Popeye
Creation & Design
Popeye was created by Elzie Crisler Segar and first appeared in the comic strip 'Thimble Theatre' in 1929. He was designed as a tough sailor with a distinctive appearance, including his squinty eye and anchor tattoos.Early Years
Initially introduced as a minor character, Popeye quickly gained popularity and became the main character of the strip. His love for Olive Oyl and his battles with Bluto became central themes.Character Development
Over the decades, Popeye has evolved from a comic strip character to a cultural icon, known for his catchphrases and his love for spinach, which symbolizes strength and resilience.Cultural Reception
Popeye has been well-received by audiences, becoming a beloved character in American pop culture. His unique personality and humorous adventures have made him a staple in comic history.Character Details
Real Name:
Popeye the Sailor Man
Aliases:
Popeye, Olive Oyl's boyfriend, Sailor Man
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Olive Oyl, Swee'Pea, Wimpy, Bluto
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Expert sailor, Combat skills
Equipment:
Spinach
Weight:
180lbs
Height:
5' 3"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
black
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Feature Book
David McKay
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
Remarkably scarce comic book with only five graded copies on the CGC Census
Remarkably scarce comic book with only five graded copies on the CGC Census
King Comics #1
David McKay
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Popeye in standard comics - reprinted newspaper comic strips
1st appearance of Flash Gordon in standard comics - reprinted newspaper comic strips
1st appearance of Mandrake the Magician
1st appearance of Brick Bradford
[March 2024 - a live-action Popeye movie is in development from Chernin Entertainment and King Features with screenwriter Michael Caleo (The Sopranos) attached]
1st appearance of Popeye in standard comics - reprinted newspaper comic strips
1st appearance of Flash Gordon in standard comics - reprinted newspaper comic strips
1st appearance of Mandrake the Magician
1st appearance of Brick Bradford
[March 2024 - a live-action Popeye movie is in development from Chernin Entertainment and King Features with screenwriter Michael Caleo (The Sopranos) attached]
Four Color #113
Dell
•
1946
•
Vol. 2
First original stories featuring Popeye created for the comic book format, previous publications were collected newspaper strips
First original stories featuring Popeye created for the comic book format, previous publications were collected newspaper strips
Popeye #1
Dell
•
1948
•
Vol. 1
First ongoing solo-titled Popeye series in standard comic format
Previous issues with Popeye headlining the title fell within a series like Feature Book, King Comics and Four Color
First ongoing solo-titled Popeye series in standard comic format
Previous issues with Popeye headlining the title fell within a series like Feature Book, King Comics and Four Color
Popeye #66
Dell
•
1962
•
Vol. 1
Gold Key/Western begins publishing Popeye
Tile changes from 'Popeye' to 'Popeye the Sailor'
Gold Key/Western begins publishing Popeye
Tile changes from 'Popeye' to 'Popeye the Sailor'
Popeye #92
Dell
•
1967
•
Vol. 1
Final issue with interior art and story by long-time Popeye creator Bud Sagendorf
The Popeye title continued with issue #94, published by Charlton Comics with interior art by George Wildman - issue number #93 was never published and issue #95 was the final consecutive Bud Sagendorf cover
Final issue with interior art and story by long-time Popeye creator Bud Sagendorf
The Popeye title continued with issue #94, published by Charlton Comics with interior art by George Wildman - issue number #93 was never published and issue #95 was the final consecutive Bud Sagendorf cover
Popeye #158
Whitman
•
1980
•
Vol. 1
Scarce Whitman edition, distributed in multi-packs
Whitman logo in upper left corner
Scarce Whitman edition, distributed in multi-packs
Whitman logo in upper left corner
Popeye #159
Whitman
•
1980
•
Vol. 1
Scarce Whitman edition, distributed in multi-packs
Whitman logo in upper left corner
Scarce Whitman edition, distributed in multi-packs
Whitman logo in upper left corner
Wedding of Popeye and Olive, The #1
Ocean Comics
•
1999
•
Vol. 1
Marriage of Popeye and Olive Oyl
Popeye #1
IDW
•
2012
•
Vol. 1
IDW begins publishing Popeye with the first original story in over 30 years
Cover art inspired by Action Comics #1 (1938)
IDW begins publishing Popeye with the first original story in over 30 years
Cover art inspired by Action Comics #1 (1938)
Variant cover art by Dan Parent
Variant cover art by Shawn Dickinson
Variant cover art by Craig Yoe
Variant cover art by Mitch O'Connell
Very scarce with only one known graded copy registered to the censuses
Variant cover art by Mitch O'Connell
Very scarce with only one known graded copy registered to the censuses
Variant cover art by Dave Sim, creator of Cerebus
Variant cover art by Kelley Jones
Variant cover art by Bill Brewer
Variant cover art by Sarah Rose
Variant cover art by Sander Ettema
Variant cover art by Len Danovich
Eye Lie Popeye #2
WhatNot / Massive
•
2024
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Whaler Joe, Popeye’s guardian as a youth
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