American Popeye

With an all-new Popeye comic launching in 2012, and a movie in development as well, we're remembering how the sailorman's story began.

With an all-new Popeye comic launching in 2012, and a new movie in development as well, we're remembering how the sailorman's story began – as Zak Sally tells us, it all started with a 1929 strip by E.C. Segar. Originally published October 2008.

My dog is named Elzie Crisler. Sometimes people will ask where I got such an "interesting name", and since it is an interesting name, I tell them.

Unless, of course, the person is, like myself, a cartoonist. In this case, the question never arises because any cartoonist worth their salt knows there is only ONE Elzie Crisler, for now and forever, and it is followed by Segar. If they don't know that name, God help 'em. They should probably hang up their pen.

Popeye appeared as a bit character 10 full years into the Thimble Theater strip, and the public went nuts for him. Segar made him the starring man, and he became one of the most enduring characters that ever came out of America. The spinach came later.

He still is what he is and that's all that he is.

Zak Sally is a comic book artist, publisher and former bassist for the band Low. He lives in Minneapolis, where he runs La Mano Press, and actually loves spinach, probably thanks to Popeye.