Bluto destroying Popeye
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Bluto / Brutus Basic Information
The classic appearance of the bearded bully, Bluto.
Bluto / Brutus
💭Cartoon Chat with Bluto / BrutusAlso known as:
The Big Guy That Hates PopeyeMean Man
Creation Info
First Appearance
September 12, 1932 (in E.C. Segar's 'Thimble Theatre' comic strip as Bluto)
Creator
Elzie Crisler Segar (Comic Strip), Fleischer Studios (Popularized in Animation)
Series
Thimble Theatre (Popeye comic strip), Popeye the Sailor (animated shorts), The All-New Popeye Hour, etc.
Copyright
King Features Syndicate (Character rights)
Identity
Species
Human
Gender
Male
Age
Adult
Birthday
Unknown (debuted September 12)
Occupation
Sailor, Bully, Strongman, Various (depending on cartoon)
Bluto / Brutus's Appearance
Physical Features
Height
Tall, imposing
Body Type
Extremely muscular, burly
Color Scheme
Signature Style
Outfit
Often wears a captain's hat or sailor's cap, a dark short-sleeved shirt or sailor uniform. Appearance changed slightly when temporarily renamed Brutus (often shown more overweight).
Catchphrase
(Loud, menacing laughter), (Incomprehensible growling noises between sentences)
Accessories
Cap (often)
Bluto / Brutus Character Background
Origin Story
Bluto first appeared in E.C. Segar's 'Thimble Theatre' comic strip in 1932 as 'Bluto the Terrible,' a ruthless pirate. He was used only once in the strip's main run by Segar but was adopted by Fleischer Studios as the primary antagonist for their Popeye animated cartoons starting in 1933. His animated persona as Popeye's rival for Olive Oyl became his most defining role. The name was temporarily changed to 'Brutus' for television cartoons produced in the 1960s due to a misunderstanding over character rights between King Features and Paramount Pictures.
Character Timeline
1932
Comic Strip Debut
Introduced as 'Bluto the Terrible' in the Thimble Theatre comic strip.
1933
Animation Debut
Appeared as Popeye's rival in the Fleischer Studios' Betty Boop cartoon 'Popeye the Sailor'.
1960s
Name Change to Brutus
Renamed 'Brutus' for the King Features Syndicate TV cartoons, often with a slightly altered appearance.
Late 1970s onwards
Reverted to Bluto
Character generally reverted to the name Bluto in later Hanna-Barbera productions, the live-action movie, and other media, though Brutus is sometimes still used or referenced, occasionally as a twin brother.
Bluto / Brutus's Personality
Personality Traits
- Aggressive and brutish; prefers using force.
- Boastful and arrogant about his strength.
- Cruel and mean-spirited towards Popeye.
- Relentlessly pursues Olive Oyl's affection, often through kidnapping or trickery.
- Short-tempered and easily angered.
- Not particularly intelligent, often relying on brawn over brains.
- Persistent in his rivalry with Popeye.
- Can be cowardly when faced with Popeye's spinach-induced strength.
Strengths
- Immense physical strength (often matching or exceeding Popeye's pre-spinach strength).
- Intimidating presence.
- Persistence.
Weaknesses
- Often defeated by Popeye after he eats spinach.
- Can be tricked or outsmarted.
- Arrogance leads to underestimating Popeye.
- Sometimes portrayed with a 'glass jaw'.
- His temper often clouds his judgment.
Goals
- To defeat Popeye.
- To win Olive Oyl's affection (often by force or coercion).
- To prove he is the strongest.
Fears
- Popeye after he eats spinach.
- Humiliation after defeat.
Bluto / Brutus's Gallery
Bluto / Brutus's Abilities
Special Powers
- Exceptional physical strength, often superhuman.
- High durability (can take a lot of punishment before Popeye eats spinach).
Skills
- Brawling / Fist-fighting.
- Intimidation.
- Trickery and scheming (though often crude).
Bluto / Brutus Awards & Recognition
- As the primary antagonist in the highly popular and influential Popeye cartoons (many of which were critically acclaimed), Bluto is a key part of that legacy.
Bluto / Brutus Cultural Influence
Pop Culture Impact
Bluto/Brutus is one of animation's most iconic bullies and villains. His large, bearded, muscular design became archetypal. The dynamic of the romantic triangle between Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto is a classic cartoon trope. His deep, gravelly voice and menacing laugh are instantly recognizable.
Social Impact
Bluto represents brute force, arrogance, and villainy, typically overcome by Popeye's underdog spirit (and spinach). He serves as a classic foil, highlighting Popeye's heroism and Olive Oyl's role as the damsel in distress.
Bluto / Brutus Videos
YouTube Video
Bluto / Brutus's Theme Colors
Primary Colorblack
Secondary Colorblue
Accent Colorwhite
Background ColorseaBlue
More About Bluto / Brutus
Bluto vs. Brutus: The Name Change
The character debuted in comics as Bluto. When King Features Syndicate began producing Popeye cartoons for television in the 1960s, they believed (incorrectly) that Paramount Pictures owned the rights to the name 'Bluto' from the earlier theatrical shorts. To avoid legal issues, they renamed the character 'Brutus,' often giving him a slightly different design (sometimes heavier, different shirt). Later productions, including the 1980 live-action film and Hanna-Barbera cartoons, generally reverted to using the name Bluto. Modern comics have sometimes explained this by making Bluto and Brutus twin brothers.
Rivalry for Olive Oyl
The cornerstone of Bluto's character in the animated shorts is his intense rivalry with Popeye for the affections of Olive Oyl. Nearly every conflict stems from Bluto attempting to woo, impress, or outright kidnap Olive, forcing Popeye to intervene. Bluto uses his strength and sometimes trickery to overpower Popeye initially, but the tide inevitably turns once Popeye consumes his spinach.
Bluto / Brutus In Their Own Words
Character Introduction
Har har har! The name's Bluto! Sometimes they call me Brutus, but either way, I'm the strongest hombre around! That little runt Popeye thinks he can stand up to me, especially when it comes to my sweet Olive Oyl, but he's got another thing comin'!
Personality Traits
What's to know? I'm big, I'm strong, and I take what I want! Especially if what I want is Olive Oyl or to put that scrawny sailor Popeye in his place. I might use a little muscle, maybe a little trickery, har har! I ain't afraid of nobody... well, except maybe Popeye after he eats that awful spinach stuff. Bah!
Classic Stories
Every time I show up, it's a classic! Me tryin' to romance the lovely Olive, Popeye gettin' in the way, me givin' Popeye the ol' one-two! He's usually down for the count until he pops open one of them cans... Phooey! But I'll get him next time! And Olive Oyl will be mine! Har har har har!
Cultural Impact
Yeah, yeah, people know me. I'm the guy Popeye fights. The big, tough, handsome one! Shows ya that strength and good looks gets ya noticed, even if that scrawny swab always seems to get lucky with that spinach!