| Bernice the Whiffle Hen | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Bernice |
|
First Appearance |
Thimble Theatre (1928) |
|
Original Publisher |
King Features Syndicate |
|
Created by |
E. C. Segar |
Origin[]
Bernice the Whiffle Hen, also referred to as an African Escape Hen or just Wiffle Bird, is a Thimble Theatre character created by E. C. Segar in late 1928, shortly before Popeye's introduction.
Castor Oyl obtains Bernice, an 'African escape hen', from his uncle, Lubry Kent Oyl, who raised her from the egg as, he explains, such a bird cannot be caught, and proceeds to showcase her escaping abilities. Uncle Lubry goes on to offer Castor one thousand dollars if he is able to kill the hen. Castor fails at every attempt, even as Bernice grows attached to her new master and does not leave him alone, staying with Castor after Uncle Lubry leaves.
Wanting to take advantage of Bernie's wish-enhancing powers, the ever-ambitious Castor and Ham Gravy hire a sailor by the name of Popeye to travel to to the gambling paradise of Dice Island. But when their get-rich scheme was discovered by the casino's manager, John Snork, Popeye was fatally shot multiple times and thrown down below into the ship's hold to bleed to death. But by rubbing Bernice's feathers for "luck", the sailor eventually recovered and was enhanced with newfound vigor, enabling him to save his new friends and take back his ship from Snork.
Public Domain Appearances[]
- Thimble Theatre (1928-1929)