Consider Trying Out... The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

One of my first crushes as a young girl was Sir Percy Blakeney. I think that Sir Percy is one of the archetypal males that has impacted more creatives than you think! Watch to find out who was particularly inspired by the titular hero, and why you should try this short novel out for yourself!

[@TheNigel01]

I think that, back then, only the nobility knew how to read, and had the time to do so, which is why they only wrote books for them.
Also, It was probably one of the first books with a male superhero oriented towards a female audience.
The way you explained it, It reminds me of that one scene from Shrek when they sing the "I Need a Hero".

[@chiekokurokumo]

Very much so! And it's fascinating that it was a play first, novel second! This gives it a more energized feel despite the older language forms used. The novel itself is quite slim! Probably the equivalent of a novel adaptation of a superhero film script. :)

[@epiccthulu]

Its very interesting, I wouldn’t have known the connection to Batman given the cover. But hey, shouldn’t judge a book by them anyway

[@chiekokurokumo]

I too was surprised to hear that Stan Lee was inspired by Orczy! But it kinda makes sense! Lots of creatives are inspired by each other. :)