Captain Strong is a fictional character in

DC Comics DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...

, introduced in ''

Action Comics ''Action Comics'' is an American comic book/Comic anthology, magazine series that introduced Superman, one of the first major superhero characters. The publisher was originally known as Detective Comics Inc., which later merged into National ...

'' #421 (1973) as a

parody A parody is a creative work designed to imitate, comment on, and/or mock its subject by means of satire, satirical or irony, ironic imitation. Often its subject is an Originality, original work or some aspect of it (theme/content, author, style, e ...

Popeye Popeye the Sailor Man is a fictional cartoon character created by E. C. Segar, Elzie Crisler Segar.Cary Bates Cary Bates (born 1948) is an American comic book, animation, television and film writer. He is best known for his work on ''The Flash'', ''Superman'', ''Superboy, the Legion of Superheroes'' and '' Captain Atom''. Bates is the longest-serving S ...

, Strong gains

superhuman The term superhuman refers to humans, humanoids or other beings with abilities and other qualities that exceed those naturally found in humans. These qualities may be acquired through natural ability, self-actualization or technological aids. ...

strength by consuming "sauncha," a special seaweed with drug-like effects that enhance his power but cause addiction and erratic behavior. Initially using his abilities to help others, he becomes friends with

Superman Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...

, unaware of his dual identity as Clark Kent. In ''

The New 52 The New 52 was the 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire Line (comics), line of ongoing monthly superhero American comic books, comic books. Following the conclusion of the "Flashpoint (comics), Flashpoint" Fictional crossover, cros ...

'' series, Strong reappears with

Harley Quinn Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, PhD) is a fictional American character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for ''Batman: The Animated Series'' as a henchwoman for the ...

’s team, once again struggling with the seaweed’s effects. Later, he aids Harley’s gang in battle using his skills as a former sniper.

Publishing history

First appearing in ''

'' #421 (February 1973), Captain Horatio Strong was created by writer

Cary Bates Cary Bates (born 1948) is an American comic book, animation, television and film writer. He is best known for his work on ''The Flash'', ''Superman'', ''Superboy, the Legion of Superheroes'' and '' Captain Atom''. Bates is the longest-serving S ...

, who wondered what would happen if Superman and Popeye met. In the first story, Bates presented a darker side of the famous sailor; the green vegetable that gave him his strength was a drug, making him powerful yet irrational. The character was designed to be more realistic than Popeye, but similar to him in appearance and speech. Other characters who appeared in his stories included Carnox (the DC Comics version of Lummox), his girlfriend Olivia Tallow (a takeoff of

Olive Oyl Olive Oyl is a cartoon character created by E. C. Segar in 1919 for his comic strip ''Thimble Theatre''. The strip was later renamed ''Popeye'' after the sailor character that became the most popular member of the cast; however, Olive Oyl was a ...

), whom he later married, and his idle rich friend J. Wellington Jones (a knockoff of J. Wellington Wimpy). In one story, Strong reunites with his long-lost father, Pappy Strong (a takeoff of

Poopdeck Pappy Poopdeck Pappy is a fictional character featured in the ''Popeye'' (''Thimble Theatre'') comic strip and animated cartoon spinoffs. Created by E. C. Segar in 1936, the character is Popeye's father, who is between the ages of 85 and 99. History ...

). Captain Strong appeared in five stories from 1973 to 1985, and reappeared in

volume of

's solo title.

Fictional biography

Horatio Strong is the captain of ''The Fantasia'' who discovers an alien seaweed-like plant called sauncha that gives him superhuman strength. The plant affects his mind, leading him to battle Superman before he is forced to stop taking it. In ''

'' continuity reboot, Strong battles Harley Quinn before being defeated and becoming her ally.''Harley Quinn'' (vol. 2) #18-19

References

External links

Action Comics #421
at OddballComics.com{{dead link, date=March 2013
Captain Strong
at the Superman Homepage

at the Quarter Bin
Captain Strong
at The Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe
Review: Harley Quinn #17
at The Batman Universe site
Review: Harley Quinn #18
at The Batman Universe site
Review: Harley Quinn #19
at The Batman Universe site Characters created by Cary Bates Comics characters introduced in 1973 DC Comics characters with superhuman strength DC Comics male characters Fictional gunfighters in comics Fictional military captains Fictional sailors Popeye