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. Flying (super power)Created: 2005-03-13 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 49 Examples: 94 |
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2. Famous (super power)Created: 2004-10-07 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 47 Examples: 85 |
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3. Disguises (gag)Created: 2004-11-09 Updated: 2014-11-01 Stories: 43 Examples: 83 |
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4. Sound-Effects (gag)Created: 2008-11-22 Updated: 2012-04-21 Stories: 51 Examples: 76 |
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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. Lollipops (super power)Created: 2004-11-10 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 31 Examples: 66 |
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8. Talks with Animals (super power)Created: 2004-10-07 Updated: 2012-04-20 Stories: 39 Examples: 59 |
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9. Nicknames (gag)Created: 2012-03-18 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 36 Examples: 59 |
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10. Story Splash Pages (misc)Created: 2005-10-13 Updated: 2012-08-31 Examples: 55 |
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11. Story-Ending Panels (misc)Created: 2012-01-20 Updated: 2012-06-18 Examples: 52 |
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12. Appreciates the Finer Things (gag)Created: 2008-11-09 Updated: 2012-08-31 Stories: 29 Examples: 51 |
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13. Says 'HELP' (language)Created: 2013-01-03 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 30 Examples: 50 |
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14. Little Fat Nothing (language)Created: 2004-10-13 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 28 Examples: 49 |
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15. Villains/Adversaries (story subject)Created: 2005-10-02 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 35 Examples: 46 |
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16. Shrugging (gag)Created: 2004-11-07 Updated: 2012-06-13 Stories: 26 Examples: 44 |
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17. Says 'OUCH' (language)Created: 2012-12-31 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 26 Examples: 44 |
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18. Similarities with Jay Ward Productions (misc)Created: 2012-04-20 Updated: 2012-09-01 Examples: 44 |
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19. Comic Cover Pages (misc)Created: 2005-10-12 Updated: 2012-04-26 Examples: 42 |
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20. Thumbnails of Covers (misc)Created: 2005-10-13 Updated: 2012-04-25 Examples: 42 |
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21. Women Swoon (gag)Created: 2004-11-14 Updated: 2012-04-25 Stories: 24 Examples: 41 |
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22. Fat, Fat, Water Rat (gag)Created: 2005-03-09 Updated: 2012-08-31 Stories: 28 Examples: 40 |
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23. Sleeping (gag)Created: 2004-10-17 Updated: 2012-05-22 Stories: 25 Examples: 40 |
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24. Says 'HA-HA' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2012-12-30 Stories: 23 Examples: 40 |
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25. Virtuous (super power)Created: 2008-12-14 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 31 Examples: 39 |
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26. Says 'WANNA...' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-14 Stories: 27 Examples: 38 |
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27. Thinking (super power)Created: 2012-04-29 Updated: 2012-04-29 Stories: 26 Examples: 36 |
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28. Silly Names (gag)Created: 2012-03-20 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 25 Examples: 35 |
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29. Bop you with this here lollipop (language)Created: 2004-10-16 Updated: 2012-05-18 Stories: 25 Examples: 35 |
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30. Can't be Hurt (super power)Created: 2004-10-21 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 21 Examples: 32 |
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31. Says 'TCH, TCH' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 23 Examples: 30 |
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32. Calm, Deadpan (gag)Created: 2004-10-05 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 22 Examples: 29 |
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33. Animated Inanimate Objects (gag)Created: 2014-12-09 Updated: 2014-12-09 Stories: 19 Examples: 29 |
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34. Publication Indicia (misc)Created: 2005-11-17 Updated: 2012-05-01 Examples: 29 |
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35. Calendar Examples (misc)Created: 2008-12-18 Updated: 2020-04-07 Examples: 29 |
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36. Says 'OOF' (language)Created: 2012-12-29 Updated: 2013-01-11 Stories: 21 Examples: 28 |
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37. Sports (story subject)Created: 2011-12-31 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 19 Examples: 27 |
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38. Travels Back in Time (super power)Created: 2004-10-19 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 15 Examples: 27 |
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39. Hypnotic Eyes (super power)Created: 2004-10-06 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 20 Examples: 27 |
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40. Punching (super power)Created: 2004-11-13 Updated: 2012-04-11 Stories: 16 Examples: 27 |
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41. Says 'ULP' (language)Created: 2013-01-02 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 22 Examples: 27 |
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42. Evolution of Herbie (misc)Created: 2012-03-03 Updated: 2012-08-31 Examples: 27 |
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43. School (story subject)Created: 2012-03-25 Updated: 2012-05-07 Stories: 10 Examples: 26 |
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44. Sitting (gag)Created: 2012-03-04 Updated: 2012-05-10 Stories: 20 Examples: 26 |
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45. Lookalikes Galore (gag)Created: 2004-10-02 Updated: 2012-05-10 Stories: 21 Examples: 25 |
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46. Herbie is Unwanted (gag)Created: 2012-03-21 Updated: 2013-01-12 Stories: 19 Examples: 25 |
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47. Dad's Ideas (story subject)Created: 2004-10-15 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 11 Examples: 24 |
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48. Jewish References (gag)Created: 2005-07-30 Updated: 2012-08-21 Stories: 17 Examples: 24 |
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49. Says 'HAW-HAW' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2012-12-31 Stories: 17 Examples: 24 |
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50. Says 'AH-HH' (language)Created: 2012-12-25 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 17 Examples: 23 |
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51. Impatient/Busy/Rushed (gag)Created: 2008-12-14 Updated: 2013-01-05 Stories: 19 Examples: 22 |
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52. Breaking the 4th Wall (gag)Created: 2005-03-13 Updated: 2013-01-05 Stories: 16 Examples: 22 |
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53. Says 'YESSIR' (language)Created: 2012-12-24 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 16 Examples: 22 |
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54. Says 'YIPE!' (language)Created: 2012-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 18 Examples: 22 |
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55. Breaking In, Out, and Through (super power)Created: 2004-11-06 Updated: 2012-05-29 Stories: 15 Examples: 21 |
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56. Eating (gag)Created: 2004-10-15 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 19 Examples: 21 |
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57. Says 'URP!' (language)Created: 2012-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 17 Examples: 21 |
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58. Says 'UGH' (language)Created: 2012-12-27 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 18 Examples: 21 |
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59. Says 'PUFF' + 'PANT' (language)Created: 2012-12-29 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 15 Examples: 21 |
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60. Says 'HEH-HEH' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2013-01-03 Stories: 14 Examples: 21 |
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61. Magical Powers (super power)Created: 2004-11-14 Updated: 2012-04-26 Stories: 12 Examples: 20 |
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62. Assorted Powers (super power)Created: 2012-03-24 Updated: 2012-04-18 Stories: 16 Examples: 20 |
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63. Says 'SEE?' (language)Created: 2012-12-24 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 18 Examples: 20 |
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64. Says 'GR-RR' (language)Created: 2012-12-28 Updated: 2013-01-02 Stories: 16 Examples: 20 |
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65. Love (story subject)Created: 2011-12-31 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 7 Examples: 19 |
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66. Biting (super power)Created: 2004-10-07 Updated: 2012-12-31 Stories: 14 Examples: 19 |
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67. Do it Myself (gag)Created: 2012-04-28 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 17 Examples: 19 |
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68. Mom Reacting (gag)Created: 2012-03-10 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 13 Examples: 19 |
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69. Says 'UH-UH' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-31 Stories: 15 Examples: 19 |
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70. The Unknown (story subject)Created: 2005-03-09 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 11 Examples: 18 |
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71. Travels Mysteriously (super power)Created: 2005-03-14 Updated: 2012-04-24 Stories: 14 Examples: 18 |
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72. Says 'HURRAH' (language)Created: 2012-12-31 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 11 Examples: 18 |
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73. Uncaptioned Panels (misc)Created: 2012-02-21 Updated: 2014-11-17 Examples: 18 |
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74. Deception (gag)Created: 2008-11-21 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 14 Examples: 17 |
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75. Splashing (gag)Created: 2008-11-24 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 14 Examples: 17 |
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76. Boxer Shorts (gag)Created: 2004-11-11 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 13 Examples: 17 |
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77. Advertisements (misc)Created: 2012-02-17 Updated: 2013-01-14 Examples: 17 |
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78. Swinging Adversaries (super power)Created: 2005-02-09 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 14 Examples: 16 |
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79. Tap-Tap (gag)Created: 2011-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 11 Examples: 16 |
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80. Errors (misc)Created: 2005-10-12 Updated: 2012-05-29 Examples: 16 |
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81. Falling (super power)Created: 2011-12-28 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 12 Examples: 15 |
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82. Squishing (gag)Created: 2003-03-09 Updated: 2012-04-21 Stories: 11 Examples: 15 |
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83. Dad is an Idiot (gag)Created: 2011-12-29 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 12 Examples: 15 |
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84. Patriotism (story subject)Created: 2012-05-13 Updated: 2012-05-18 Stories: 13 Examples: 14 |
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85. Short (gag)Created: 2012-03-07 Updated: 2012-05-06 Stories: 12 Examples: 14 |
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86. In the Hammock (gag)Created: 2012-03-19 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 12 Examples: 14 |
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87. Stopping by Sticking Out Feet (gag)Created: 2008-11-20 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 14 Examples: 14 |
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88. Says-Schmez (language)Created: 2005-07-30 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 11 Examples: 14 |
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89. Says 'Wise Guy' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-31 Stories: 11 Examples: 14 |
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90. Says 'SIGH' (language)Created: 2012-12-23 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 14 Examples: 14 |
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91. Says 'YOWP!' (language)Created: 2013-01-01 Updated: 2013-01-02 Stories: 12 Examples: 14 |
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92. Says 'AWAY' (language)Created: 2013-01-06 Updated: 2013-01-12 Stories: 7 Examples: 14 |
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93. Background (misc)Created: 2012-03-11 Updated: 2012-08-31 Examples: 14 |
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94. Travels in Space (super power)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 10 Examples: 13 |
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95. Handy Items (gag)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-04-25 Stories: 13 Examples: 13 |
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96. Says 'Something...?' (language)Created: 2004-11-17 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 11 Examples: 13 |
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97. Says 'Hate Something' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 11 Examples: 13 |
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98. Strong (super power)Created: 2005-09-22 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 9 Examples: 12 |
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99. Stereotypes (gag)Created: 2011-12-25 Updated: 2012-05-16 Stories: 9 Examples: 12 |
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100. Money Mania (gag)Created: 2012-02-26 Updated: 2012-05-15 Stories: 8 Examples: 12 |
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101. Says 'BY GEORGE' (language)Created: 2012-12-24 Updated: 2012-12-30 Stories: 9 Examples: 12 |
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102. Animal Love (gag)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 9 Examples: 11 |
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103. Says 'OH-OH' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-31 Stories: 10 Examples: 11 |
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104. Says 'DURN' (language)Created: 2012-12-28 Updated: 2013-01-02 Stories: 10 Examples: 11 |
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105. Says 'HO-HO' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2012-12-30 Stories: 7 Examples: 11 |
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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. Buck Teeth (gag)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 10 Examples: 10 |
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108. Fainting (gag)Created: 2008-11-29 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 9 Examples: 10 |
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109. Warnings and Threats (language)Created: 2012-04-27 Updated: 2013-01-05 Stories: 10 Examples: 10 |
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110. Says 'HO-HUM' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-05-31 Stories: 9 Examples: 10 |
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111. Says 'YI!' (language)Created: 2012-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 9 Examples: 10 |
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112. Says 'OH, WELL...' (language)Created: 2012-12-27 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 10 Examples: 10 |
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113. Easy Knowledge Quiz (misc)Created: 2013-01-11 Updated: 2013-03-16 Examples: 10 |
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114. Intermediate Knowledge Quiz (misc)Created: 2013-01-14 Updated: 2013-03-16 Examples: 10 |
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115. Travels in Water (super power)Created: 2004-11-06 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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116. Dad is a Masher (gag)Created: 2008-10-23 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 5 Examples: 9 |
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117. Herbie's Secret Powers (gag)Created: 2011-12-26 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 6 Examples: 9 |
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118. Herbie is Oblivious (gag)Created: 2011-12-28 Updated: 2012-04-11 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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119. Two-Headed Adversaries (gag)Created: 2005-03-09 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 7 Examples: 9 |
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120. Says 'Always Trouble' (language)Created: 2008-12-01 Updated: 2012-04-11 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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121. Says 'Gangway!' (language)Created: 2012-03-23 Updated: 2013-01-04 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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122. Says 'WHEW' (language)Created: 2012-12-27 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 8 Examples: 9 |
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123. Publications about Herbie (misc)Created: 2013-02-17 Updated: 2013-03-17 Examples: 9 |
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124. Communicates Mysteriously (super power)Created: 2005-03-14 Updated: 2012-05-10 Stories: 8 Examples: 8 |
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125. Baby Herbie (gag)Created: 2004-11-12 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 7 Examples: 8 |
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126. Says 'WHAT THE...' (language)Created: 2012-12-25 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 6 Examples: 8 |
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127. Says 'WELL, I'LL BE...' (language)Created: 2012-12-25 Updated: 2013-01-01 Stories: 8 Examples: 8 |
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128. Methodical, Organized (gag)Created: 2012-02-29 Updated: 2012-06-18 Stories: 6 Examples: 7 |
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129. Coated (gag)Created: 2012-05-10 Updated: 2012-05-10 Stories: 5 Examples: 7 |
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130. Dad is Unobservant (gag)Created: 2008-10-23 Updated: 2013-01-06 Stories: 6 Examples: 7 |
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131. Invisible (super power)Created: 2004-11-07 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 5 Examples: 6 |
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132. Lightning Bolts (super power)Created: 2005-03-09 Updated: 2012-04-10 Stories: 6 Examples: 6 |
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133. Plunger Jokes (gag)Created: 2005-02-07 Updated: 2013-03-16 Stories: 6 Examples: 6 |
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134. Herbie's Creators (misc)Created: 2012-03-16 Updated: 2012-04-27 Examples: 6 |
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135. Travels Underground (super power)Created: 2004-11-06 Updated: 2012-04-11 Stories: 4 Examples: 5 |
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136. Says 'YUK-YUK' (language)Created: 2012-12-30 Updated: 2012-12-29 Stories: 4 Examples: 5 |
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137. Says 'WOE' (language)Created: 2012-12-23 Updated: 2012-12-27 Stories: 4 Examples: 4 |
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138. Mountain Top Placement (gag)Created: 2004-10-04 Updated: 2012-04-24 Stories: 3 Examples: 3 |
Order themes by: Theme Category | Story Count | Example Count | When Created | When Updated | Theme Label | Theme Name