A look back at Eminem’s old sketches of clas...

The internet has rediscovered Eminem’s old sketches of classic Marvel Comics superheroes. For many, his influence on hip hop music is enough to practically make Eminem a superhero of the rap genre. However, his avid appreciation of superheroes and comic books, as well as his impact on them, is too prevalent to overlook.

Reddit user GAMMAGREEN62 recently unearthed drawings that were originally released in Eminem’s 2009 autobiography, The Way I Am. Among these drawings – which also include depictions of the likes of Tupac and 50 Cent – are Marvel superheroes. In it, readers can find old sketches penned by Eminem of Wolverine, Spider-Man, Captain America, the Hulk, and Iron Man. Hulk and Wolverine’s depictions in particular draw inspiration from the respective cover art for The Incredible Hulk #307 and the Wizard Special Edition of Wolverine #1/2.

These sketches remind readers of Eminem’s art talents, as well as his influence on comic books (and vice versa).

Comics Have Strongly Influenced Eminem

Eminem’s Music is Filled with Marvel References

It’s no secret that Eminem’s music, style, lyricism, and visuals are all heavily influenced by superhero culture and comic books. His Rap Boy costume, inspired by Robin’s costume and first featured in the “Without Me” music video, has become an iconic part of Slim Shady’s lore, so much so that he pulls it back from out the closet in his recent “Houdini” music video. He’s gone on record telling fans that Spider-Man is his favorite superhero. Meanwhile, many of his songs – “Venom,” “Rap God,” and “On Fire” are just some examples – are littered with Marvel references.

By the same sword, comics – those from Marvel in particular – have been influenced by Eminem himself. Most notably, Eminem’s presence in pop culture became large enough in the 2000s to spawn a team-up with The Punisher. Yes, that means that, canonically, Marshall Mathers is an official character in the Marvel Universe, and can be technically considered a Marvel superhero. That would not be his last appearance in Marvel Comics, as he’d later make a celebrity guest appearance at the Hellfire Gala.

Eminem’s Comic Book Impact is Unmatched

Could a Comic Writing Credit Be on the Horizon?

  The comic book medium is one that has given greatly to Eminem and one that Eminem has given back to in return. It’s surprising to think that he doesn’t have any comic book credits as a writer or artist to his name, though let’s not rule that out completely just yet, as it could happen any day now knowing how passionate he is about the medium. His impact on rap culture is undeniable, but it’s evident from his Marvel Comics drawings that Eminem shares just as much adoration and respect for comic book culture.

The internet has rediscovered Eminem’s old sketches of classic Marvel Comics superheroes. For many, his influence on hip hop music is enough to practically make Eminem a superhero of the rap genre. However, his avid appreciation of superheroes and comic books, as well as his impact on them, is too prevalent to overlook.