It’s the first of the year, which is always a time to celebrate, and I am happy to welcome Popeye into the realm of the public domain. This first sketchbook update of 2025 is my take on the cartoon icon, Popeye the Sailor.
Meet Petey “Popeye” O’Neil.
I have been developing a bit of a “toonworld” setting for some future projects, which already included my take on Mickey Mouse, so I figured Popeye would fit right in. But hey, let’s talk about what my approach is to the character.
Petey, here, is based on characteristics of Popeye but given a spin much like I handled Steamboat Willie earlier in 2024. I wanted to keep the scrunched face, closed eye, and big ol’ forearms, but I also wanted to switch up his outfit just a bit. One of my favorite choices, here, is the darker nose. Were he not in black and white, I’d assume it would be red.
I am also keeping everything greyscale because I have further plans for this cartoony setting.
In the spirit of the public domain, I am ensuring he, like my take on Mickey, is free to use for anyone. I just ask you to let me know if you decide to use the design.
Speaking of which…
Steamboat Sailor Brawl!
Further, if you want to see what I do with these public domain characters, you can catch Mickey and Popeye going head-to-head in my 2025 comic project, Steamboat Sailor Brawl!
More info about the project is available on the page, but the basic gist is this: Throughout 2025 I will be adding panels of one continuous, gag-filled fight scene between Mickey Mouse and Popeye the Sailor. I am also letting other people jump in if they’re keen on doing so.
I am just going to approach this casually as a fun, low-stakes way to experiment with fight choreography and building cartoony gags. This should be a lot of fun.
Anyway, if you are interested in supporting what I do, you can do so through donations on Ko-Fi. I also take commissions.
