Herbie Popnecker is unique among superheroes. Short and fat, he looks less like a superhero than any other, but he may be the most powerful.
Despite Herbie's fame, his money-worshiping father -- business bonehead and all-around idiot Pincus Popnecker, is unaware of Herbie's powers (powers Herbie tries to conceal from his parents) or the many villains Herbie faces -- often refers to Herbie as a "little fat nothing," especially when Herbie is sitting or sleeping or resting. Dad wishes that Herbie was a good student, a great athlete, or anything other than his unwanted son. Herbie shrugs off these criticisms, and sometimes Mom defends Herbie, although halfheartedly.
This page started when I realized that Herbie sometimes bit his adversaries. I compiled a few examples, adding to them occasionally, and eventually, it turned into an obsession. It represents all the examples of Herbie's powers, recurring gags, and oddities that I could find. It is not complete for some areas (Herbie's speech comes to mind, and not just his catchphrase), so it gets expanded sometimes. Some compilations might even be controversial (the one on Jewish references comes to mind, as well as racial stereotypes). I hope that the compilations can be used for scholarly work -- Herbiology™ -- but flipping through for fun is fine. I have used the examples to provide an explanation for Herbie's fatness, to document why I think Richard Hughes might have been a fan of Jay Ward productions (e.g., Rocky & Bullwinkle), and to explain why Herbie revival attempts have failed.
Some categories here inspired by Bob Hughes' The Popnecker Papers: A Herbie History, Amazing Heroes #173, November 1989.
Catalog of Stories | Covers and Indicia from Issues | Splash Pages and Ending Panels of Stories | Calendar | Captionless | Errors | Ads | Herbie's Background | Evolution of Herbie | Herbie's Creators
Order themes by: Theme Category | Story Count | Example Count | When Created | When Updated | Theme Label | Theme Name
1. Sound-Effects (gag)Created: 2008-11-22 Updated: 2012-04-21 Stories: 51 Examples: 76 |
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2. Flying (super power)Created: 2005-03-13 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 49 Examples: 94 |
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3. Famous (super power)Created: 2004-10-07 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 47 Examples: 85 |
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4. Disguises (gag)Created: 2004-11-09 Updated: 2014-11-01 Stories: 43 Examples: 83 |
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5. Butt Jokes (gag)Created: 2005-02-05 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 42 Examples: 75 |
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6. Says 'GULP' (language)Created: 2013-01-04 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 42 Examples: 72 |
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7. Talks with Animals (super power)Created: 2004-10-07 Updated: 2012-04-20 Stories: 39 Examples: 59 |
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8. Nicknames (gag)Created: 2012-03-18 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 36 Examples: 59 |
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9. Villains/Adversaries (story subject)Created: 2005-10-02 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 35 Examples: 46 |
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10. Lollipops (super power)Created: 2004-11-10 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 31 Examples: 66 |
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11. Virtuous (super power)Created: 2008-12-14 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 31 Examples: 39 |
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12. Says 'HELP' (language)Created: 2013-01-03 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 30 Examples: 50 |
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13. Appreciates the Finer Things (gag)Created: 2008-11-09 Updated: 2012-08-31 Stories: 29 Examples: 51 |
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14. Fat, Fat, Water Rat (gag)Created: 2005-03-09 Updated: 2012-08-31 Stories: 28 Examples: 40 |
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15. Little Fat Nothing (language)Created: 2004-10-13 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 28 Examples: 49 |
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16. Says 'WANNA...' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-14 Stories: 27 Examples: 38 |
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17. Thinking (super power)Created: 2012-04-29 Updated: 2012-04-29 Stories: 26 Examples: 36 |
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18. Shrugging (gag)Created: 2004-11-07 Updated: 2012-06-13 Stories: 26 Examples: 44 |
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19. Says 'OUCH' (language)Created: 2012-12-31 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 26 Examples: 44 |
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20. Silly Names (gag)Created: 2012-03-20 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 25 Examples: 35 |
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21. Sleeping (gag)Created: 2004-10-17 Updated: 2012-05-22 Stories: 25 Examples: 40 |
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22. Bop you with this here lollipop (language)Created: 2004-10-16 Updated: 2012-05-18 Stories: 25 Examples: 35 |
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23. Women Swoon (gag)Created: 2004-11-14 Updated: 2012-04-25 Stories: 24 Examples: 41 |
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24. Says 'TCH, TCH' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 23 Examples: 30 |
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25. Says 'HA-HA' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2012-12-30 Stories: 23 Examples: 40 |
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26. Calm, Deadpan (gag)Created: 2004-10-05 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 22 Examples: 29 |
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27. Says 'ULP' (language)Created: 2013-01-02 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 22 Examples: 27 |
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28. Can't be Hurt (super power)Created: 2004-10-21 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 21 Examples: 32 |
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29. Lookalikes Galore (gag)Created: 2004-10-02 Updated: 2012-05-10 Stories: 21 Examples: 25 |
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30. Says 'OOF' (language)Created: 2012-12-29 Updated: 2013-01-11 Stories: 21 Examples: 28 |
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31. Hypnotic Eyes (super power)Created: 2004-10-06 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 20 Examples: 27 |
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32. Sitting (gag)Created: 2012-03-04 Updated: 2012-05-10 Stories: 20 Examples: 26 |
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33. Sports (story subject)Created: 2011-12-31 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 19 Examples: 27 |
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34. Eating (gag)Created: 2004-10-15 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 19 Examples: 21 |
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35. Herbie is Unwanted (gag)Created: 2012-03-21 Updated: 2013-01-12 Stories: 19 Examples: 25 |
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36. Impatient/Busy/Rushed (gag)Created: 2008-12-14 Updated: 2013-01-05 Stories: 19 Examples: 22 |
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37. Animated Inanimate Objects (gag)Created: 2014-12-09 Updated: 2014-12-09 Stories: 19 Examples: 29 |
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38. Says 'SEE?' (language)Created: 2012-12-24 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 18 Examples: 20 |
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39. Says 'YIPE!' (language)Created: 2012-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 18 Examples: 22 |
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40. Says 'UGH' (language)Created: 2012-12-27 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 18 Examples: 21 |
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41. Jewish References (gag)Created: 2005-07-30 Updated: 2012-08-21 Stories: 17 Examples: 24 |
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42. Do it Myself (gag)Created: 2012-04-28 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 17 Examples: 19 |
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43. Says 'AH-HH' (language)Created: 2012-12-25 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 17 Examples: 23 |
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44. Says 'URP!' (language)Created: 2012-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 17 Examples: 21 |
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45. Says 'HAW-HAW' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2012-12-31 Stories: 17 Examples: 24 |
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46. Punching (super power)Created: 2004-11-13 Updated: 2012-04-11 Stories: 16 Examples: 27 |
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47. Assorted Powers (super power)Created: 2012-03-24 Updated: 2012-04-18 Stories: 16 Examples: 20 |
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48. Breaking the 4th Wall (gag)Created: 2005-03-13 Updated: 2013-01-05 Stories: 16 Examples: 22 |
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49. Says 'YESSIR' (language)Created: 2012-12-24 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 16 Examples: 22 |
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50. Says 'GR-RR' (language)Created: 2012-12-28 Updated: 2013-01-02 Stories: 16 Examples: 20 |
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51. Travels Back in Time (super power)Created: 2004-10-19 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 15 Examples: 27 |
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52. Breaking In, Out, and Through (super power)Created: 2004-11-06 Updated: 2012-05-29 Stories: 15 Examples: 21 |
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53. Says 'UH-UH' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-31 Stories: 15 Examples: 19 |
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54. Says 'PUFF' + 'PANT' (language)Created: 2012-12-29 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 15 Examples: 21 |
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55. Travels Mysteriously (super power)Created: 2005-03-14 Updated: 2012-04-24 Stories: 14 Examples: 18 |
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56. Swinging Adversaries (super power)Created: 2005-02-09 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 14 Examples: 16 |
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57. Biting (super power)Created: 2004-10-07 Updated: 2012-12-31 Stories: 14 Examples: 19 |
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58. Deception (gag)Created: 2008-11-21 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 14 Examples: 17 |
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59. Splashing (gag)Created: 2008-11-24 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 14 Examples: 17 |
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60. Stopping by Sticking Out Feet (gag)Created: 2008-11-20 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 14 Examples: 14 |
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61. Says 'SIGH' (language)Created: 2012-12-23 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 14 Examples: 14 |
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62. Says 'HEH-HEH' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2013-01-03 Stories: 14 Examples: 21 |
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63. Patriotism (story subject)Created: 2012-05-13 Updated: 2012-05-18 Stories: 13 Examples: 14 |
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64. Handy Items (gag)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-04-25 Stories: 13 Examples: 13 |
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65. Boxer Shorts (gag)Created: 2004-11-11 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 13 Examples: 17 |
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66. Mom Reacting (gag)Created: 2012-03-10 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 13 Examples: 19 |
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67. Falling (super power)Created: 2011-12-28 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 12 Examples: 15 |
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68. Magical Powers (super power)Created: 2004-11-14 Updated: 2012-04-26 Stories: 12 Examples: 20 |
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69. Short (gag)Created: 2012-03-07 Updated: 2012-05-06 Stories: 12 Examples: 14 |
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70. In the Hammock (gag)Created: 2012-03-19 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 12 Examples: 14 |
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71. Dad is an Idiot (gag)Created: 2011-12-29 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 12 Examples: 15 |
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72. Says 'YOWP!' (language)Created: 2013-01-01 Updated: 2013-01-02 Stories: 12 Examples: 14 |
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73. Dad's Ideas (story subject)Created: 2004-10-15 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 11 Examples: 24 |
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74. The Unknown (story subject)Created: 2005-03-09 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 11 Examples: 18 |
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75. Tap-Tap (gag)Created: 2011-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 11 Examples: 16 |
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76. Squishing (gag)Created: 2003-03-09 Updated: 2012-04-21 Stories: 11 Examples: 15 |
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77. Says 'Something...?' (language)Created: 2004-11-17 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 11 Examples: 13 |
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78. Says-Schmez (language)Created: 2005-07-30 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 11 Examples: 14 |
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79. Says 'Hate Something' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 11 Examples: 13 |
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80. Says 'Wise Guy' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-31 Stories: 11 Examples: 14 |
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81. Says 'HURRAH' (language)Created: 2012-12-31 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 11 Examples: 18 |
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82. School (story subject)Created: 2012-03-25 Updated: 2012-05-07 Stories: 10 Examples: 26 |
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83. Travels in Space (super power)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 10 Examples: 13 |
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84. Buck Teeth (gag)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 10 Examples: 10 |
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85. Warnings and Threats (language)Created: 2012-04-27 Updated: 2013-01-05 Stories: 10 Examples: 10 |
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86. Says 'OH-OH' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-31 Stories: 10 Examples: 11 |
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87. Says 'OH, WELL...' (language)Created: 2012-12-27 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 10 Examples: 10 |
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88. Says 'DURN' (language)Created: 2012-12-28 Updated: 2013-01-02 Stories: 10 Examples: 11 |
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89. Strong (super power)Created: 2005-09-22 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 9 Examples: 12 |
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90. Stereotypes (gag)Created: 2011-12-25 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 9 Examples: 12 |
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91. Fainting (gag)Created: 2008-11-29 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 9 Examples: 10 |
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92. Animal Love (gag)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 9 Examples: 11 |
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93. Says 'HO-HUM' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-31 Stories: 9 Examples: 10 |
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94. Says 'BY GEORGE' (language)Created: 2012-12-24 Updated: 2012-12-30 Stories: 9 Examples: 12 |
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95. Says 'YI!' (language)Created: 2012-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 9 Examples: 10 |
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96. Travels in Water (super power)Created: 2004-11-06 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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97. Communicates Mysteriously (super power)Created: 2005-03-14 Updated: 2012-05-10 Stories: 8 Examples: 8 |
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98. Money Mania (gag)Created: 2012-02-26 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 8 Examples: 12 |
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99. Herbie is Oblivious (gag)Created: 2011-12-28 Updated: 2012-04-11 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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100. Says 'Always Trouble' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-04-11 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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101. Says 'Gangway!' (language)Created: 2012-03-23 Updated: 2013-01-04 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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102. Says 'WELL, I'LL BE...' (language)Created: 2012-12-25 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 8 Examples: 8 |
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103. Says 'WHEW' (language)Created: 2012-12-27 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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104. Love (story subject)Created: 2011-12-31 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 7 Examples: 19 |
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105. Baby Herbie (gag)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 7 Examples: 8 |
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106. Herbie is Surrounded (gag)Created: 2012-05-05 Updated: 2013-01-05 Stories: 7 Examples: 10 |
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107. Two-Headed Adversaries (gag)Created: 2005-03-09 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 7 Examples: 9 |
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108. Says 'HO-HO' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2012-12-30 Stories: 7 Examples: 11 |
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109. Says 'AWAY' (language)Created: 2013-01-06 Updated: 2013-01-12 Stories: 7 Examples: 14 |
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110. Lightning Bolts (super power)Created: 2005-03-09 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 6 Examples: 6 |
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111. Methodical, Organized (gag)Created: 2012-02-29 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 6 Examples: 7 |
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112. Dad is Unobservant (gag)Created: 2008-10-23 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 6 Examples: 7 |
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113. Herbie's Secret Powers (gag)Created: 2011-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 6 Examples: 9 |
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114. Plunger Jokes (gag)Created: 2005-02-07 Updated: 2013-03-16 Stories: 6 Examples: 6 |
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115. Says 'WHAT THE...' (language)Created: 2012-12-25 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 6 Examples: 8 |
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116. Invisible (super power)Created: 2004-11-07 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 5 Examples: 6 |
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117. Coated (gag)Created: 2012-05-10 Updated: 2012-05-10 Stories: 5 Examples: 7 |
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118. Dad is a Masher (gag)Created: 2008-10-23 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 5 Examples: 9 |
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119. Travels Underground (super power)Created: 2004-11-06 Updated: 2012-04-11 Stories: 4 Examples: 5 |
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120. Says 'WOE' (language)Created: 2012-12-23 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 4 Examples: 4 |
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121. Says 'YUK-YUK' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2012-12-29 Stories: 4 Examples: 5 |
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122. Mountain Top Placement (gag)Created: 2004-10-04 Updated: 2012-04-24 Stories: 3 Examples: 3 |
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123. Comic Cover Pages (misc)Created: 2005-10-12 Updated: 2012-04-26 Examples: 42 |
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124. Thumbnails of Covers (misc)Created: 2005-10-13 Updated: 2012-04-25 Examples: 42 |
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125. Publication Indicia (misc)Created: 2005-11-17 Updated: 2012-05-01 Examples: 29 |
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126. Story Splash Pages (misc)Created: 2005-10-13 Updated: 2012-08-31 Examples: 55 |
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127. Story-Ending Panels (misc)Created: 2012-01-20 Updated: 2012-06-18 Examples: 52 |
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128. Calendar Examples (misc)Created: 2008-12-18 Updated: 2020-04-07 Examples: 29 |
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129. Uncaptioned Panels (misc)Created: 2012-02-21 Updated: 2014-11-17 Examples: 18 |
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130. Easy Knowledge Quiz (misc)Created: 2013-01-11 Updated: 2013-03-16 Examples: 10 |
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131. Intermediate Knowledge Quiz (misc)Created: 2013-01-14 Updated: 2013-03-16 Examples: 10 |
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132. Errors (misc)Created: 2005-10-12 Updated: 2012-05-29 Examples: 16 |
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133. Advertisements (misc)Created: 2012-02-17 Updated: 2013-01-14 Examples: 17 |
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134. Background (misc)Created: 2012-03-11 Updated: 2012-08-31 Examples: 14 |
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135. Evolution of Herbie (misc)Created: 2012-03-03 Updated: 2012-08-31 Examples: 27 |
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136. Herbie's Creators (misc)Created: 2012-03-16 Updated: 2012-04-27 Examples: 6 |
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137. Publications about Herbie (misc)Created: 2013-02-17 Updated: 2013-03-17 Examples: 9 |
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138. Similarities with Jay Ward Productions (misc)Created: 2012-04-20 Updated: 2012-09-01 Examples: 44 |
Order themes by: Theme Category | Story Count | Example Count | When Created | When Updated | Theme Label | Theme Name