1. He's older than Superman.

The Lone Ranger premiered in January 1933 on WXYZ in Detroit, meaning the character celebrates his 80th birthday this year. Superman, by contrast, did not make his debut until 1938.

The character was the brainchild of station owner George Trendle and writers James Jewell and Fran Striker. The idea was, play off the popularity of cowboys but add elements of Zorro and Robin Hood to the story. From the beginning, Ranger was to be a wholesome hero who didn't drink or smoke, did not use violence recklessly and would be a role model.