The Hercules Wrist Band of Comic Book Ad Fame

Have you ever wondered what the Hercules Wrist Band that you saw advertised in comic books from the '70s and '80s actually looked like? Well, if you have, then read on, my fellow comic book geeks, because here is the Hercules Wrist Band in all of its glory!

Every comic book for many years had this ad running somewhere between its covers.

As comic book collectors and fans growing up in the '70s or '80s, we've all seen the ad. A full page, black and white cornucopia of adolescent wonder. Little boxes with blurry images and creative ad copy that would have you believe you could be a spy, or a kung-fu expert, or even attain the ability to see through the shirts of all the girls in your class by simply donning a pair of X-Ray Vision glasses.

We Were Young. We Were Dumb.

Of course, none of those things were true. You weren't going to become a spy or martial arts killer or see what Suzzie was sporting under that over-sized sweater of hers. But those ads were so alluring for the developing male brain. Surely, something there had to be a worthwhile purchase. I wondered. I did always have my eye on the Hercules Wrist Band. It just looked so cool. Plus, it had spikes coming out of its side. I mean, come on!

Who wrote this ad copy?

So, for $0.98, besides getting a wicked looking wrist band, I'd also enjoy these other amazing benefits:

"Gives wrist, grip, and arm more power - Relieves strain on wrist. Concentrates muscles. Adjustable. Double strap. Get two for both arms."

Given the use of several different fonts in the space of a postage stamp, and ad copy that seemed to be written after a night's long bender, I knew the product had to be legit. So, I went ahead and finally ordered one (not two, like the ad dutifully suggested I do).

Reality Meets the Ad Industry

I don't exactly remember the year I got the Hercules Wrist Band, but it was probably the early '80s. Too bad I didn't keep the packaging it came in, that would have been interesting to see today. Anyway, here is the band, in all of its glory.

On the wrist...

My biggest complaint after I tore open whatever packaging it came in? No spikes. Where were the spikes I can clearly see in the ad! Where are those spikes! Of course, there were no spikes on my "spiked," armor-plated, instrument-of-death, Hercules wrist accessory. I ended up with a leather band with some brass studs and rings on it. The end of the leather straps that secured the band to your wrist were the "spikes" you see in the ad.

And you know what? I still thought it was the coolest thing around. Hell, I still have it and it's been over 40 years now.

The Hercules Wrist Band. A comic book ad that wasn't exactly what it seemed, but still filled the fantasy of some 10-year-old, comic book geek.

- DD Bass

PS If any of you are wondering, the band is incredibly uncomfortable and does exactly the opposite of what it says.