Bananaman

File:Bananaman - Beano Superhero.jpg

Bananaman - Beano Superhero

Bananaman is a fictional superhero appearing in British comic strips. The character originally appeared in Nutty magazine in 1980 before moving to The Dandy and later The Beano. Created by writer Steve Bright and artist John Geering, Bananaman is a parody of traditional superheroes, and has become a beloved character in British popular culture.

Character Overview

Bananaman is the superhero alter ego of Eric Wimp, a young boy who transforms into Bananaman whenever he eats a banana. The transformation grants him superhuman strength, the ability to fly, and invulnerability among other powers, albeit with a significantly reduced intelligence level in his superhero form. The character's adventures are humorous and often involve him battling various villains, including General Blight and Doctor Gloom, with the help of his special powers and the occasional guidance from Crow, a crow who is Bananaman's sidekick and mentor.

Publication History

Bananaman's debut in 1980 in Nutty magazine marked the beginning of a long-standing presence in British comics. After Nutty was merged with The Dandy in 1985, Bananaman's stories continued to be published there until The Dandy ceased its print edition in 2012. Subsequently, Bananaman found a new home in The Beano, where his adventures are still being published. Over the years, Bananaman has been drawn by several artists, with John Geering being the most notable for defining the character's iconic look until his death in 1999.

In Other Media

Bananaman has also been adapted into other media, most notably a television animated series that aired from 1983 to 1986. The series expanded on the character's universe, introducing a wider range of supporting characters and villains. It remains a fondly remembered part of 1980s British children's television.

Cultural Impact

As a parody of more serious superheroes, Bananaman has been noted for its appeal to both children and adults. The character's humor, derived from his bumbling nature and the absurdity of his situations, has been a key factor in his longevity. Bananaman's influence extends beyond comics and television, having been referenced in various other media and continuing to be a nostalgic figure for many who grew up with his stories.

See Also

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

‎