Oh man but Wimpy–what a great character. I used to think that Popeye was supposed to be emblematic of the “American spirit” in the Depression, but I am moving towards Wimpy. Which of course makes Segar a good deal more cynical. Or maybe Popeye and Wimpy are two opposite poles, from blustery altruism to blustery self-interest.

Every five years, I re-read the entire Segar Popeye run; it is now a part of my life; but like most of us collectors from the late eighties, I read all of the Sundays before any of the dailies, so the drama, excitement and long narrative of Plunder Island was like a punch (a twisker-sock!) in the gut.

The key to the success (and importance) of Plunder Island is that Wimpy and his mooching actually carry the story and twist the plot besides the humor he normally provides.

Seeing Wimpy flatter and flirt his way to safety (and hambugers!) as he manipulates the most vile and dangerous creature on the Seven seas is a truly marvel to behold.

Segar makes Wimpy so one-dimensional that he becomes three dimensional. He really would sell his mother for a hamburger and his only regret would be that he had only one mother to sell. He is a force of nature.

I know we are all completest here in Comic Book Land, but I would recommend PI (Volume 4) as the best starting point for anyone interested in dabbling in the Great Comic strips.

And remember Popeye was the FIRST super-hero.

Anyone who disagrees can me meet for a duck dinner to discuss; you bring the ducks of course.