Bananaman

Bananaman is a British comic book character created by Steve Bright and Dave Donaldson. The character first appeared in Nutty issue 1, published in 1980. Bananaman is a parody of traditional superheros, combining elements of comedy and adventure.

Character Overview

Bananaman is the alter ego of Eric Wimp, a young boy who gains superpowers when he eats a banana. His powers include superhuman strength, flight, and invulnerability. However, Bananaman's abilities are often undermined by his lack of intelligence and clumsiness.

Publication History

Bananaman debuted in the first issue of Nutty in 1980. After Nutty merged with The Dandy in 1985, Bananaman continued to appear in The Dandy until 2012. The character also featured in The Beano and had his own annual publications.

Television Adaptation

Bananaman was adapted into an animated television series in 1983, produced by BBC. The show featured the voice talents of Graeme Garden, Bill Oddie, and Tim Brooke-Taylor from The Goodies. The series ran for three seasons and was later repeated on Children's BBC.

Powers and Abilities

Bananaman's primary power is his superhuman strength, which allows him to perform feats such as lifting heavy objects and defeating powerful enemies. He can also fly at high speeds and is nearly invulnerable to physical harm. However, his powers are directly linked to the consumption of bananas, and he reverts to his normal form if he runs out of them.

Supporting Characters

• Eric Wimp - The young boy who transforms into Bananaman.
• Crow - Bananaman's talking bird sidekick who often provides comic relief.
• General Blight - Bananaman's arch-nemesis, a villain who frequently devises schemes to defeat him.
• Auntie - Eric's caring but oblivious aunt.

Cultural Impact

Bananaman has become a beloved character in British popular culture, known for his humorous take on the superhero genre. The character has been referenced in various other media and remains a nostalgic figure for many who grew up reading his adventures.

See Also

• The Dandy
• The Beano
• List of British comic strips