You may not be surprised to learn that most people in the comic business grew up reading comic books. However, you might be interested in knowing what they were reading. Here’s a look at “Famous Fanmail”!
Popeye the Sailor debuted in E.C. Segar’s Thimble Theatre on December 19, 1919. 62 years later, he got a letter published in Superman#366 (cover date – December 1981). Seems strange, doesn’t it? A cartoon/comic strip character getting a letter published? Well … yeah! So, what’s the story behind it all? I’m glad you asked.
You see, in 1973, comics writer Cary Bates created Captain Strong, DC’s version of Popeye, essentially allowing DC’s heroes to interact with Popeye the Sailor … or a reasonable facsimile, at least. And, what Popeye is referring to, in this letter, is his (Captain Strong’s) team-up with the “Man of Steel” in Superman #361.
On Ebay: Superman | Popeye
On AtomicAvenue: Superman