12 Fiendishly Clever Comic Book Movie In-Jokes You Probably Missed

by Simon Gallagher

1. Arnim Zola's Giant Head

Arnim Zola
Marvel Studios

This one is probably the most obscure of all the in-jokes featured here, and thus the most rewarding for comic book fans and experts who spotted it. When Toby Jones' Arnim Zola is first introduced in Captain America: The First Avenger, we see a close up of his face through a green magnifying lens, giving the impression that he has a weird, discoloured and distorted face.

Obviously, the scene then pulls out to reveal that is not the case, but it's a very smart little jokey reference to Zola in the comic book world, since the movie version of the character hasn't yet developed into the robot version he is best known for...

Arnim Zola Cartoon
Marvel

In a second Easter Egg nod to the original comic book version of the character you can briefly see the scientist's plans for his robotic body as he is escaping from HYDRA's fortress.

Zola Design
Marvel Studios

Did you notice any other obscure comic book movie in-jokes that should have made this list? Share your own picks below.

Contributor
Contributor

WhatCulture's former COO, veteran writer and editor.