Assault On The Senses - Silver Age Comics References

Silver Age Comics References

In the Sept. 2007 (issue 1633) edition of Comics Buyer's Guide, columnist Beau Smith reviewed a copy of Assault on the Senses with positive reviews pointing out, "there is a very cool tint of homage to the Silver Age of comics in this story, and if you're a master of comic trivia like Mark Waid or Peter David you may just figure it out."

The following are some of the comic book references discovered:

• Kalvin L. Gray's name is a take off of Superman's original Kryptonian name, Kal-El. Kalvin, who's referred to by his friends as "Kal," has the middle initial "L." In other words, Kal L. Gray.

• Several of the main characters that play a pivotal part to the story share a name, characteristics or both with many characters in Superman mythology. Luther, the president of the university and an antagonist in the story, obviously shares a name with Lex Luthor, Superman's nemesis. He's also described in the novel as being bald and looking similar to Gene Hackman, who played the villain in the original Superman films. Lana, Kalvin's close friend, shares a name and timid, caring nature with the Superman character Lana Lang. Katie's character, though not shown through her name, is an ambitious, sexy news reporter similar to Lois Lane.

• Kalvin's three roommates—Barry, Jay and Wally—share names with the three most popular alter egos of The Flash. Each character in Assault on the Senses has similar personalities as the Flash character with whom they share their namesake. Jay is the most mature and "grown up" of the three, like the Flash character Jay Garrick. Barry is the most sound-minded and most willing to dispense logic, like the Flash character Barry Allen. Finally, Wally is the youngest and most impulsive of the household, like the character Wally West.

• There's a character in the book names Hal, who is presumably named after "Hal Jordan," the alter ego of the Green Lantern, despite the fact that there are no similarities in the characters.

• Throughout the book, there are references to popular Marvel Comics creators as well. One of the buildings at Berkshire University is named "Stanley Hall," a nod to Marvel writer and creator Stan Lee. One of the professors who teaches at the university is named "Dr. Romita," a clear nod to artist John Romita, Sr. or possibly his son, artist John Romita, Jr. The Marvel Comics character Spider-Man is also referenced at one point, when Kalvin tells Katie that as a child he wanted to grow up to be the wall-crawler.