Fun Facts

Popeye the Sailor Man

Debut: Thimble Theatre daily strip, January 17, 1929 ("Dice Island")

Introduced as a minor hireling hired by Castor Oyl and Ham Gravy—became the strip's star in under a year due to popularity

Originally gained resilience by stroking Bernice the Whiffle Hen—spinach strength only became a theme in 1932

Credited with boosting spinach consumption in America by roughly 30% in the 1930s

Inspired by real-life Chester, Illinois resident “Rocky” Fiegel, who had a prominent chin and propensity for fighting

Debut: Thimble Theatre, December 19, 1919

Original lead of the strip before Popeye arrived—she was Ham Gravy’s on‑and‑off fiancé.

Her family includes punny names: Castor, Nana, and Cole Oyl—derived from oils like castor and banana oil.

First met Popeye in 1929, initially hostile—she famously said “take your hooks offa me or I'll lay ya in a scupper.”

Frequently kidnapped by Bluto, leading to many classic rescue-and-spinach fights.

Debut: Thimble Theatre, July 24, 1933 (Sunday strip; dailies shortly after)

Delivered in a baby carriage as a foundling; later adopted by Popeye and Olive Oyl.

Name once given a long formal christening: “Scooner Seawell Georgia Washenting Christiffer Columbia Daniel Boom.”

Appears in both comics and cartoons, aging enough to speak or throw punches in later strips.

Frequently at the center of stories involving Olive Oyl’s concerns and Popeye’s heroic efforts.

Debut: Thimble Theatre, May 3, 1931 (Sunday strip; daily by March 1933)

Known for the classic line: “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.”

Refined, educated—but lazy and miserly, constantly mooching burgers from Rough House.

Often the target of Popeye’s attempts at moral reform—though Wimpy never changes.

Inspired name of the real-world Wimpy restaurant chain, known for hamburgers.

Debut: Thimble Theatre, September 12, 1932 (“Bluto the Terrible”)

Originally depicted as murderous brute in the story “The Eighth Sea”; first battle with Popeye lasted days.

Became Popeye’s arch‑rival and main romantic antagonist vying for Olive Oyl in cartoons and comics.

Cartoon studios changed his name to “Brutus” in the 1960s due to possible rights concerns; later confirmed same character.

Among Popeye franchises, his iconic voice, beard, and hulking physique made him instantly recognizable.

Debut: Thimble Theatre, March 16, 1936 (“Eugene, the Jeep”)

A mystical yellow creature from Africa with teleportation powers—could walk through walls and vanish across dimensions.

Name popularized the word “jeep” for small sturdy vehicles; influenced WWII army jargon.

Always tells the truth, understood by Popeye—even though speech limited to saying “jeep.”

Became a fan favorite delighting readers and appeared in many later TV and comic adaptations.