Introduction
In today's fashion landscape, the influence of celebrities is undeniable. Celebrities set trends that inspire people worldwide, from red-carpet events to casual street style. One fashion item that has gained immense popularity among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts is the Fear of God hoodie. This article will explore what Fear of God Essentials Hoodies are, why they are worth considering, and how to style them to achieve the coveted celebrity look.

What is Fear of God Hoodies?

Fear of God Essentials Hoodies is premium-quality garments known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Jerry Lorenzo, the founder of the Fear of God fashion label, designs these hoodies. They feature a distinct blend of streetwear aesthetics and high-end fashion elements, making them a favorite choice among style-conscious individuals.
Fear of God hoodies are crafted using top-notch materials such as high-quality cotton, polyester blends, and sometimes even luxurious fabrics like cashmere. The hoodies come in various styles, including oversized fits, cropped lengths, and zip-up designs. They often feature signature design elements like elongated sleeves, double-layered hoods, and unique logo detailing.

Why Should You Get the Celebrity Look?

Celebrity fashion has a significant impact on the choices people make regarding their style. Adopting the celebrity look can enhance your confidence and express your individuality through fashion. Fear of God Essentials Hoodie allow you to emulate your favorite celebrities' style, whether a casual streetwear vibe or a more dressed-up ensemble.
When you wear a Fear of God hoodie, you not only align yourself with the fashion statements of celebrities but also tap into their aura and charisma. It gives you a sense of belonging to a fashion-forward community where your style choices reflect your awareness of the latest trends.

Finding the Right Fear of God Hoodie

To rock the celebrity look with Fear of God hoodies, finding the perfect one is crucial. Consider the following factors when making your selection:

Sizing and Fit Guide

Fear of God hoodies come in various sizes, from minor to extra-large, to accommodate different body types. It's essential to consult the sizing and fit guide the brand or retailer provides to ensure you choose the right size for a comfortable and flattering fit.

Different Color Options

Fear of God hoodies is available in a wide range of colors, from classic neutrals like black, white, and gray to bold and vibrant shades. Select a color that complements your skin tone and personal style. Experimenting with different hues can add versatility to your wardrobe.

Matching with Other Outfits

Fear of God hoodies is versatile pieces easily styled with various outfits. Consider your existing wardrobe and consider how the hoodie can be paired with different bottoms, such as jeans, joggers, or skirts. opt for complementary colors and textures to create visually appealing and cohesive looks.

How to Style Fear of God Hoodies

Fear of God hoodies offers endless possibilities for styling. Here are some ideas to help you achieve the celebrity look:

Casual Streetwear Look

Pair your Fear of God hoodie with distressed jeans and sneakers for a relaxed and effortless vibe. Layer it with a denim or bomber jacket for added warmth and style. Complete the look with trendy accessories like a baseball cap or a chain necklace.

Dressing up for Special Occasions

Fear of God hoodies can also be elevated for formal or semi-formal events. Pair a solid-colored hoodie with tailored trousers and dress shoes for a sophisticated ensemble. Add a blazer or a leather jacket for a polished touch. This combination showcases your fashion-forward approach while maintaining a touch of elegance.

Accessorizing Tips

Enhance your Fear of God hoodie outfits with carefully chosen accessories. Opt for a statement watch, stylish sunglasses, or a designer belt to elevate your overall look. Experiment with different accessories to add your flair and create a unique style.

Where to Buy Fear of God Hoodies

Fear of God hoodies can be purchased from various sources. Here are some options:

Official Fear of God Website

The official Fear of God website is the most reliable source to purchase authentic products. It offers a wide range of Fear of God hoodies, ensuring you get the latest designs and styles directly from the brand.

Trusted Online Retailers

Several reputable online retailers specialize in designer fashion and carry Fear of God hoodies. These platforms provide a convenient shopping experience and often offer diverse styles and sizes. Make sure to read customer reviews and check the authenticity of the retailer before making a purchase.

Physical Stores

Certain high-end fashion boutiques and department stores might stock Fear of God hoodies. Check local stores or visit luxury shopping destinations to explore the availability of these coveted hoodies. Trying them in person can help you determine the perfect fit and feel the quality firsthand.

Fear of God Hoodies: Quality and Durability

One of the key reasons to invest in Fear of God hoodies is their exceptional quality and durability. The brand prides itself on its commitment to premium craftsmanship, ensuring that each hoodie is made to last. High-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail result in garments that withstand regular wear and maintain their shape and appearance over time.

Fear of God Hoodies vs. Knockoffs

As Fear of God hoodies' popularity continues To soar, counterfeit products have also flooded the market. It's important to distinguish between genuine Fear of God hoodies and knockoffs to ensure you invest in an authentic piece. Here are some tips to help you identify the real deal:

1. Purchase from authorized retailers: Stick to reputable sellers and authorized retailers to minimize the risk of purchasing counterfeit products. Official brand websites, trusted online platforms, and physical stores endorsed by Fear of God are your best bet.
2. Examine the details: Pay close attention to the details of the hoodie. Genuine Fear of God hoodies features precise stitching, high-quality zippers, and accurate logo placement. Counterfeit versions often exhibit inconsistencies and flaws in these aspects.
3. Check the tags and labels: Authentic Fear of God hoodies come with properly attached and neatly printed tags and labels. Look for official branding, correct spellings, and accurate information. Counterfeit items may have misspelled words, blurry printing, or irregular fonts.
4. Research the logo and design: Familiarize yourself with the official Fear of God logo and design elements. Counterfeit products may have distorted or altered logos, incorrect font styles, or inaccurate proportions.
5. Compare prices: Fear of God hoodies are exceptional designer items, so be cautious if you come across significantly low prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, you're likely dealing with a knockoff.

Remember, purchasing authentic Fear of God hoodies ensures that you get the highest quality, craftsmanship, and longevity that the brand is known for.

Maintenance and Care for Fear of God Hoodies

To keep your Fear of God hoodies in top condition and prolong their lifespan, follow these maintenance and care tips:

1. Follow washing instructions: Refer to the care label on the hoodie for specific washing instructions. Most Fear of God hoodies can be machine washed, but a gentle cycle and cold water are recommended. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach that can damage the fabric.
2. Air dry or low-heat tumble dry: After washing, air dry your hoodie by laying it flat or hanging it on a clothesline. If you prefer using a dryer, set it to a low-heat or delicate cycle to prevent shrinkage or damage.
3. Store properly: Fold your Fear of God hoodie neatly in a clean, dry place. Avoid overcrowding it with other garments to prevent wrinkles or deformities. Store it in a garment bag or a sealed container to protect it from dust and moisture.
4. Repair minor damages: If your Fear of God hoodie experiences minor damages, such as loose threads or tiny tears, consider repairing them promptly. You can use fabric glue or take it to a professional tailor to ensure proper repairs and maintain the garment's integrity.

The Price of Celebrity Fashion

It's no secret that celebrity fashion often comes with a hefty price tag. Fear of God hoodies is no exception. The premium craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and the brand's reputation contribute to their higher price point. However, investing in a fear of God hoodie is an investment in quality and style that will withstand the test of time. Consider it a long-term addition to your wardrobe rather than a fleeting trend.

Fear of God Hoodies: A Unisex Fashion Trend

One of the remarkable aspects of Fear of God hoodies is their gender-neutral appeal. Both men and women can rock these hoodies with confidence. Here are some styling tips for men and women:

Styling Tips for Men

• Pair an oversized Fear of God hoodie with slim-fit jeans and chunky sneakers for an effortlessly cool streetwear look.
• Layer a zip-up Fear of God hoodie over a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers for a sleek and modern outfit.
• Experiment with

Different color combinations and accessories to personalize your Fear of God hoodie outfits.

Styling Tips for Women

• Create a stylish contrast by pairing a cropped Fear of God hoodie with high-waisted jeans or a skirt. Complete the look with ankle boots or sneakers.
• Layer a Fear of God hoodie under a blazer or a leather jacket for a chic and edgy ensemble.
• Play with accessories like statement belts, oversized sunglasses, or dainty jewelry to elevate your Fear of God hoodie outfits.

Celebrity Endorsements of Fear of God Hoodies

Fear of God hoodies has garnered significant attention from celebrities across various industries. Many A-list stars have been spotted sporting these stylish hoodies, further increasing their popularity and desirability. Some notable celebrities wearing Fear of God hoodies include Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Kendall Jenner. The endorsement and support of these influential figures solidify Fear of God's position as a coveted brand in the fashion world.

Fear of God Hoodies: Fashion Communities and Influencers

Fear of God hoodies has also gained immense popularity within fashion communities and influencer circles. Social media platforms like Instagram and Tikor are filled with style inspiration and outfit ideas featuring Fear of God hoodies. Fashion influencers and enthusiasts showcase their unique interpretations of the celebrity look, offering a wealth of inspiration for incorporating these hoodies into your wardrobe.
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Conclusion

When achieving the celebrity look, Fear of God hoodies offers a winning combination of style, quality, and versatility. Embrace the influence of celebrities in fashion and express your style with confidence. Whether you opt for a casual streetwear, look or dress it up for a special occasion, Fear of God hoodies make a statement while reflecting your fashion-forward choices. Invest in these premium hoodies to enjoy their comfort, durability, and timeless appeal. Read more...

A couple of nights ago, I was fooling around with a 1979 subway map that I drew from the ground up to challenge myself to replicate it.
I decided to try to merge some design features of the 1940s Hagstrom subway map using 1979 subway map routings. I thought about doing the whole map but before I go any further than what I already made (Bronx and northern Manhattan (145 St and north).
-Made street lines thinner to maximize station label displays.
-Changing station labels from Helvetica to News Gothic Std (both CAPS and regular as you will see Bronx is all CAPS and northern Manhattan regular) I kinda like all CAPS (as it was shown on Hagstrom's map)
and
- Colorize route stops with Raleway Black Italic font (Bold is full-time. Light is part-time)
-Changing neighborhood/park name font to Neuton Italic.
-Bullets have a thin black circle
-Waterways and parks closely match Hagstrom's. Park has small sprinkled black borders, not sure if I would use it for now. Ignore Woodlawn Cemetery's background as I'm trying to find something to show other than regular parks.
I'm open to any design suggestions, thanks!
​
Proposed Map Design Merging 1940s Hagstrom Subway Map with 1979 Subway Map

A couple of nights ago, I was fooling around with a 1979 subway map that I drew from the ground up to challenge myself to replicate it.
I decided to try to merge some design features of the 1940s Hagstrom subway map using 1979 subway map routings. I thought about doing the whole map but before I go any further than what I already made (Bronx and northern Manhattan (145 St and north).
-Made street lines thinner to maximize station label displays.
-Changing station labels from Helvetica to News Gothic Std (both CAPS and regular as you will see Bronx is all CAPS and northern Manhattan regular) I kinda like all CAPS (as it was shown on Hagstrom's map)
and
- Colorize route stops with Raleway Black Italic font (Bold is full-time. Light is part-time)
-Changing neighborhood/park name font to Neuton Italic.
-Bullets have a thin black circle
-Waterways and parks closely match Hagstrom's. Park has small sprinkled black borders, not sure if I would use it for now. Ignore Woodlawn Cemetery's background as I'm trying to find something to show other than regular parks.
I'm open to any design suggestions, thanks!
​
Proposed Map Design Merging 1940s Hagstrom Subway Map with 1979 Subway Map

I understand that some of theses songs are better made,produced,emotional or whatever criteria one may view for bracket. This however is a bracket solely based in opinion.
Findings- Many of these songs are better than others depending on what mood your in, Ex Otis vs Ghost Town.
The Bracket

Spring-heeled Jack is an entity in English folklore of the Victorian era. The first claimed sighting of Spring-heeled Jack was in 1837.[1] Later sightings were reported all over the United Kingdom and were especially prevalent in suburban London, the Midlands) and Scotland.[2]
There are many theories about the nature and identity of Spring-heeled Jack. This urban legend was very popular in its time, due to the tales of his bizarre appearance and ability to make extraordinary leaps, to the point that he became the topic of several works of fiction.
Spring-heeled Jack was described by people who claimed to have seen him as having a terrifying and frightful appearance, with diabolical physiognomy, clawed hands, and eyes that "resembled red balls of fire". One report claimed that, beneath a black cloak, he wore a helmet and a tight-fitting white garment like an oilskin. Many stories also mention a "Devil-like" aspect. Others said he was tall and thin, with the appearance of a gentleman. Several reports mention that he could breathe out blue and white flames and that he wore sharp metallic claws at his fingertips. At least two people claimed that he was able to speak comprehensible English.

History

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Precedents

In the early 19th century, there were reports of ghosts that stalked the streets of London. These human-like figures were described as pale; it was believed that they stalked and preyed on lone pedestrians. The stories told of these figures formed part of a distinct ghost tradition in London which, some writers have argued, formed the foundation of the later legend of Spring-heeled Jack.[3]
The most important of these early entities was the Hammersmith Ghost, which in 1803 and 1804 was reported in Hammersmith on the western fringes of London; it would later reappear in 1824. Another apparition, the Southampton ghost, was also reported as assaulting individuals in the night. This particular spirit bore many of the characteristics of Spring-heeled Jack, and was reported as jumping over houses and being over 10 ft (3.0 m) tall.[3]

Early reports

📷Illustration of Spring-heeled Jack, from the serial Spring-heel'd Jack: The Terror of London
The first alleged sightings of Spring-heeled Jack were made in London in 1837 and the last reported sighting is said in most of the secondary literature to have been made in Liverpool in 1904.[4][5]
According to much later accounts, in October 1837 a girl by the name of Mary Stevens was walking to Lavender Hill, where she was working as a servant, after visiting her parents in Battersea. On her way through Clapham Common, a strange figure leapt at her from a dark alley. After immobilising her with a tight grip of his arms, he began to kiss her face, while ripping her clothes and touching her flesh with his claws, which were, according to her deposition, "cold and clammy as those of a corpse". In panic, the girl screamed, making the attacker quickly flee from the scene. The commotion brought several residents who immediately launched a search for the aggressor, but he could not be found.[6]
The next day, the leaping character is said to have chosen a very different victim near Mary Stevens' home, inaugurating a method that would reappear in later reports: he jumped in the way of a passing carriage, causing the coachman to lose control, crash, and severely injure himself. Several witnesses claimed that he escaped by jumping over a 9 ft (2.7 m) high wall while cackling with a high-pitched, ringing laughter.[6]
Gradually, the news of the strange character spread, and soon the press and the public gave him the name "Spring-heeled Jack".[7]

Official recognition

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📷A public session at the Mansion House, London (c. 1840).
A few months after these first sightings, on 9 January 1838, the Lord Mayor of London, Sir John Cowan), revealed at a public session held in the Mansion House an anonymous complaint that he had received several days earlier, which he had withheld in the hope of obtaining further information. The correspondent, who signed the letter "a resident of Peckham", wrote:

It appears that some individuals (of, as the writer believes, the highest ranks of life) have laid a wager with a mischievous and foolhardy companion, that he durst not take upon himself the task of visiting many of the villages near London in three different disguises—a ghost, a bear, and a devil; and moreover, that he will not enter a gentleman's gardens for the purpose of alarming the inmates of the house. The wager has, however, been accepted, and the unmanly villain has succeeded in depriving seven ladies of their senses, two of whom are not likely to recover, but to become burdens to their families. At one house the man rang the bell, and on the servant coming to open door, this worse than brute stood in no less dreadful figure than a spectre clad most perfectly. The consequence was that the poor girl immediately swooned, and has never from that moment been in her senses. The affair has now been going on for some time, and, strange to say, the papers are still silent on the subject. The writer has reason to believe that they have the whole history at their finger-ends but, through interested motives, are induced to remain silent.[8]

Though the Lord Mayor seemed fairly sceptical, a member of the audience confirmed that "servant girls about Kensington, Hammersmith and Ealing, tell dreadful stories of this ghost or devil". The matter was reported in The Times on 9 January, other national papers on 10 January and, on the day after that, the Lord Mayor showed a crowded gathering a pile of letters from various places in and around London complaining of similar "wicked pranks". The quantity of letters that poured into the Mansion House suggests that the stories were widespread in suburban London. One writer said several young women in Hammersmith had been frightened into "dangerous fits" and some "severely wounded by a sort of claws the miscreant wore on his hands". Another correspondent claimed that in Stockwell, Brixton, Camberwell and Vauxhall several people had died of fright and others had had fits; meanwhile, another reported that the trickster had been repeatedly seen in Lewisham and Blackheath.[citation needed]
The Lord Mayor himself was in two minds about the affair: he thought "the greatest exaggerations" had been made, and that it was quite impossible "that the ghost performs the feats of a devil upon earth", but on the other hand someone he trusted had told him of a servant girl at Forest Hill who had been scared into fits by a figure in a bear's skin; he was confident the person or persons involved in this "pantomime display" would be caught and punished.[9] The police were instructed to search for the individual responsible, and rewards were offered.[citation needed]
A peculiar report from The Brighton Gazette, which appeared in the 14 April 1838 edition of The Times, related how a gardener in Rosehill, Sussex, had been terrified by a creature of unknown nature. The Times wrote that "Spring-heeled Jack has, it seems, found his way to the Sussex coast", even though the report bore little resemblance to other accounts of Jack. The incident occurred on 13 April, when it appeared to a gardener "in the shape of a bear or some other four-footed animal". Having attracted the gardener's attention by a growl, it then climbed the garden wall and ran along it on all fours, before jumping down and chasing the gardener for some time. After terrifying the gardener, the apparition scaled the wall and made its exit.[10]
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Scales and Alsop reports

📷Illustration of Spring-heeled Jack, from the 1867 serial Spring-heel'd Jack: The Terror of London
Perhaps the best known of the alleged incidents involving Spring-heeled Jack were the attacks on two teenage girls, Lucy Scales and Jane Alsop. The Alsop report was widely covered by the newspapers, including a piece in The Times,[11] while fewer reports appeared in relation to the attack on Scales. The press coverage of these two attacks helped to raise the profile of Spring-heeled Jack.[citation needed]

Alsop case

Jane Alsop reported that on the night of 19 February 1838, she answered the door of her father's house to a man claiming to be a police officer, who told her to bring a light, claiming "we have caught Spring-heeled Jack here in the lane". She brought the person a candle, and noticed that he wore a large cloak. The moment she had handed him the candle, however, he threw off the cloak and "presented a most hideous and frightful appearance", vomiting blue and white flame from his mouth while his eyes resembled "red balls of fire". Miss Alsop reported that he wore a large helmet and that his clothing, which appeared to be very tight-fitting, resembled white oilskin. Without saying a word he caught hold of her and began tearing her gown with his claws which she was certain were "of some metallic substance". She screamed for help, and managed to get away from him and ran towards the house. He caught her on the steps and tore her neck and arms with his claws. She was rescued by one of her sisters, after which her assailant fled.[4][12]

Scales case

On 28 February 1838,[13] nine days after the attack on Miss Alsop, 18-year-old Lucy Scales and her sister were returning home after visiting their brother, a butcher who lived in a respectable part of Limehouse. Miss Scales stated in her deposition to the police that as she and her sister were passing along Green Dragon Alley, they observed a person standing in an angle of the passage. She was walking in front of her sister at the time, and just as she came up to the person, who was wearing a large cloak, he spurted "a quantity of blue flame" in her face, which deprived her of her sight, and so alarmed her, that she instantly dropped to the ground, and was seized with violent fits which continued for several hours.[14]
Her brother added that on the evening in question, he had heard the loud screams of one of his sisters moments after they had left his house and on running up Green Dragon Alley he found his sister Lucy on the ground in a fit, with her sister attempting to hold and support her. She was taken home, and he then learned from his other sister what had happened. She described Lucy's assailant as being of tall, thin, and gentlemanly appearance, covered in a large cloak, and carrying a small lamp or bull's eye lantern similar to those used by the police. The individual did not speak nor did he try to lay hands on them, but instead walked quickly away. Every effort was made by the police to discover the author of these and similar outrages, and several persons were questioned, but were set free.[14]
https://preview.redd.it/h1oqafgj0x2b1.png?width=220&format=png&auto=webp&s=4fd9152b2fb9ed1a2a54a49ecd7d96c8d7525b3b

Popularisation

​
The Times reported the alleged attack on Jane Alsop on 2 March 1838 under the heading "The Late Outrage at Old Ford".[11] This was followed with an account of the trial of one Thomas Millbank, who, immediately after the reported attack on Jane Alsop, had boasted in the Morgan's Arms that he was Spring-heeled Jack. He was arrested and tried at Lambeth Street court. The arresting officer was James Lea, who had earlier arrested William Corder, the Red Barn Murderer. Millbank had been wearing white overalls and a greatcoat, which he dropped outside the house, and the candle he dropped was also found. He escaped conviction only because Jane Alsop insisted her attacker had breathed fire, and Millbank admitted he could do no such thing. Most of the other accounts were written long after the date; contemporary newspapers do not mention them.[citation needed]
📷Ad for Spring Heeled Jack, a penny dreadful (1886)
After these incidents, Spring-heeled Jack became one of the most popular characters of the period. His alleged exploits were reported in the newspapers and became the subject of several penny dreadfuls and plays performed in the cheap theatres that abounded at the time. The devil was even renamed "Spring-heeled Jack" in some Punch and Judy shows, as recounted by Henry Mayhew in his London Labour and the London Poor:

This here is Satan,-we might say the devil, but that ain't right, and gennelfolks don't like such words. He is now commonly called 'Spring-heeled Jack;' or the 'Rossian Bear,' – that's since the war. — Henry Mayhew, London Labour and the London Poor, p. 52[15]

But, even as his fame was growing, reports of Spring-heeled Jack's appearances became less frequent if more widespread. In 1843, however, a wave of sightings swept the country again. A report from Northamptonshire described him as "the very image of the Devil himself, with horns and eyes of flame", and in East Anglia reports of attacks on drivers of mail coaches became common. In July 1847 "a Spring-heeled Jack investigation" in Teignmouth, Devon led to a Captain Finch being convicted of two charges of assault against women during which he is said to have been "disguised in a skin coat, which had the appearance of bullock's hide, skullcap, horns and mask".[16] The legend was linked with the phenomenon of the "Devil's Footprints" which appeared in Devon in February 1855.[citation needed]

Last reports

In the beginning of the 1870s, Spring-heeled Jack was reported again in several places distant from each other. In November 1872, the News of the World reported that Peckham was "in a state of commotion owing to what is known as the "Peckham Ghost", a mysterious figure, quite alarming in appearance". The editorial pointed out that it was none other than "Spring-heeled Jack, who terrified a past generation".[17] Similar stories were published in The Illustrated Police News. In April and May 1873, it reported there were numerous sightings in Sheffield of the "Park Ghost", which locals also came to identify as Spring-heeled Jack.[18]

Aldershot

📷North Camp in Aldershot as it looked in 1866.
This news was followed by more reported sightings, until in August 1877 one of the most notable reports about Spring-heeled Jack came from a group of soldiers in Aldershot Garrison. This story went as follows: a sentry on duty at the North Camp peered into the darkness, his attention attracted by a peculiar figure "advancing towards him." The soldier issued a challenge, which went unheeded, and the figure came up beside him and delivered several slaps to his face. A guard shot at him, with no visible effect; some sources claim that the soldier may have fired blanks) at him, others that he missed or fired warning shots. The strange figure then disappeared into the surrounding darkness "with astonishing bounds."[19][20][21]
Lord Ernest Hamilton's 1922 memoir Forty Years On mentions the Aldershot appearances of Spring-heeled Jack; however, he (apparently erroneously) says that they occurred in the winter of 1879 after his regiment, the 60th Rifles, had moved to Aldershot, and that similar appearances had occurred when the regiment was barracked at Colchester in the winter of 1878. He adds that the panic became so great at Aldershot that sentries were issued ammunition and ordered to shoot "the night terror" on sight, following which the appearances ceased. Hamilton thought that the appearances were actually pranks, carried out by one of his fellow officers, a Lieutenant Alfrey.[22][23] However, there is no record of Alfrey ever being court-martialled for the offence.[24]

Lincolnshire

In the autumn of 1877, Spring-heeled Jack was reportedly seen at Newport Arch, in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, wearing a sheep skin. An angry mob supposedly chased him and cornered him, and just as in Aldershot a while before, residents fired at him to no effect. As usual, he was said to have made use of his leaping abilities to lose the crowd and disappear once again.[25]

Liverpool

By the end of the 19th century the reported sightings of Spring-heeled Jack were moving towards the north west of England. Around 1888, in Everton, north Liverpool, he allegedly appeared on the rooftop of Saint Francis Xavier's Church in Salisbury Street. In 1904 there were reports of appearances in nearby William Henry Street.[26]

Aftermath and impact upon Victorian popular culture

The vast urban legend built around Spring-heeled Jack influenced many aspects of Victorian life, especially in contemporary popular culture. For decades, especially in London, his name was equated with the bogeyman, as a means of scaring children into behaving by telling them if they were not good, Spring-heeled Jack would leap up and peer in at them through their bedroom windows, by night.
However, it was in fictional entertainment where the legend of Spring-heeled Jack exerted the most extensive influence, owing to his allegedly extraordinary nature. Three pamphlet publications, purportedly based on the real events, appeared almost immediately, during January and February, 1838. They were not advertised as fiction, though they likely were at least partly so. The only known copies were reported to have perished when the British Library was hit during The Blitz, but their catalog still lists the first one.
The character was written into a number of penny dreadful stories during the latter half of the 19th century, initially as a villain and then in increasingly heroic roles. By the early 1900s he was being represented as a costumed, altruistic avenger of wrongs and protector of the innocent, effectively becoming a precursor to pulp fiction and then comic book superheroes.

Theories

No one was ever caught and identified as Spring-heeled Jack; combined with the extraordinary abilities attributed to him and the very long period during which he was reportedly at large, this has led to numerous and varied theories of his nature and identity.[citation needed] While several researchers seek a normal explanation for the events, other authors explore the more fantastic details of the story to propose different kinds of paranormal speculation.[citation needed]

Sceptical positions

Sceptical investigators have dismissed the stories of Spring-heeled Jack as mass hysteria which developed around various stories of a bogeyman or devil which have been around for centuries, or from exaggerated urban myths about a man who clambered over rooftops claiming that the Devil was chasing him.[27]
📷Henry de La Poer Beresford, 3rd Marquess of Waterford (1840)
Other researchers believe that some individual(s) may have been behind its origins, being followed by imitators later on.[28] Spring-heeled Jack was widely considered not to be a supernatural creature, but rather one or more persons with a macabre sense of humour.[4] This idea matches the contents of the letter to the Lord Mayor, which accused a group of young aristocrats as the culprits, after an irresponsible wager.[4] A popular rumour circulating as early as 1840 pointed to an Irish nobleman, the Marquess of Waterford, as the main suspect.[4] Haining) suggested this may have been due to him having previously had bad experiences with women and police officers.[29]
The Marquess was frequently in the news in the late 1830s for drunken brawling, brutal jokes and vandalism, and was said to do anything for a bet; his irregular behaviour and his contempt for women earned him the title "the Mad Marquis", and it is also known that he was in the London area by the time the first incidents took place. In 1880 he was named as the perpetrator by E. Cobham Brewer, who said that the Marquess "used to amuse himself by springing on travellers unawares, to frighten them, and from time to time others have followed his silly example."[30][31] In 1842, the Marquess married and settled in Curraghmore House, County Waterford, and reportedly led an exemplary life until he died in a riding accident in 1859.[citation needed]
Sceptical investigators have asserted that the story of Spring-heeled Jack was exaggerated and altered through mass hysteria, a process in which many sociological issues may have contributed. These include unsupported rumours, superstition, oral tradition, sensationalist publications, and a folklore rich in tales of fairies and strange roguish creatures. Gossip of alleged leaping and fire-spitting powers, his alleged extraordinary features and his reputed skill in evading apprehension captured the mind of the superstitious public—increasingly so with the passing of time, which gave the impression that Spring-heeled Jack had suffered no effects from ageing. As a result, a whole urban legend was built around the character, being reflected by contemporary publications, which in turn fuelled this popular perception.[32]

Paranormal conjectures

📷Spring-heeled Jack illustrated on the cover of the 1904 serial Spring-heeled Jack
A variety of wildly speculative paranormal explanations have been proposed to explain the origin of Spring-heeled Jack, including that he was an extraterrestrial entity with a non-human appearance and features (e.g., retro-reflective red eyes, or phosphorus breath) and a superhuman agility deriving from life on a high-gravity world, with his jumping ability and strange behaviour,[33] and that he was a demon, accidentally or purposefully summoned into this world by practitioners of the occult, or who made himself manifest simply to create spiritual turmoil.[34]
Fortean authors, particularly Loren Coleman[35] and Jerome Clark,[36] list "Spring-heeled Jack" in a category named "phantom attackers", with another well-known example being the "Mad Gasser of Mattoon". Typical "phantom attackers" appear to be human, and may be perceived as prosaic criminals, but may display extraordinary abilities (as in Spring-heeled Jack's jumps, which, it is widely noted, would break the ankles of a human who replicated them) and/or cannot be caught by authorities. Victims commonly experience the "attack" in their bedrooms, homes or other seemingly secure enclosures. They may report being pinned or paralysed, or on the other hand describe a "siege" in which they fought off a persistent intruder or intruders. Many reports can readily be explained psychologically, most notably as the "Old Hag" phenomenon, recorded in folklore and recognised by psychologists as a form of hallucination. In the most problematic cases, an "attack" is witnessed by several people and substantiated by some physical evidence, but the attacker cannot be verified to exist.[citation needed]

Counterpart in Prague

A similar figure known as Pérák, the Spring Man of Prague was reported to have been seen in Czechoslovakia around 1939–1945. As writers such as Mike Dash have shown, the elusiveness and supernatural leaping abilities attributed to Pérák bear a close resemblance to those exhibited by Spring-heeled Jack, and distinct parallels can be drawn between the two entities.[28] The stories of Pérák provide a useful example of how the traits of Spring-heeled Jack have a broad cultural resonance in urban folklore. Pérák, like Spring-heeled Jack, went on to become a folklore hero, even starring in several animated superhero cartoons, fighting the SS, the earliest of which is Jiří Trnka's 1946 film Pérák a SS or Springman and the SS.[37]

In contemporary popular culture

The character of Spring-heeled Jack has been revived or referenced in a variety of 20th and 21st century media, including:
Spring-Heeled Jack (1989) – a combination prose and graphic novel by Philip Pullman in which Spring-heeled Jack saves a group of plucky orphans from the malevolent Mack the Knife.[38]
The Strange Affair of Spring-Heeled Jack (2010) – an alternate history novel by author Mark Hodder, portraying Spring-Heeled Jack as a time traveler.[39]
The Springheel Saga (2011) – a three-series audio drama produced by the Wireless Theatre Company.[40]

See also

• Jack the Ripper
• Jersey Devil
• Jiangshi
• Krampus
• London Monster
• Mothman
• Owlman
• Batman
• The Shadow

External links