After reading one too many chivalric novels, Alonso Quijano, citizen of a small town in La Mancha, Spain, is inspired to take the name Don Quixote and become a knight, a new champion of honor and chivalry. Dressed in antiquated armor, he recruits a simple farmer, Sancho Panza, as his squire and sets off in search of adventure. Delusional, the knight has many misadventures, famously attacking a windmill, imagining it to be a dragon. Alonso also imagines his neighbor, Aldonza Lorenzo, to be a princess named “Dulcinea del Toboso.” He decides that “Dulcinea” is the most beautiful woman in the world and his one true love, though she actually knows nothing about him. Don Quixote is usually depicted as old, delusional and ridiculous, often causing more problems then he solves. However, he is very bold, chivalrous, determined, and eager to prove himself. He would not back down from a fight (especially if innocents were in jeopardy), though he was not a particularly skilled fighter. He wears a knight’s armor, and usually carries a knight’s weapons, including a sword, lance and shield.
Creators/Key ContributorsGustave Doré, Gustave Doré, Miguel de Cervantes
First Appearance The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha (1605)
First Publisher Francisco de Robles
Appearance List Literature: The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha (1605) by Miguel de Cervantes, Part 2 (1614) by Alonso Fernández de Avellaneda, Part 2 (1615) by Miguel de Cervantes, Vida de Don Quijote y Sancho (1914) by Miguel de Unamuno. Film: Don Quixote (1906), Don Chisciotte (1911), Don Quixote (1915). Comics: Wonderworld Comics #4 (August 1939), Wonder Comics #2 (June 1939), Samson #2 (December 1940-January 1941), Jumbo Comics #32 (October 1941), Giggle Comics #57 (September 1948), Classics Illustrated #11 – Don Quixote (May 1960).
Description After reading one too many chivalric novels, Alonso Quijano, citizen of a small town in La Mancha, Spain, is inspired to take the name Don Quixote and become a knight, a new champion of honor and chivalry. Dressed in antiquated armor, he recruits a simple farmer, Sancho Panza, as his squire and sets off in search of adventure. Delusional, the knight has many misadventures, famously attacking a windmill, imagining it to be a dragon. Alonso also imagines his neighbor, Aldonza Lorenzo, to be a princess named “Dulcinea del Toboso.” He decides that “Dulcinea” is the most beautiful woman in the world and his one true love, though she actually knows nothing about him. Don Quixote is usually depicted as old, delusional and ridiculous, often causing more problems then he solves. However, he is very bold, chivalrous, determined, and eager to prove himself. He would not back down from a fight (especially if innocents were in jeopardy), though he was not a particularly skilled fighter. He wears a knight’s armor, and usually carries a knight’s weapons, including a sword, lance and shield.
