4. Popeye Originated In A Comic Strip He's Not Even The Star Of
Given the recently-released test footage for the upcoming feature film, this seems like a timely one to address. Popeye, star of numerous cartoons and a 1980 movie starring the late Robin Williams, actually got his start on the comics page. Before Fleischer Studios got their hands on the sailor man in 1932, Popeye first appeared in Thimble Theatre in 1929 - nearly ten years after the strip made its debut - as a one-off character as part of a scheme involving one of the series' main players. Like Steve Urkel to Family Matters or The Fonz on Happy Days, Popeye would prove to be a breakout star, so much that the strip would eventually take his name in the 70s. Of further interest to some might be that Popeye's lady love, Olive Oyl, actually predates him as one of the strip's first main characters, alongside her brother Castor and her then-boyfriend, Ham Gravy.
Former Nintendo Power writer, current Nintendo Force writer. Wrote the book on Mega Man (The Robot Master Field Guide). Was once fired by Vince McMahon. Dabbles in video games, comic books, toys, and fast food curiosities. Once had a new species of exotic bird named after him. It died.
You can find more of his writings, musings, and other such things on his websites at Nyteworks.net.
