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