, that's how they spelled it) and he fulfills his destiny as a rock star. (For more on "Herbie," check out "Adapt This!")
"SANDMAN" #12 (1990): Though it's a brief and fuzzy appearance, The Beatles' "Sandman" cameo earned them a spot in one of comics' canonical titles. When Lyta descends the winding stairs of the Dream Dome, the TV screens behind her display such visual cultural artifacts as the iconic "Watchmen" button, Mount Rushmore and a scratchy glimpse of the band behind her.
"METAL MEN" #12 (1965): In the world of the Metal Men, Doc Magnus' group of heroes turned out to be bigger than The Beatles, who fawned over them like legends. Ringo even holds up his kick drum and asks them to sign it, which they graciously consent to do. Gold, Iron and Mercury all jump in quite eagerly to oblige him.
"THE INVISIBLES" #1 (1994): John Lennon, his lyrics and the famous green Beatles apple appeared in Grant Morrison and Steve Yeowell's psychedelic tribute story "Dead Beatles." They show up in King Mob's "sacramental LSD" vision, which Morrison renders in his typical "just swallow it and enjoy the moment" style of delivery.
"STRANGE TALES" #130 (1965): Human Torch and The Thing got official Fab Four hairdos for this excellent vintage cover. Though their girlfriends Alicia and Dorrie turned out to be the ones actually meeting The Beatles. John, Paul, George and Ring walk right by the ladies and appear to check them out—little did the the band know about their super-powered boyfriends.
Miss any of your favorite Beatles cameos in comics? Let us know what you think in the comment section or on Twitter!