Want to jump straight to the latest panel? Click here. Otherwise, learn a bit more about Steamboat Sailor Brawl!, a public domain comic project started by cartoonist David A. Davis.
About the Comic
To celebrate the arrival of the iconic Popeye the Sailor in the public domain, I wanted to draw a continuous, cartoony fight scene. It made sense to include my rough-and-tumble take on Steamboat Willie (aka Mickey Mouse). Thus, Steamboat Sailor Brawl! emerged—a comic that explores transformative work using public domain cartoon characters.
The project is simple: throughout 2025 I will attempt to draw as many comic panels as I can, sometimes daily, depicting a ridiculous brawl between these two cartoon icons. In the spirit of this being a comic utilizing public domain characters, you are welcome to remix and repurpose these cartoons, or join in the fun.
Contact me if you would like to add a panel or two. I am sure I could use the break here and there. Contributors will be credited.
Why the Public Domain?
Much in the spirit of my other public domain endeavor, The Shmoofy Experiment, I want this project to represent open culture and transformative works. Both Mickey Mouse and Popeye can be used by anyone (to varying degrees) as of January 1st, 2025. However, rather than use them as is, I ended up developing my take on the characters to make them a little more me. The differences help me avoid any trademark shenanigans by corporations, which is an unfortunate reality that still limits many great works that should be free and open.
With that said, I don’t claim ownership of these designs, so anyone is welcome to adapt or repurpose them, even for profit. I just ask that you let me know so I can check it out. As such, I am using the following Creative Commons license for this page.
Steamboat Sailor Brawl! by hpkomic is licensed under CC BY 4.0
Steamboat Sailor Brawl
Here is the comic, the latest update will always be at the bottom of the sequence. You can find the ongoing transcription at the bottom of the page.
If you are looking for a more traditional page by page experience, the comic is also being archived at The Duck Webcomics.
Latest Panel
Other Appearances of “Steamboat” Mick Williams and Petey “Popeye” O’Neil
Coming Soon? Contact me if you use these designs. I would love to share them here. You’re welcome to use them as you wish.
Steamboat Sailor Brawl! Transcript
The following is an update-by-update transcription of Steamboat Sailor Brawl!
Update #001 (1/1/2025)
A title card depicts Cap’n “Steamboat” Mick Williams squaring off, face-to-face with Petey “Popeye” O’Neil. They are both smoking their pipes.
Title: Steamboat Sailor Brawl!
Update #002 (1/1/2025)
Panel One
“Steamboat” is drinking from a bottle of booze.
Caption: “A Port Bar – 1920-somethin'”
SFX: GLUG CHUG
Panel Two
The Cap’n wipes away the drink from his chin.
Caption: “Steamboat” Mick Williams
Update #003 (1/3/2025)
Panel One
Overhead shot of the inside of the bar. “Steamboat” is at the bar, and two patrons sit at a table.
Panel Two
A figure opens the swinging door. He begins to ask questions.
Figure: “Isk thisk tha place? Where’sk tha rat?
SFX: CREAAK
Panel Three
A low angle looking up at the stranger. It is Petey “Popeye” O’Neil.
“Popeye”: Where isk ya, “Steamboat?”
Caption: Petey “Popeye” O’Neil
Update #004 (1/5/2025)
A single panel that shows “Popeye” approaching the reader. His finger is pointing at “Steamboat,” off-panel.
“Popeye”: Yet first mate, Ozzie, wask callin’ ya the tuffisk guy in da port… I begsk ta differ. Yousk an’ me, Rat… Fisktickuffsk!
SFX: TOOT!
Update #005 (1/8/2025)
Panel One
“Popeye” approaches “Steamboat” from behind. He continues to provoke the mouse.
“Popeye”: So, arr yousk tough enoughsk?
“Steamboat”: Sigh.
Panel Two
“Steamboat” reaches for his ratty old hat.
“Steamboat”: Cap’n “Steamboat” at yer service.
Panel Three
“Steamboat” puts on their hat in a stylish silhouette panel.
Panel Four
“Steamboat” spins around to face his provocator. He is puffing on his own pipe.
“Steamboat”: The toughest mouse on the’ Mizzippippi River.
Update #006 (1/17/2025)
“Popeye” continues to poke at the mouse. “Steamboat” hops off his bar stool.
“Popeye”: So yousk were hidin’ here, rat?
“Steamboat”: Weren’t hidin’. Was drinkin’. An’ don’t call me “rat.”
Update #007 (1/25/2025)
Panel One
“Steamboat” takes a puff of his pipe.
“Steamboat”: Hrm.
Panel Two
“Steamboat pushes his cap forward and brushes his thumb just under his nose.
“Steamboat”: Ah’m guessin’ we’re doin’ this, then.
Panel Three
“Steamboat” takes a swing, hitting “Popeye” with a punch that sends him tumbling backward. “Steamboat” calls out his move
“Steamboat”: Steamboat Swing!
SFX: POW!
End of Transcript
