Popeye, Vol. 4: Plunder Island Hardcover – November 24, 2009

The latest Popeye compilation switches things up a bit by presenting the Sunday color comics first with the black and white dailies following. I assume this is because the Sunday strips feature the highly touted "Plunder Island" story and the publishers wanted to lead with their best stuff. The Sundays generally focused on the peripheral characters including Wimpy, Mr. Geezel and Roughhouse and the trend continues in "Plunder Island". This is the one rare instance where nearly all the Popeye characters are together in an adventure as they search the high seas for treasure while battling the ruthless Sea Hag and Alice the Goon. I must confess that I found "Plunder Island" to be a bit overrated and I've seen E.C. Segar's produce better writing. In fact I think there are several stories in this very book that are better. What makes it unique is that it's perhaps the only Segar produced adventure in color.In 1934 the success of Popeye reached a point of critical mass and King Features owner William Randolph Hearst informed Segar that the character would need to be toned down as he was becoming very popular with kids. In this collection you can start to detect the transformation. Gone are the cartoon curse words that Popeye would unleash and the gambling (mostly) and his devastating punches are now reserved for truly despicable characters. When you really get down to it Popeye was pretty much a jerk in previous books but a sensitive jerk with a weakness for hard luck cases and children. I don't know at what point in 1934 the decree was sent down because early on in the year he was still haranguing Olive Oyl telling her that she looked like "suppin' the cat drugged in" and at one point even knocked her on her rear with a thrown vase. I'm not going to pretend that watering down Popeye improved the character but Elzie Segar's wit and charm remains even if a bit muzzled.Although Popeye has passed through countless hands he remains E.C. Segar's brainchild and it was Segar who infused him with the most depth. In one strip Popeye is walking down the street dressed in a full tuxedo when a police officer starts guffawing at his attire. Popeye responds by delivering a teeth rattling punch to the officers chin saying, `Laugh, an' show yer igmorance, ya dumb cop' (this act sort of flies in the face of the supposedly tamer Popeye). In many ways Popeye can be summed up in this one frame. First it shows Popeye's extreme sensitivity to any slight against his character and how his first reaction is always towards violence. It's also yet another demonstration of Popeye's complete lack of respect for authority. When you look deeper you can see E.C. Segar is keenly aware of the irony of Popeye's words. He calls the cop dumb and ignorant but says it using poor grammar while mispronouncing the word ignorance.Popeye is essentially the ultimate free spirit unencumbered by social conventions or even mortality. Deadly poison darts have no effect and a bullet through the chest is no worry because it only `nicked' his heart. Popeye feels the freedom to say whatever he wants to whomever he pleases. In one awesome scene he says to a tyrant, "I sez, where ya want to fall at? Over here or over there or do ya jus' want to sorta crumple up where yer standin'?" Popeye's threats are never idle boasts. Popeye is a superman with real human flaws.There are actually two high seas adventures featuring the Sea Hag. Besides "Plunder Island" there is a story where Popeye encounter the Sea Hags meaner, uglier sister and her immortal servant the elephantine caveman Toar. In another story Popeye returns to Nazilia and ends up assisting the hapless King Blozo who once again finds his kingship taken from him. I always love the King Blozo stories. While out west Popeye runs into his old pal Castor Oyl who ends up hanging around for a few adventures. Before the book is through you will see Popeye dressed as a woman, in another story he wears a ladies teddy and in another he puts on a pair of prosthetic legs to give his thighs and calves a shapely movie star look. It all contrasts hilariously with his ultra he-man persona. The final story leads into the next book with Popeye founding his own kingdom of Spinichovia.As with the previous three books I give this one my highest recommendation. My only issue is that Segar recycles a lot of his ideas in this book. Besides Alice the Goon the only other notable first appearances are June and Jefferson Vanripple and Toar but these are extremely obscure characters that few will care about. The next book in the series will feature fan favorites Poopdeck Pappy and the Jeep. If you've never read Segar's works you are in for a huge treat. This is absolutely as good as it gets.

The fourth book in the Popeye reprint series is the best yet. E.C. Segar is at his story telling peak in this volume. I laughed long and hard at the wild going-ons, especially with the now monied Wimpy at his shamelessly glutenous best. Even the Sappo supplements were entertaining. And don't fergit to eats yer spinach!

I bought this for my son, he is a real fan of animation,cartooning and the like. He is a big admirer of E.C. Segar and the artwork style contained in this book. Really recommended for fans of Popeye.

A great introduction to the language and mores of 1930s for today's kids.

Awesome! Huge book though.

classic lit. says it all.

V e r y g o o d, h a p p y w i t h e v e r y t h i n g.

I love Popeye and E.C. Segar.Perfect seller and fast consignmentBeautiful format, great editionUnfortunately only 6 booksI am very satisfied of the purchase

Incredible book. It gave a new perspective on Popeye.

El sentit de l'humor de Segar es subtil, fantàstic i els dibuixos mai superats per els seus successors. La saga complerta és imprescindible

Excellente condition , bon prix , expédition rapide Merci