Origins
Slender Man was originally created for an internet challenge to craft a paranormal image by Eric Knudsen. Photoshopping two photos for the ominous character, along with cryptic text around the character, was referred to as the Slender Man. Knudsen stated that the works of H.P. Lovecraft and urban legends were his primary influence for the character.
Through the eerie message of the captions, Slender Man grew in popularity on the site, with others joining in and spreading their own stories on the figure. Soon, the character became a staple of internet Creepypastas and online pop culture. Eventually, he became a modern folktale or urban legend.
Backstory
Similar to folkloric characters, Slender Man has various stories and tales spanning time and sources. And, there are numerous different origins to his story. Though, the most commonly accepted background to the Slender Man depicts him as having once been a notorious folktale of German legend named Der Großmann – the Tall Man or Giant Man. A boogeyman-like figure that parents warned their children about. If children act out of line or stay out too long, or went too far into the woods, the Tall Man would take them away.
Much of Slender Man’s modern depiction is the same as the German legend. A tall slender figure in a black suit with a pale black face of no features, who stalks any individual who becomes aware of him. Ominously following his victims until they become overwhelmed with paranoia and anxiety, he takes them once they are driven mad.
Comic Appearances
Gravity Falls: Lost Legends: 4 All-New Adventures!
Slender Man makes a small appearance in Gravity Falls: Lost Legends. In the woods, when Dipper gets him and Pacifica captured by demons and gentlemonster, they hold an auction for the pair of humans. Slender Man could be seen panicking for his wallet.
Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Captain Marvel – Halloween Spooktacular vol. 11
In Spidey’s Super Scary Stories, one of the numerous monsters who make an appearance is a thin man reference to Slender Man; along with a few animatronic references to the Five Nights of Freddy series.