Michael Jackson was not only known as a global music icon with legendary moonwalks, but also one of the most complex and mysterious figures in 20th century pop culture. While most other wealthy stars chose to invest in luxury cars, mansions or private islands, Michael went much further. He tried to buy things that few people would dare to imagine: from the Elephant Man skeleton, the Marvel comic book empire, to an entire country in Africa.

The Elephant Man’s Skeleton: A Deep Sympathy

In the 1980s, the media was shocked by the news that Michael Jackson had offered to buy the skeleton of Joseph Merrick, known as “The Elephant Man.” His $500,000 offer was rejected, but the consequences were long-lasting: the press immediately dubbed him “Wacko Jacko,” associating him with an eccentric and monstrous image.

But few people question why Michael would want the skeleton. Merrick is not just a medical freak, but a symbol of society’s isolation and cruelty to those who are different. Michael sees himself in Joseph — a man misunderstood, scrutinized, and made into a public spectacle. That’s empathy, not eccentricity.

Marvel Comics: The Dream of Becoming Spider-Man

In the late 1990s, Marvel Comics was in financial trouble, and Michael saw an opportunity. Not to make a profit, but to realize his dream: to become Spider-Man. Not only did he love the character, but he saw himself in Peter Parker — a misunderstood man with extraordinary powers but living under constant pressure.

Michael met with Stan Lee and discussed with investors and lawyers how to buy Marvel in its entirety. Although the deal fell through and Marvel was eventually acquired by Disney, Michael’s intentions showed that he was more than just an artist — he was a dreamer with a vision of a fantastical universe.

Superhero Park: Marvel’s Neverland

When he couldn’t own Marvel, Michael tried to build his own version. A superhero-inspired theme park where Spider-Man could fly through the sky, Iron Man would glow in the dark, and MJ’s music would blare from every corner. Though the park was never built, the idea showed his ambition to create a magical world where children could escape from reality — just as he had dreamed.

Invention of “anti-gravity shoes”: When illusion becomes reality

Michael didn’t just dream, he turned his dreams into real inventions. In 1992, he patented a special pair of shoes that enabled him to perform the unrealistic lean in the video for “Smooth Criminal.” The shoes had special grooves that hooked onto poles that rose from the stage, allowing him to balance for a few seconds and create a magical illusion — not with CGI, but with precision engineering. It was a testament to his relentless spirit of innovation.

Buying an Entire Country? The Dream of Absolute Shelter

In the early 1990s, Michael made several trips to Africa, including to the Ivory Coast, where he was given the honorary title of “king” and given land. Rumors quickly spread that he was considering buying an entire country to build his ideal haven, where there would be no media, no lawsuits, just peace, art, and dreams. While the idea never materialized, it was not foreign to Michael: he had always yearned for a world he could control.

Oxygen Chamber: The Legend of Immortality

A 1986 photo of Michael lying in an oxygen chamber made the world think he was trying to live forever. The truth: The photo was intentionally staged. Michael once admitted that he intentionally “cultivated the mystery” to keep the public talking. But behind the scenes was a real obsession with health, aging, and death. He believed in alternative therapies and cutting-edge technology—not out of eccentricity, but out of tangible fear.

Egyptian Antiquities: When Artists Became Pharaohs

Michael’s collection was unlike any other. Not Picassos or Pateks, but mummies, pharaohs, and artifacts thousands of years old. He was fascinated by Egyptian civilization—a place where kings never died, where power and fame were eternal. Some believe that Michael once tried to buy a replica of the Sphinx in Las Vegas, and while it’s not confirmed, it fits perfectly with his “mythologizing yourself” mentality.

The deal of a lifetime: Buying the Beatles copyright

In 1985, Michael shocked the music industry by spending $47.5 million to buy ATV Music — which included most of the rights to The Beatles’ songs. The controversy was compounded by the fact that Paul McCartney had spoken to Michael about the importance of music ownership, and then he was outmaneuvered by Michael. Despite the criticism, this was a

Conclusion: Eccentric or Genius

To many, the things Michael Jackson tried to buy seemed odd: human bones, superheroes, countries. But look deeper and you’ll see a man who was constantly searching for meaning, control, and immortality. Each item, each idea, was not just an expense, but part of a story about identity, legacy, and the struggle to survive in a world that never fully understood him.

Michael Jackson was not simply eccentric. He dreamed big — sometimes so big that the world wondered: Are we the ones who are incapable of understanding those dreams?